Article I: &nb= sp; Name

The name of this organization shall be Central Ohio Se= rvice Intergroup, Inc. of Overeaters Anonymous, carrying the number 35-9134 and hereinafter referred to as Intergroup.

Article II: &n= bsp; Purpose

The primary purpose is to facilitate the work = of OA in accordance with the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts. Intergroup shall aid those with the problem of compulsive eating and to serve and represent the = OA groups from which the Intergroup is formed. This Intergroup is in compliance w= ith and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 5019(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 1 - The Twelve = Steps

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Steps[1] are suggested for recov= ery in the Fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous. The Twelve Steps are:

1. We admitted we were powerless over food, that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ou= rselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our liv= es over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventor= y of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all t= hese defects of character

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.=

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and whe= n we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to impr= ove our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the resu= lt of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and= to practice these principles in all our affairs.

B.&n= bsp; The Twelve Steps shall not be amended by the Intergroup.

Sec= tion 2 - The T= welve Traditions

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Traditions[2] are:

1. Our common welfare should come first; person= al recovery depends upon OA unity.

2. For our group purpose there is buy one ultim= ate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscie= nce. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole.

5. Each group has but one purpose—to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.

6. An OA groups ought never endorse, finance or lend the OA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest proble= ms of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

8. Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but service centers may employ special workers.

9. OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

10. Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outsi= de issues; hence the OA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymit= y at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public media of communication.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalitie= s.

B.&n= bsp; The Twelve Traditions shall not be amended by the Intergroup.

Sec= tion 3 - The T= welve Concepts

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Concepts of OA Service are:

1. The ultimate responsibility and authority fo= r OA World services reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.=

2. The OA groups have delegated to the World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; t= hus, the World Service Business Conference is the voice, authority and effective= conscience of OA as a whole.

3. The Right of Decision, based on trust, makes effective leadership possible.

4. The right of Participation ensures equality = of opportunity for all of the decision making process.

5. Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure that their opinions and personal grievances wil= l be carefully considered.

6. The World Service Business Conference has entrusted the Board of Trustees with the primary responsibility for the administration of Overeaters Anonymous.

7. The Board of Trustees has the legal rights a= nd responsibilities accorded to them by OA Bylaws Subpart A; the rights and responsibilities of the Worlds Service Business Conference are accorded to = it by Tradition and by OA Bylaws Subpart B.

8. The Board of Trustees has delegated to its Executive Committee the responsibility to administer the OA World Service Office.

9. Able, trusted servants, together with sound = and appropriate methods of choosing them, are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels.

10. Service responsibility is balanced by carefu= lly defined service authority; therefore, duplication of efforts is avoided.

11. Trustee administration of the World Service Office should always be assisted by the best standing committees, executive= s, staffs and consultants.

12. The spiritual foundation for OA ensures that= :

a. no OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or power.

b. sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, shall be OA’s prudent financial principle;

c. no OA member shall ever be placed in a posit= ion of unqualified authority;

d. all important decisions shall be reached by discussion, vote and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity;

e. no service action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; and

f. no OA service committee or service board sha= ll ever perform acts of government, each shall always remain democratic in tho= ught and action.

B. The Twelve Concepts shall not be amended by the Intergroup

Sec= tion 4 - =

To this purpose, Intergroup will:

A. Maintain an information service (to be known= as the Central Ohio Service Office) within this service Intergroup area; specifically excluded is any activity prohibited by Tradition Six.

B. Stimulate, coordinate and assist its members= to share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may sol= ve their common problems and help others to recover from the obsession of compulsive overeating.

C. Further the OA program in accordance with th= e 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. These activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Sponsoring delegates to Regional Assemblies = and World Service Conferences;

2. Maintaining a conference approved OA/A.A. Literature Bank;

3. Offering assistance to new and existing OA groups;

4. Encouraging members’ attendance at OA conventions and other OA events;

5. Maintaining OA listings in local phone books= ;

6. Processing telephone and mail inquiries;

7. Assisting in arranging 12^th Step = work and 12 Step calls;

8. Administering the distribution of up-to-date= OA meeting lists;

9. Publishing the Transformation newsletter;

10. Disseminating information flyers and announcements;

11. Answering public information requests from a= rea news media and supply news releases;

12. Arranging for OA members to serve as speakers for outside organizations;

13. Cooperating with other organizations in heal= th and related fields;

D. In all its proceedings the Intergroup shall observe the spirit of OA Traditions taking care that:

1. The Intergroup never becomes the seat of wea= lth or power;

2. Sufficient operating funds, plus ample reser= ve, be its prudent financial principle; according to Article XI, Section 2 (Pru= dent Reserve);

3. None of the Trusted servants shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others;

4. All decisions be reached by discussion and simple majority vote, according to Article IX, Section 1-6 (Meetings);

5. Intergroup actions should never be personally punitive, or an incitement to public controversy;

6. Though it may act for the service of OA, the Intergroup will always remain democratic in thought and action;

7. The powers of the organization are restricte= d to activities necessary to achieve the sole purpose of helping the still suffe= ring compulsive overeater;

E. Intergroup shall have the right to intervene only if any member group is in violation of the Twelve Traditions.

F. The Intergroup Board (through the Correspond= ing Secretary) shall contact the group secretary, informing the group – in writing – of the violation.

Article III: &= nbsp; Members

Section 1 - Membership<= /span>

Membership of Intergroup shall consist of the followin= g:

A. The Intergroup Board

B. Standing Committee Chairpersons or Committee Representatives.

C. Intergroup Representatives (IRs) which shall consist of one representative or an alternate representative from each group within the geographic area as stated in Article III, Section 2, A, (Qualifications).

D. Visitors are welcome and are encouraged to participate in the discussion. Visitors are not allowed to vote.

Section 2 - Qualificati= ons

Qualifications or eligibility for membership in Interg= roup:

A. Those OA groups within Franklin County and the surrounding Central Ohio area th= at have formally registered with the World Service Office and indicated their intention to belong to Intergroup may be considered members.

An OA group is defined as the following:

1. As a group, they meet to practice the 12 Ste= ps and 12 Traditions;

2. The only requirement for membership to such a group is a desire to stop eating compulsively;

3. No member is required to practice any action= s in order to remain a member or to have a voice share at a meeting;

4. As a group, they have no affiliation other t= han OA;

5. A group may be formed by two (2) or more per= sons meeting together as set forth in Article IV. Section 1 or Overeaters Anonym= ous, Inc., Bylaws Subpart B;

B. No group may be registered with any other Intergroup.

Section 3 - Intergroup Representatives (IRs)

A. Intergroup Representatives shall be selected= by the group conscience of the group they represent. Each IR shall be selected by any m= ethod deemed appropriate by their group. IRs shall serve for a period designated by their group, always subje= ct to recall by the group they represent.

B. The primary responsibility of the IR, or alternate, is to represent their group at all meetings of the Intergroup, to act as a liaison between Intergroup and their group, to see that all communications pertaining to Intergroup are made available and, where reque= sted, read aloud to the group.

C. Any Intergroup representative or alternate, elected as an officer of the Intergroup Board, must resign as Intergroup representative. This will ena= ble his/her OA group to elect a new representative, thus ensuring all OA groups equality of representation.

Article IV: &n= bsp; Officers (or Board)

Section 1 - Intergroup = Board

A. The Board shall consist of a Chairperson, Vi= ce Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Region Representative(s).

B.&n= bsp; The immediate past Chairperson may serve as an ex-officio member of the Intergroup Board for One Year.

C. The Intergroup Board shall serve as the Executive Board.

Section 2 - Nominations= and Election to the Intergroup Board

A. For nomination procedures see Article VII, Section 1 & 2.

B. For Terms of office see Article VI B.

C. For election procedures see Article VII, Sections 1-5.

Section 3 - Qualificati= ons for the Intergroup Board

A. All officers will actively promote the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

B. All officers will serve a one-year term. (See Article VI for specific term date.)

C. If any officer misses two consecutive meetin= gs without notifying the Intergroup Chairperson of the reason for such absence= s, she/he shall be automatically terminated and notified in writing of said termination. The Intergroup s= hall then appoint a representative to assume the responsibilities until next election.

D. Officers are limited to two consecutive term= s in any one office. Officers shall remain out of that position for a period of one term at the end of the consecutive terms.

E. All those serving as officers should maintain abstinence and attend OA meetings regularly.

F. It is desirable and suggested that officers = have one (1) year of practicing recovery on all three (3) levels: spiritual, emotional and physical.

Section 4 - Resignation=

Any officer may resign at any time for any reason by g= iving the Chairperson of Central Ohio Service Intergroup written notice and said resignation.

Section 5 - Removal from Office

Any Officer or Standing Committee Chairperson may be r= emoved from office on recommendation of the Region Chairperson with approval of the majority of the voting quorum present according to Article IX, Section 4 &a= mp; 5. Removal is based on return= to compulsive overeating, no-attendance, or unworthy conduct.

When removal from office results in a vacancy of posit= ion, all pertinent OA information shall be turned over to the Intergroup Chairperson. If the vacancy i= s with the Chair position, all pertinent OA information shall be turned over to another Officer of the Board.

Article V: &nb= sp; Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1 - Chairperson=

A. Shall preside at all regular and special meetings of this Intergroup & Intergroup Board.

B. Shall be responsible for establishing the ag= enda for all Intergroup meetings.

C. May cast the deciding vote to break a tie.

D.&n= bsp; May not participate in a ballot or verbal vo= te.

E. May attend all standing committee meetings.<= /a>

F. In the case where the Region Rep is unable to attend, the chairperson may be elected as a delegate to Region V or to World Service Business Convention.

G.&n= bsp; May appoint another member of Intergroup to = be a delegate to Region V in the event that the Region Representative, Alternate= or Chairperson are unable to attend according to the following order:

1. A designated Alternate

2. Another Officer

3. An Intergroup member-at-large

H. Communicates with Region Board (Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, etc.) if there are questions about tradition breaks, etc.=

I. Shall be open and available to talk with mem= bers about complaints or dissatisfactions.

J. Shall serve on the Executive Board.

K. Shall serve for one year as Chairperson to be elected at December Intergroup and to start serving January 1^st.=

L.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

M. In case of emergency, the Chairperson may sp= eak in the name of Intergroup.

N.&n= bsp; May serve as ex-officio.

Section 2 - Vice Chairp= erson

A. Shall assume the duties of the Chairperson w= hen that officer is absent or incapacitated.&n= bsp; When acting in the place of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson sh= all have all the duties, responsibilities, privileges, and voting guidelines of= the Chairperson.

B. Can head a Standing Committee.

C. Shall Serve on the Executive Board.

D. Shall insure a current meeting list is maint= ained, updateas needed, and alert WSO of any changes in group information.

E. Shall orient new Intergroup Representative a= nd Alternates about their duties.

F. Shall chair the Audit Committee.

G. Shall serve for one (1) year as Vice Chair t= o be elected at the June Intergroup Meeting and to begin serving July 1^st.

H.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 3 - Secretary

A. Shall see that minutes are kept of all Intergroup and Intergroup Board meetings and that a copy of the Intergroup minutes is distributed to each Intergroup Representative and to the Regional Trustee.

B. Shall maintain a file of all minutes of past meetings.

C. Shall send out monthly notification to Intergroup Representatives and/or Group Secretaries to remind them of the n= ext Intergroup Meeting date, time, place and upcoming events.

D. Shall perform all other duties as prescribed= in the Intergroup Policy for job descriptions.

E. Shall serve for one (1) year as Secretary to= be elected at the December Intergroup and to start serving January 1^st.

F.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 4 - Treasurer

A. Shall Receive and be entrusted to deposit all funds belonging to Central Ohio Service Intergroup according to Article XI, Section 4.

B. Shall pay by check all receipted obligations= as authorized by Intergroup.

C. Shall disburse funds to Region V and WSO according to established policy and procedure in accordance with Article XI Section 2B.

D. Shall keep vouchers of all disbursements.

E. Shall present a written report on all financ= ial conditions of Intergroup at all regular meetings.

F. Shall be responsible for keeping a proper se= t of books of account.

G. Shall turn over to the new Treasurer all rec= ords pertinent to that office at the expiration of the Treasurer’s term of office.

H. Shall aid in the annual audit by submitting = to the auditor(s) all pertinent materials.

I. Shall take over the duties of the Chairperso= n in the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson.

J. Shall perform such other acts and duties as = may be assigned to that office.

K. Shall serve for one (1) year as Treasurer to= be elected at the June Intergroup and begin serving July 1^st.

L.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

Section 5 - Region V Representative

A.&n= bsp; The regional representative/alternate (wheth= er or not a member of the Intergroup) shall meet qualifications and requiremen= ts as outlined and defined in the Region V Bylaws, and as required for electio= n to the board by Article VII of these bylaws.

B. Shall qualify for office according to Article III, Section 3 and Article IV, Section 3.

C. Shall Represent INTERGROUP at all Region V Assemblies.

D. Shall submit a written report at the INTERGR= OUP meeting following each Assembly.

E. INTERGROUP shall advance pre-approved monies= for the Assembly expenses, including but not limited to transportation, food and housing.

F. Shall present receipts of all expenses to the Treasurer.

G. Shall serve for two (2) years to be elected = at the December Intergroup and to begin serving January 1^st.

H.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

I. <= /span>It is advisable that representatives be elected on alternate years.

J.&n= bsp; An elected Region V Representative alternate= may attend assembly in the event the elected representative is unable to attend= .

Section 6 - WSO Delegate/Alternate

A.&n= bsp; The World Service Business Conference Delegate/Alternate (whether or not a member of the Intergroup) shall have at least one (1) year of current abstinence and meet qualifications and requirements as outlined and defined in the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc., Byl= aws, Subpart B., Article X, Section 3, and as required for election to the Board= by Article VII of these bylaws.

B. Shall have served as a Region Representative= .

C. Shall submit a written report at the INTERGR= OUP meeting following yearly WSO Conference.

D. INTERGROUP shall advance pre-approved monies= for the Conference expenses, including but not limited to transportation, food = and housing.

E. Shall present receipts of all expenses recei= pts to the Treasurer.

F. Shall meet World Service guidelines with reg= ard to abstinence requirements.

G. Shall serve for two (2) years to be elected = at the December Intergroup and to begin serving January 1^st.

H.&n= bsp; May serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

Article VI: &n= bsp; Tenure

Tenure for Officers:

A.&n= bsp; Chairperson, Secretary, Region V and WSO Representatives shall be elected in December.

B.&n= bsp; Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer shall be elec= ted every June.

C.&n= bsp; The term of office for all Intergroup Office= rs shall be one (1) year.

1. The Chairperson shall commence serving on January 1^st.

2. The Vice-Chairperson shall commence serving = on July 1^st.

3. The Secretary shall commence serving on Janu= ary 1^st.

4. The Treasurer shall commence serving on July= 1^st.

5. The Region Representative shall commence ser= ving on January 1^st of alternating years.

6. The World Service Representative shall comme= nce serving on January 1^st.

D.&n= bsp; Officers may serve for not more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same position.

Art= icle VII: &n= bsp; Election of Officers

Sec= tion 1 - Nomin= ating Committee

A.&n= bsp; For those Officers to be elected at the Dece= mber Intergroup Meeting:

1. At the September meeting the Chairperson sha= ll appoint the Nominating Committee, a minimum of three persons.

2. At the November meeting, the Nominating Committee shall submit its nominations.

B.&n= bsp; For those Officers to be elected at the June Intergroup Meeting:

1. At the March meeting, the Chairperson shall appoint the Nominating Committee, a minimum of three persons.

2. At the May meeting, the Nominating Committee shall submit its nominations.

C.&n= bsp; The Nominating Committee is not required to nominate more than one (1) candidate for each opening.

Sec= tion 2 - Nomin= ations

At the November and May (According to Article VI, B.) meetings, the following shall occur:

A.&n= bsp; Nominations may come from the floor, from se= lf, or a second party. If nominat= ed by a second party, that person nominated must be present to accept the nominat= ion; proxy is acceptable.

B.&n= bsp; After the November and May Intergroup meetin= g, it is suggested Representatives discuss the nominees at their group meeting= s; therefore, the vote will be truly representative of the local Fellowship.

Sec= tion 3 - Votin= g

A.&n= bsp; At the December and June election meeting nominees shall be introduced and permitted to speak for three minutes only. Applicants shall (1) pr= esent a brief overview of their OA history; (2) share their qualifications and special skills related to the positions they seek; (3) share their hopes and visions for Central Ohio Intergroup and OA; and (4) answer any questions wh= ich may serve to clarify their qualifications.

B.&n= bsp; The voting quorum according to Article IX, Section 4 is necessary for elections.

C.&n= bsp; Two persons shall be designated to count the ballots.

D.&n= bsp; Board members and Group Representatives or t= heir Alternates shall vote as set forth in Article III, Section 3.

E.&n= bsp; Voting shall be by secret ballot.

1. First ballot shall contain the position of Chairperson or Vice Chairperson, whichever is applicable.

2. Second ballot shall contain the position of Secretary or Treasurer, whichever is applicable.

3. Third ballot shall contain the position of Region Representative and WSO delegate, whenever applicable.

F.&n= bsp; Election shall be determined by a majority of the ballots cast.

Sec= tion 4 - Voting procedure when only one person is nominated

When only one person is nominated for office, normal v= oting procedure – secret ballot- shall be followed (See above Article VI, Section 3B)

Sec= tion 5 - Equit= y of Representation

Upon election to the Board, a Board member, if she/he = has been up to this point a Group Representative, must resign as a Group Representative (Article III, Section 3C), enabling her/his group to elect a= new Representative and thus ensuring all OA groups equity of representation.

Article VIII: = ; Vacancies

As related to lack of representation and vacancies amo= ng the Officers:

A.&n= bsp; If an officer shall fail to be represented at two (2) consecutive Intergroup meetings without prior notification to the Chairperson (Article IV Section 3c), the office shall be declared vacant by= a vote of the majority of the voting quorum present. (Article Article IX, Sections 4 &a= mp; 5.)

B.&n= bsp; Vacancies among the officers shall be filled= by a majority vote at the next regular or special meeting of Intergroup. Nominations will be accepted from = the floor. Persons chosen to fill= such vacancies shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term.

C.&n= bsp; A person chosen to fill any vacancy on the B= oard shall meet eligibility requirements for the office as set forth in Article = IV, Section 3, and be elected according to the basic procedure as set forth in Article VII, Sections 1-5.

Article IX: &= nbsp; Meetings

Sec= tion 1 - Regul= ar Meetings

Intergroup shall hold regular monthly meetings at a ti= me and place designated by a majority of the voting members.

Sec= tion 2 - Speci= al Meetings

A.&n= bsp; A special meeting of Intergroup may be calle= d at any other time, other than regular meetings, by a majority vote of the Intergroup Board.

B.&n= bsp; Notification of such special meeting shall be made by the Secretary to all Intergroup representatives (or group secretari= es) one week before the special meeting.

C.&n= bsp; A special meeting of the Intergroup Board ma= y be called at any other time, other than regular meetings, by a majority vote of the Intergroup Board.

Sec= tion 3 - Metho= d of Notification

Written notification of regular meetings of Intergroup= shall be provided by the secretary at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.

Sec= tion 4 - Quoru= m

At an Intergroup meeting held upon proper notification= Three (3) Intergroup Board Members shall constitute a quorum. A quorum is necessary to proceed t= o a vote.

Sec= tion 5 - Votin= g

A.&n= bsp; A simple majority shall govern for voting purposes.

B.&n= bsp; At Intergroup meetings, the following shall = be given one vote if in attendance:

1. Each group.

2. Each member of the Intergroup Board, with the exception of the Chairperson.

3. Each Standing Committee.

C.&n= bsp; The Chairperson may have one vote only in the case of a tie.

D.&n= bsp; Although visitors are welcome, no visitor sh= all be allowed a vote.

Article X: &n= bsp; Committees

Sec= tion 1 - Forma= tion of Standing Committees

A.&n= bsp; The Intergroup Board shall form such committ= ees as are deemed necessary for the welfare and operation of the Intergroup. Such committees may include but sh= all not be limited to: Literature; Special Events; Newsletter; Public Informati= on; 12 Step Within; Fund Raising; Bylaws; and Nominating.

B.&n= bsp; Intergroup, through the group conscience, ma= kes the final decision in accepting or rejecting any part of all the committees’ proposals.

Sec= tion 2 - Guide= lines for Standing Committees

A.&n= bsp; Committee membership may be comprised of Intergroup Representatives and/or Alternates, the Intergroup membership-at-large, and/or the OA fellowship-at-large.

B.&n= bsp; All committees shall have a least one (1) Committee Chairperson.

1. unless otherwise delegated, a Committee Chairperson shall serve for a term of one year and is eligible to serve not more than two (2) consecutive years.

2. The Committee Chair or designee is expected = to attend all Intergroup meetings.

C.&n= bsp; A committee may prescribe its own rules for calling and holding meetings, and its methods of procedures, subject to the rules prescribed by the Intergroup.

D.&n= bsp; All Standing Committees shall be subject at = all times to the direction of the Intergroup and shall be bound by the Twelve Traditions.

Sec= tion 3 - Guide= lines for Standing Committee Chairperson

A.&n= bsp; The Standing Committee Chairperson shall sub= mit the names of her/his committee members to the Intergroup.

B.&n= bsp; Each Standing Committee Chairperson shall su= bmit a written report to the Board Chairperson for INTERGROUP meetings and at the end of any specific event coordinated by that committee.

C.&n= bsp; If any monies are expended, a detailed and itemized report, including receipts, shall be included with the report.

D.&n= bsp; The Standing Committee Chairperson must obta= in Intergroup approval for any expense over and above the twenty-five dollars ($25.00) stated in the following Section 4 A.

E.&n= bsp; If a Standing Committee Chairperson shall fa= il to be represented at two consecutive Intergroup meetings, without prior notification to the Chairperson, the position shall be declared vacant by a majority vote of the voting quorum present. The vacancy shall be filled by a majority vote at the next regular or special meeting of Intergroup. Such persons chosen to fill said vacancies shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term.

F.&n= bsp; Should a vacancy, resignation or removal of a committee Chairperson occur, all pertinent information shall be turned over= to the Intergroup Chairperson and/or to the next Committee Chairperson.

Sec= tion 4 - Stand= ing Committee Expenses

A.&n= bsp; Any expenses incurred above the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) must be pre-approved by Intergroup.

B.&n= bsp; In the instance of timeliness, an expense ma= y be approved by the Chairperson, Treasurer and one other Board member.

Article XI: &= nbsp; Financial Structure

Sec= tion 1 - Contr= ibutions

A.&n= bsp; Voluntary contributions of member groups sha= ll be the primary source of funds.

B.&n= bsp; A secondary source of income may be such projects or activities as may be authorized by Intergroup according to Tradition Six.

C.&n= bsp; Intergroup may accept donations from OA memb= ers, in accordance with World Service Guidelines:

1. $1,000 per year limit at WSO subject to chan= ge by the Board of Trustees.

2. Acceptance of bequests or donations from any outside source is prohibited.

Sec= tion 2 - Prude= nt Reserve

A.&n= bsp; There shall be no accumulations of funds bey= ond current necessities, with retention of only a three-month prudent reserve f= or:

1. Contingencies.

2. Representatives to attend Region and World Service functions.

B.&n= bsp; Funds in excess shall be donated quarterly to Region and World Service.

Sec= tion 3 - Fisca= l year

The fiscal year shall be January through December.

Sec= tion 4 - Banki= ng

Funds should be deposited in an account designed “Central Ohio Service Intergroup” The Treasurer will be responsible = for such funds and is responsible for keeping records.

A.&n= bsp; The bank signature card will require three current signatures: 1) The cu= rrent Treasurer’s, and 2) Two other current Intergroup Officers.

B.&n= bsp; Regarding Auditing of the OA Treasury:

1. Between December 15 and December 31, the OA Treasury shall be audited by a qualified committee consisting of the Vice-Chairperson and two (2) other members of Intergroup. (See also Article V, Section 2F)

2. Results of the audit shall be submitted at t= he January Intergroup or the next regularly scheduled Intergroup where a quoru= m is present according to Article IX, Section 4.

Article XII: = Governing Rules / Parliamentary Authority

A.&n= bsp; The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern this Intergroup in= all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent w= ith these bylaws, the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc, Bylaws, Subpart B or and speci= al rules of order this Intergroup may adopt.

B.&n= bsp; At every meeting of the Intergroup, a parliamentarian, if available, can be present to serve in the capacity for = such meetings. The parliamentarian= shall be appointed by the Intergroup as needed.

C.&n= bsp; Intergroup can adopt special rules of order = as needed to supplement the parliamentary authority.

Article XIII: = ; Major Policy Matters

Matters which relate to major policy affecting Intergr= oup groups shall be referred to the Intergroup. Matters which relate to Overeaters Anonymous as a whole shall be referred to Overeaters Anonymous World Service Board of Trustees.

Article XIV: = Dissolution

Sec= tion 1 - =

Upon the dissolution of this association, after paying= or adequately providing for debts and obligations of the association, the remaining assets shall be distributed to the World Service Office of Overea= ters Anonymous, and/or to Region V, or to a non-profit fund, association, founda= tion or corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, education or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established= its tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Sec= tion 2 - =

No part of the net earnings of this association shall = ever insure to or be used for the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the association s= hall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered and to make payment and distribution in furtherance of the express purposes for wh= ich it is formed.

Article XV: &= nbsp; Bylaws Amendments

A.&n= bsp; Amendments may be submitted to by groups, gr= oup representatives, officers, or the Bylaws Committee.

B.&n= bsp; A copy of the proposed amendment, accompanie= d by a statement of intent, must be filed with the Intergroup Secretary at least forty-five (45) days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting at which the amendment shall be considered. Written notice shall be prepared and mailed by the Secretary to each group representative, group secretary, and Intergroup officer and least twenty-one (21) days prior to said meeting.

C.&n= bsp; These bylaws may be amended at a regularly scheduled meeting by an affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the voting members present. “Voting members present” shall be defined as stated in Article IX, Sections 4 & 5.

D.&n= bsp; A copy of any approved, amended Bylaws shall= be sent to the World Service Office.

Article XVI: = Insurance Coverage

Central Ohio Service Intergroup shall carry insurance coverage as follows:

For liability and medical reimbursements for liabiliti= es arising at Central Ohio Service Intergroup, Inc. office and at any INTERGROUP-sponsored function.

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Steps[1] are suggested for recov= ery in the Fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous. The Twelve Steps are:

1. We admitted we were powerless over food, that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ou= rselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our liv= es over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventor= y of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all t= hese defects of character

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.=

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and whe= n we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to impr= ove our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the resu= lt of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and= to practice these principles in all our affairs.

B.&n= bsp; The Twelve Steps shall not be amended by the Intergroup.

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Traditions[2] are:

1. Our common welfare should come first; person= al recovery depends upon OA unity.

2. For our group purpose there is buy one ultim= ate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscie= nce. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole.

5. Each group has but one purpose—to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.

6. An OA groups ought never endorse, finance or lend the OA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest proble= ms of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

8. Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but service centers may employ special workers.

9. OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

10. Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outsi= de issues; hence the OA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymit= y at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public media of communication.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalitie= s.

B.&n= bsp; The Twelve Traditions shall not be amended by the Intergroup.

A.&n= bsp; The Twelve Concepts of OA Service are:

1. The ultimate responsibility and authority fo= r OA World services reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.=

2. The OA groups have delegated to the World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; t= hus, the World Service Business Conference is the voice, authority and effective= conscience of OA as a whole.

3. The Right of Decision, based on trust, makes effective leadership possible.

4. The right of Participation ensures equality = of opportunity for all of the decision making process.

5. Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure that their opinions and personal grievances wil= l be carefully considered.

6. The World Service Business Conference has entrusted the Board of Trustees with the primary responsibility for the administration of Overeaters Anonymous.

7. The Board of Trustees has the legal rights a= nd responsibilities accorded to them by OA Bylaws Subpart A; the rights and responsibilities of the Worlds Service Business Conference are accorded to = it by Tradition and by OA Bylaws Subpart B.

8. The Board of Trustees has delegated to its Executive Committee the responsibility to administer the OA World Service Office.

9. Able, trusted servants, together with sound = and appropriate methods of choosing them, are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels.

10. Service responsibility is balanced by carefu= lly defined service authority; therefore, duplication of efforts is avoided.

11. Trustee administration of the World Service Office should always be assisted by the best standing committees, executive= s, staffs and consultants.

12. The spiritual foundation for OA ensures that= :

a. no OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or power.

b. sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, shall be OA’s prudent financial principle;

c. no OA member shall ever be placed in a posit= ion of unqualified authority;

d. all important decisions shall be reached by discussion, vote and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity;

e. no service action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; and

f. no OA service committee or service board sha= ll ever perform acts of government, each shall always remain democratic in tho= ught and action.

B. The Twelve Concepts shall not be amended by the Intergroup

Sec= tion 4 - =

1. Sponsoring delegates to Regional Assemblies = and World Service Conferences;

2. Maintaining a conference approved OA/A.A. Literature Bank;

3. Offering assistance to new and existing OA groups;

4. Encouraging members’ attendance at OA conventions and other OA events;

5. Maintaining OA listings in local phone books= ;

6. Processing telephone and mail inquiries;

7. Assisting in arranging 12th Step = work and 12 Step calls;

8. Administering the distribution of up-to-date= OA meeting lists;

9. Publishing the Transformation newsletter;

10. Disseminating information flyers and announcements;

11. Answering public information requests from a= rea news media and supply news releases;

12. Arranging for OA members to serve as speakers for outside organizations;

13. Cooperating with other organizations in heal= th and related fields;

D. In all its proceedings the Intergroup shall observe the spirit of OA Traditions taking care that:

1. The Intergroup never becomes the seat of wea= lth or power;

2. Sufficient operating funds, plus ample reser= ve, be its prudent financial principle; according to Article XI, Section 2 (Pru= dent Reserve);

3. None of the Trusted servants shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others;

4. All decisions be reached by discussion and simple majority vote, according to Article IX, Section 1-6 (Meetings);

5. Intergroup actions should never be personally punitive, or an incitement to public controversy;

6. Though it may act for the service of OA, the Intergroup will always remain democratic in thought and action;

7. The powers of the organization are restricte= d to activities necessary to achieve the sole purpose of helping the still suffe= ring compulsive overeater;

A. Those OA groups within Franklin County and the surrounding Central Ohio area th= at have formally registered with the World Service Office and indicated their intention to belong to Intergroup may be considered members.

1. As a group, they meet to practice the 12 Ste= ps and 12 Traditions;

2. The only requirement for membership to such a group is a desire to stop eating compulsively;

3. No member is required to practice any action= s in order to remain a member or to have a voice share at a meeting;

4. As a group, they have no affiliation other t= han OA;

5. A group may be formed by two (2) or more per= sons meeting together as set forth in Article IV. Section 1 or Overeaters Anonym= ous, Inc., Bylaws Subpart B;

B. No group may be registered with any other Intergroup.

B.&n= bsp; The immediate past Chairperson may serve as an ex-officio member of the Intergroup Board for One Year.

D.&n= bsp; May not participate in a ballot or verbal vo= te.

G.&n= bsp; May appoint another member of Intergroup to = be a delegate to Region V in the event that the Region Representative, Alternate= or Chairperson are unable to attend according to the following order:

7. Assisting in arranging 12^th Step = work and 12 Step calls;