Updated 13 September 2007

Northern Virginia Intergroup has four working committees that each work on a general area of interest aimed at carrying the message.  In many cases, the work of these committees and their members may overlap.  For instance, the website straddles both Communications Within and Public Information while also posting items from the Special Events Committee. Communications Within and Public Information also work closely together.  

Anyone wishing participate and lend their talents to this committee is invited to join us at the next intergroup meeting.  You do not have to be an intergroup representative or board member to attend; all are welcome to share in the joy that comes from carrying the message of hope.  If you would like to learn more about a specific committee, please click on the committee name to send a message to the Committee Chair.

Communications Within Committee -- The Communications Within Committee is responsible for helping to carry the message of recovery to members of the program and to also perform Twelve Step Within work to reach out to members who are struggling or in relapse.  They work together to put together the monthly Novation Newsletter, maintain the local meeting list, maintain the website, and assist in the startup of new meetings.   They also manage our 24-hour hotline and coordinate volunteers to respond to calls to ensure the caller, whether a newcomer or visiting member, is made to feel welcome and supported.
Intergroup Operations Committee -- This committee is the real engine behind how intergroup operates.  This includes periodic review of the By-Laws and proposing amendments as needed (changes are not made without the whole intergroup participating in the vote).  They also oversee the treasury, review the minutes prior to intergroup and put together the agenda for the intergroup emetings. Each year, they will seek volunteers to run for service positions (elected in November). They strive to keep intergroup running smoothly and ensure that Northern Virginia OA is adequately represented at the region assemblies and World Service Business Conference each year.

This group is often the first to receive information from the World Service Office and Region 7 which they help to disseminate to meetings and members through the other committees.  Lastly, this committee maintains the format and content for the "Intergroup Representative's Handbook" that is aimed at helping acclimate new representatives.

This committee is generally comprised of members of the intergroup board but this is not a requirement for participation. So that the intergroup officers can lend their support to the other committees, the Intergroup Operations Committee does not meet during the regular intergroup meeting; rather they meet between the regular intergroup meetings.
Public Information Committee -- The Public Information is committed to carrying the message of OA to the masses outside of our fellowship.  To do this, they work to arrange press releases and public service announcements through the local media avenues available to us.

In addition to reaching the general public, this committee works to spread the word within the health care community to help educate them to the promises our program has to offer.  This can include providing an OA booth at health fairs or conventions of health care professionals.  Most recently, the committee worked to donate OA literature to several libraries in the area and is currently working on getting old copies of the "Lifeline" magazine into doctors' offices.

It doesn't stop there, this committee also strives to help establish Spanish meetings and meetings geared toward teens and young adults.  They abide by the OA pledge which states "To always extend the hand and heart of Overeaters Anonymous to those who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible."
Special Events Committee -- As the name implies, the Special Events Committee is responsible for coordinating special events and retreats.  Some of the truly rewarding gatherings we have had including the annual Promises Candlelight meeting, the Camp Highroad Retreat, 12th Step Within Workshops, Gratitude Celebration, and Unity Day have been borne of the labors of this committee.

This is truly a fun committee to work with and allows you to share your hidden talents in a creative and fun way to carry the message and help celebrate recovery.  Some of the upcoming event plans include the annual "Promises Candlelight Celebration", I.D.E.A. Day (International Day Experiencing Abstinence), possible Holiday marathons, and another weekend retreat.  Special events can take on any number of forms, so let your imagination explore new ways to share recovery.