The Seventh Tradition
Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Your contributions helps make sure there is a place for compulsive eaters to meet and share their recovery. Many churches and other establishments are generous in providing meeting room space, however, they do charge nominal rent to cover their heating/air conditioning, housekeeping and other operating costs.
Your donation also goes toward covering the purchase of supplies, literature and any group workshops or special events.
When OA was established in 1960, the suggested donation was $1. A candy bar was a nickel. Stamps were 3 cents. $5,000 bought a luxury automobile. Times have changed. A dollar will not buy as much as it did then. A donation of $3 or more for each meeting is suggested, however, there are no dues or fees to participate.
Group Funds
“All service bodies are encouraged to be self-supporting by meeting their own expenses, adopting a prudent reserve, using funds to carry the message and contributing excess funds to the next level of service. Groups may contribute according to the informed group conscience. Groups frequently choose to send 60 percent of funds left over after expenses to their intergroup . . . , 10 percent to their region and 30 percent to WSO. Groups may also choose to contribute the funds to their intergroup or service board, and allow those service bodies to contribute to the region and WSO.”
OA Pamphlet: “Supporting Groups and Services Bodies: Seventh Tradition of OA – Give as if your life depended on it!” (pdf version)
- 60% to your Intergroup. Intergroups are OA service bodies which provides services (web sites, telephone call lines) to the OA groups in their geographic area. Houston Metro Intergroup (HMI) Contribution Page and Form.
- 30% to the World Service Office. The WSO provides services to newcomers, prepares and distributes OA literature, creates Lifeline and hosts conventions and conferences to carry the message. WSO contribution form.
- 10% to Region III
