A Collection of Writings from the Ohio Day of Sharing Part 2 – The value of service

“Working on committees and retreats I learned so much. I learned to deal with other people. It taught me several skills and I have used those skills in my work and with my family.”

-Anonymous

“I am grateful that I have the opportunity to chair 3 meetings I attend. Before OA, I would have thought that I have nothing to offer…OA has taught me that I can chair meetings! I have learned so much!” – Anonymous

“I remember my first service experience so well. I was a newcomer and became a group rep. At Intergroup I was asked to update the meeting list, which was quite out of date. This was in the days before the web or computers, so I had to submit a form for each meeting that was closed. I did that for over 30 meetings and I was concerned that OA was failing. It took others who knew more to convince me that everything was going to be okay. I’m grateful for staying .”
-Anonymous

“The service I have done is chairing meetings. There was some fear at first. Now it makes me feel a part of the meeting, and a part of the group. I have met people by asking them to take on reading roles in the meeting, which is a great way to start a conversation for someone who is not a conversation starter. I’ve now said their name out loud and I can talk to them and be a part.”

-Anonymous

“I’ve done service by being a Region Chair and a Region Trustee. I went past my comfort zone. I stopped worrying about whether I would be good at it. I learned also to step down when the time was right.” -Anonymous

“I enjoyed the service of a meeting where each member defined what abstinence meant to them.” -Anonymous

“I give service by chairing meetings, giving people rides to meetings and sponsoring people. I also make 3-5 outreach calls a day and sometimes I call people I don’t know. I have found some interesting people that way. I also call the newcomer 2 days after meeting them in case they have questions. I love OA.” -Anonymous

“My service level and experience are paying to the future. I want OA to remain strong. “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” (Neil Postman) I see the struggles my nieces go through as well as the online negative messaging. My service is my passion.” -Anonymous

“I was treasurer for my home group for about 8 years. This responsibility helped to keep me going to the weekly meeting. I currently meet with another OA person and listen to her answers to the 12 Steps of the OA 12&12. It helps me in my own recovery. I am thankful for this service.”

-Anonymous

“Caring for a loved one after major surgery is much easier as I am not focused so much on food. Being able to be present is service!” -Anonymous

“I am grateful for my service on the WSBC literature committee. I love being a sponsor.”

-Anonymous

“I started a meeting with another member at the time I couldn’t get to another meeting. It gave me another opportunity to come to OA. We closed the meeting because it never got going, but I became abstinent there and got much closer to the woman who became my sponsor! The meeting saved my life and got me going in OA!” -Anonymous