Question: I was recently informed that OA WSO has 15 employees. Yet the budget committee at the WSBC stated that they were going to suggest that we ask members to donate more money to the 7th Tradition to support the WSO more. We would like to know what these 15 employees do and how much they are paid to do these jobs. I have been in OA 46 years and for that committee to state that OA is not free is absolutely absurd! Our program states that there are no dues or fees for members. Where do they get that idea? One of the reasons people come to OA is because they can get recovery on all three levels without paying a diet club and enormous amount of money for membership and food. Our members would like to know just where our money is going when we donate to WSO? Employees? Administration?
Dear Friend,
I can understand your concern for good stewardship of any money sent into OA to keep OA running. I would like to tell you that one of the things I have always been impressed with is the dedication of our staff at the office. And I am very proud of the fact that the OA office has been voted one of the Best Places to Work in the Albuquerque area for several years. I am very proud that we have hired great people to serve the whole OA fellowship and provide and excellent workplace. My role and my background are not in the area of finance - I believe the OA Board Treasurer has been asked to respond to your inquiry from that point of view. I believe that we as employers should hire the best people possible and pay them a completive wage for their role in our International organization.
One of the things that I have always been impressed with in the process of my becoming more familiar with people and the workings of OA at the World Service level is the people who work hard to keep the costs of doing the business of OA to a minimum. The budget is agreed upon in a process similar to the one we use in Region One Assembly. The General Service Trustees (as a group) make the financial decisions for the fellowship. They are wonderful human beings who want to keep costs to a minimum and yet provide excellent service to OA. They always keep the good of the organization and the purpose of carrying the message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers as top priorities.
The OA office operates very well and their job is to serve the fellowship. Believe me there is no one there being overpaid for doing a poor job or wasting our money.
The workings of the OA office to produce literature, send out books, notices, and keep track of all our meetings, have an excellent website, support Trustees who travel for OA business and to provide services – all of these things cost money. OA is not making a profit but we are not free. Our 7th Tradition states that we will be self-supporting by our own contributions.
I truly believe that the World Service office is an excellent steward of our money. I have personally started donating $20 per month on the Automatic Recurring Donation which is available online. This is in addition to putting more than $3.00 per week in the basket of the meetings I attend regularly.
When I was binging I spent tons of money - that just went to my waist and hips, my craziness and hurt my health. Today I am very grateful for my recovery and give from my gratitude.
In love and service,
Margie
Dear Friend,
I can understand your concern for good stewardship of any money sent into OA to keep OA running. I would like to tell you that one of the things I have always been impressed with is the dedication of our staff at the office. And I am very proud of the fact that the OA office has been voted one of the Best Places to Work in the Albuquerque area for several years. I am very proud that we have hired great people to serve the whole OA fellowship and provide and excellent workplace. My role and my background are not in the area of finance - I believe the OA Board Treasurer has been asked to respond to your inquiry from that point of view. I believe that we as employers should hire the best people possible and pay them a completive wage for their role in our International organization.
One of the things that I have always been impressed with in the process of my becoming more familiar with people and the workings of OA at the World Service level is the people who work hard to keep the costs of doing the business of OA to a minimum. The budget is agreed upon in a process similar to the one we use in Region One Assembly. The General Service Trustees (as a group) make the financial decisions for the fellowship. They are wonderful human beings who want to keep costs to a minimum and yet provide excellent service to OA. They always keep the good of the organization and the purpose of carrying the message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers as top priorities.
The OA office operates very well and their job is to serve the fellowship. Believe me there is no one there being overpaid for doing a poor job or wasting our money.
The workings of the OA office to produce literature, send out books, notices, and keep track of all our meetings, have an excellent website, support Trustees who travel for OA business and to provide services – all of these things cost money. OA is not making a profit but we are not free. Our 7th Tradition states that we will be self-supporting by our own contributions.
I truly believe that the World Service office is an excellent steward of our money. I have personally started donating $20 per month on the Automatic Recurring Donation which is available online. This is in addition to putting more than $3.00 per week in the basket of the meetings I attend regularly.
When I was binging I spent tons of money - that just went to my waist and hips, my craziness and hurt my health. Today I am very grateful for my recovery and give from my gratitude.
In love and service,
Margie