BYLAWS OF THE TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP OF OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

GENERAL WARRANTS OF THE TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

In all its proceedings, the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall observe the spirit of the Overeaters Anonymous traditions, taking care that the Intergroup never becomes the seat of wealth or power; that sufficient operating capital, plus reserves, be its prudent financial principal; that none of the Intergroup members ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that no Intergroup action ever be personally punitive or any incitement to public controversy, that though it may act for the service of Overeaters Anonymous Groups in the Two Rivers Intergroup area, it may never perform any acts of government, and that like the Fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous, the Intergroup itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.

I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP (hereinafter referred to as "TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP”) of Overeaters Anonymous (hereinafter referred to as OA).

II. PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the Two Rivers Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous is to carry the message of recovery to those with the problem of eating compulsively, by fostering the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, guided by the Twelve Concepts of OA Service; and to serve and represent member groups and/or intergroup members.

Twelve Steps

The Twelve Steps suggested for recovery in the Fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous are as follows:

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

2) Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory 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 these 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 when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

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

12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all affairs.

These Steps cannot be amended by the intergroup.

Twelve Traditions

The Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous are:

1) Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.

2) For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. 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 primary purpose - to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.

6) An OA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the OA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems 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 non-professional, but our 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 outside 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 anonymity 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 personalities.

These Traditions cannot be amended by the intergroup.

Twelve Concepts of OA Service

1) The ultimate responsibility and authority for OA world services reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.

2) The OA groups have delegated to World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; thus, 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 in the decision-making process.

5) Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure that their opinions and personal grievances will 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 legal rights and responsibilities accorded to them by OA Bylaws, Subpart A; the rights and responsibilities of the World 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 carefully defined service authority; therefore,

duplication of efforts is avoided.

11) The best standing committees, executives, staffs, and consultants should always assist trustee administration of the World Service Office.

12) The spiritual foundation for OA service 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 position 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 shall ever perform any acts of government, and each shall always remain democratic in thought and action.

These concepts cannot be amended by the intergroup.

Tasks to Fulfill the Purpose:

A. Establish and maintain a mailing address. Provide services to the local groups within the Intergroup, always keeping within the framework of the Twelve Steps. Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts.

B. Provide a format for the selection and screening of nominees for the positions of Regional Representative to Region 5 Assembly (hereafter referred to as RR) and Intergroup Delegate to the World Service Conference (hereafter referred to as WSBC Delegate).

C. Offer assistance and encourage the formation of Local Groups.

D. Encourage unity within its area of operation.

lll. MEMBERSHIP OF TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

The membership of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall consist of Intergroup Representative (hereafter referred to as IR) or Alternate from each local group desiring to affiliate with the Two Rivers Intergroup along with the members of the Executive Committee, RR and the WSBC Delegate.

The local group is defined as the following:

1. As a group they meet together to practice the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of OA Service.

2. All who have a desire to stop eating compulsively are welcome in the group.

3. No member is required to practice any actions in order to remain a member or to have a voice (share at a meeting).

4. As a group, they have no affiliation other than OA.

A. Those IRs or Alternates are deemed members of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP provided that each local group has registered them with the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Secretary.

B. The selection of IRs and Alternates to TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall be determined by the local group which they represent.

C. The IRs which represent each affiliated local group shall serve a one year term.

D. The IRs or Alternates have an obligation to keep the local group which they represent informed about all meetings of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP and its actions, activities, and services.

E. The IRs and Alternates always remain subject to recall by the local group they represent.

F. It is the responsibility of each local group to maintain contact in writing or phone calls with the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Secretary to make certain that they receive any and all necessary information, complete with accurate mailing addresses, regarding changes in IR or Alternate status.

lV. MEETINGS Of THE TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

1. TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP will conduct regularly scheduled meetings at a time and place designated by the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP members.

2. A special meeting may be called at any time by a majority vote of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee or by at least one fourth (25%) of the registered TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Representatives. Notification of special meetings of TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall consist of phone calls or written notices prepared by the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Secretary to be mailed to each registered IR and Executive Committee member at least one (1) week prior to the date of the meeting.

3. Members of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP may participate in a meeting through the use of electronic means, so long as all members participating in such meeting can hear one another and have a way to participate in any voting. Materials presented during the meeting shall be made available to those participating virtually. Participation by TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP members in a meeting in the manner provided in this Section constitutes presence in person at such meeting.

V. VOTING BODY OF TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

Any person attending any meeting of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP has the right to be heard.

A. A quorum shall consist of all members of the voting body who are present.

B. The voting body consists of: Executive Committee members, registered IRs or Alternates from each local group, and RR and WSBC Delegates

C. Any local group may send as many observers as it wishes to any TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP meeting who shall have voice but no vote.

D. A simple majority of voting members shall govern for voting purposes unless otherwise specified within these Bylaws.

E. Each voting member is entitled to one vote only, no matter how many positions he/she holds in the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP and needs to be present to vote.

G. Committee Chairpersons have one vote each.

VI. COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The service positions of the Executive committee will be comprised of the Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, WSBC Delegate and RR.

A. The Chairperson, shall:

1. Preside at all TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP meetings

2. Develop the agenda for all meetings

3. Make necessary arrangements for all meetings

4. Serve as ex-officio member of all Intergroup committees

5. Meetings shall be led by the Chairperson. In the event the Chairperson is unable to lead any meeting, the Co-Chairperson will lead the meeting. In the event the Co-Chairperson is not available, the Secretary will open the meeting and hold an election for a temporary Chairperson.

B. The Co-Chairperson shall:

1. Preside over meetings which are not attended by the Chairperson.

2. Assists Chairperson with other duties as requested.

C. The Secretary shall:

1. Maintain accurate minutes and submit previous meeting minutes to intergroup prior to the next meeting of all TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP and Executive Committee Meetings and ensure that such records are retained for three years plus the current year.

2. Maintain accurate records of all affiliated local groups and their registered IRs and Alternates;

3. Notify all IRs and Alternates of all special meetings of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP;

4. Will notify each group, after their IR has missed 2 consecutive meetings.

E. The Treasurer shall:

1. Maintain a checking account established in the name of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

2. Be a guardian of all funds received and disbursed;

3. Submit a written report at all meetings of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP regarding all contributions and expenditures

4. Ensure that bank records, bill statements, payment receipts and treasury reports are retained for seven years plus the current year.

5. Treasurer and Executive Committee shall participate in an informal annual financial audit and/or if a need is determined at any time.

6. The IG treasurer will maintain a prudent reserve of six (6) months of expenses to cover expected operational needs. Excess funds will be donated to OA service bodies as determined by the IG.

E. RR shall:

1. Attend all meetings of Region 5 Assembly.

2. Report to the monthly meetings of TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP on the activities of Region 5.

3. Serve as a spokesperson for TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP in Region 5.

4. Have an awareness of the additional possible time, expense and travel involved in service as a Regional Representative.

5. Be regularly attending OA meetings within the IG Area and have 6 months current abstinence prior to the date of election.

6. Have a current copy of the Region 5 Bylaws at all TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP meetings.

7. Present all receipts for expenses when traveling for the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP in a timely manner to the Treasurer.

8. Must be an IR or holding a service position in the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP at the time of nomination. RR may continue to hold IR or service position simultaneously if no other individual is available to hold such position.

9. In the event that the RR is not able to participate in a Region 5 Assembly meeting, the

TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee shall designate an alternate.

F. Each outgoing officer shall work with the new incoming officer for at least two months.

G. The TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall be jointly responsible for all communication within the Intergroup.

H. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised will be implemented during meetings of the Intergroup.

VII. NOMINATION , ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

A. Biennial election of Service positions of the Executive Committee shall be staggered electing a Co-Chairperson and Treasurer on the odd year and a Chairperson and Secretary on the subsequent even year. The election of the RR and WSBC Delegate will continue to be elected on the odd year. These elections are to be held at an election meeting.

B. Nominations of any regularly attending member of this voting body shall be made from the floor for positions of Chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, RR and WSBC Delegate.

C. All members elected to the Committee shall serve for a term of two full years.

D. To be eligible for election to the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee, a person must, at the time of election:

1. Be regularly attending OA meetings within the Intergroup area for at least six months,

2. Have a minimum of 30 days current abstinence from compulsive overeating and faithful adherence to the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of OA Service and

3. Must have an awareness of the possible time, expense and travel involved in service as a TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP member.

E. If an Executive Committee member wishes to resign from her/his position, a resignation in writing should be submitted to the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee and forwarded to the Secretary.

F. At any monthly meeting of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP any TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee member may be removed from office by a majority vote of all voting members present if that committee member is deemed failing to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of his/her position.

Such as:

1. Return to compulsive overeating.

2. Not attending meetings of TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP

VIII. WSBC DELEGATE NOMINATIONS AND SELECTION:

The nomination and selection of persons to the position of the Intergroup Delegate to the World Service Business Conference will be made from members of TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP who meet the requirements of the World Service Business Conference Charter and bylaws.

A. World Service Business Conference requires:

1. Each Delegate should be elected for a term of two years;

2. Each Delegate in addition to attending the annual Conference should serve the World Service Business Conference throughout the two year term;

3. Each Delegate should be selected for judgment, experience, stability, willingness, and faithful adherence to the program of OA;

4. A Delegate should have a minimum of twelve (12) months current abstinence prior to the date of submitting qualifications and continuing to the date of the annual World Service Business Conference meeting and have two (2) years of service above the Local group level;

5. All delegates should be instructed as to the desires of the Intergroup which he/she represents.

6. As a WSBC participant, a Delegate shall not be bound by the wishes of the Intergroup but should not vote against these wishes unless the situation arises at the annual meeting which makes it necessary for the best interests of OA as a whole.

 B. In addition, the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP requires of all WSBC Delegates:

1. Each person is the sole judge of her/his abstinence and adherence to the OA program.

2. Must be an IR or holding a service position in the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP at the time of nomination. WSBC Delegate may continue to hold IR or service position simultaneously if no other individual is available to hold such position.

3. An awareness of the possible time, expense and travel involved in service as a Delegate.

C. Persons wishing to be nominated must apply, in writing to the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Secretary summarizing required qualifications prior to or at the nomination meeting.

D. Applicants for nomination must be present at a pre-designated meeting of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP to respond regarding questions pertaining to Delegate service.

E. A WSBC Delegate will be selected at a biennial election meeting by a majority vote from  among previously determined qualified nominees. A special election may be scheduled to select a Delegate if necessary.

F. The term of office will be two years from the date of election. A person may serve no more than two consecutive full terms.

G. If the WSBC Delegate wishes to resign from her/his position, a resignation in writing should be submitted to the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP and forwarded to the Secretary.

 H. A Delegate may be removed from office by a simple majority vote of all voting members present at a TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP meeting if that Delegate is deemed by the Intergroup as failing to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of her/his position, such as:

1. A return to compulsive overeating.

2. Not attending meetings of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP.

I. If a Delegate resigns or is removed from office, the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP will schedule a special election as soon as possible.

 J. A person cannot serve concurrently as a WSBC Delegate and as a TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP chairperson, Co-Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer. A person can serve concurrently as A WSBC Delegate and RR. the WSBC Bylaws suggested that the same person serve as both RR and WSBC Delegate, but does not require it.

 K. In the event a duly elected WSBC Delegate cannot attend the annual meeting of the WSBC, the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Executive Committee shall designate an Alternate who meets the same qualifications as a regular Delegate, if one can be recruited.

IX. COMMITTEES

The Chairperson shall appoint such committees as deemed necessary by and for the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP.

X. FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

The activities of the TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall be financed primarily by the contributions of its affiliated Local groups and OA members for whom it serves.

A. The TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP may accept donations from members of OA and OA

Local Groups in accordance with the Twelve Traditions.

B. The acceptance of bequests and/or contributions from any outside sources is prohibited.

C. The TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP shall not accept any responsibility for trusteeship or enter into the distribution or allocation of funds set up outside the intergroup.

XI. MAJOR POLICY MATTERS

Matters which relate to Major Policy affecting OA as a whole shall be referred to the OA World Service Business Board of trustees.

XII. AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

These bylaws may be amended at any time by a majority vote of the voting members present at any regular or special meeting of the Intergroup. The proposed amendment must be communicated in writing to each member group at least thirty (30) days prior to the voting meeting.

XIV. LEAGAL DISCLAIMER

No member of the Intergroup or member of any Local Group which is a member of the Intergroup and no officer or member of a committee or person connected with the Intergroup, or any other private individual shall receive at any time any earnings or pecuniary profit from the operations of the Intergroup provided that this shall not prevent the payment to any such person of such reasonable compensation for services rendered to or for the Intergroup affecting any of its purposes as shall be fixed by the Executive Committee, and no such person or persons shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any the assets upon the dissolution of the Intergroup.

XV. DISSOLUTION

1. Deregistration: In order to deregister, the intergroup must submit a written notice to the World Service Office, region chair and region trustee.

2. Disbursement of Remaining Funds: When intergroup operations cease and all debts have been paid, all remaining funds shall be distributed to other Overeaters Anonymous service bodies or the WSO in accordance with Tradition Six.

3. US Non-Profit with 501c (3) Status: Upon the dissolution of this association, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of association, the remaining assets shall be distributed to the World Service Office of Overeaters Anonymous, or to a non-profit fund, association, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under Section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In accordance with Overeaters Anonymous Traditions, such non-profit fund, association, foundation, or corporation should be either the OA World Service Office or another OA service body. No part of the net earnings of this association shall ever inure to be or be used for benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers or other private person, except that the association shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payment and distribution in furtherance of the expressed purpose for which it was formed.

 Bylaws of TWO RIVERS INTERGROUP Amended May 19, 2024