Limited Series –
Ever wondered how OA functions behind the scenes? You’re not alone!
Follow us as we kick off a limited series exploring the structure, roles, and service bodies that help keep OA running. From Intergroups to Regions, from service concepts to conference-approved literature—we’re diving into the nuts and bolts of OA service.
First up: Intergroup
So what is an Intergroup anyway?
An Intergroup (or IG) is a set of groups who gather to support one another and perform services on behalf of member groups. Like meetings, intergroups can be either geographic or virtual. Some virtual groups actually belong to a geographic intergroup! They began as face-to-face but developed into virtual and chose to remain affiliates with their original geographic intergroup. This sounds confusing but the intent is to support Tradition 4 “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole”. This flexibility allows groups to decide with whom they wish to affiliate.
Representatives are the links in the chain uniting these organizational levels. Each group selects an intergroup representative to participate on the group’s behalf at the intergroup. A prime area of connection is the monthly Intergroup Business Meeting. This representation allows information to flow both ways. The group’s needs and priorities are communicated to the intergroup’ the intergroups upcoming discussion items and the decisions are relayed back to the group. In Foot Steps, this information flow happens at the monthly Intergroup Business Meetings (3rd Sunday of the month at 3:00pm ET).
Foot Steps is a virtual intergroup with about 180 member meetings. Some of the services it provides to its member groups are
- Visibility to hundreds of people looking for recovery
- Access to zoom platforms at no cost to member groups
- Access to a fellowship platform suitable for parking lots and Group Conscience meetings
- Security Training
- A response team for instances when there are problems getting into your meeting
- WhatsApp groups to support meetings, connect sponsors and sponsees
- Celebrations such as Birthday Parties, coin distribution and more!
If you would like to know more about Foot Steps and how its member groups relate see Thinking of Joining Foot Steps.
Stay tuned and get inspired to discover how service connects us all…
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
Did you enjoy this article? We would encourage our members to use this post, and others like it, at their meetings, or for private reflection. We also encourage you to share this post to other fellows to help the compulsive eater who still suffers. Please let us know if you have an idea for an article or an upcoming theme, or have any questions or suggestions. Email our editorial staff at [email protected].
The experience, strength, and hope expressed in this article, reflect the individual OA members and does not represent OA as a whole. Other OA groups and service bodies are welcome to reprint articles from Experience, Strength & Hope Newsletter without permission. When reprinting from other OA newsletters, be sure to credit the source.
