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Minutes from the OIAA 21 June 2025 Assembly
Gwen M, the Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:01 PM: The meeting opened with the We version of the Serenity prayer.
Quorum: 36 or 25% of members surveyed was established. (A new survey will be taken soon to establish quorum for 2025-26.)
Minutes: The Secretary reviewed the minutes from the last Membership Assembly, and they were approved with unanimous vote.
The Role of the IGR: The Secretary discussed the IGR’s responsibilities:
Members vote every quarter at a membership assembly meeting. Members include the IGRs or Alt-IGRs, Committee Chairs and Board. Issues and proposed motions are published by the board a month in advance to allow time for the IGRs and others to become informed about the matters. Members vote on certain policies including electing officers and trustees, approving the budget, adopting and amending bylaws and guidelines, approval of a new standing board committee, dissolutions of both board and standing committees, and dissolution of the organization. IGRs also participate in the OIAA Service Committees and encourage others in their group to participate in OIAA Committees. See more detail for these responsibilities in the OIAA Guidelines, Sections 1.2.1 Member Voting Rights and Responsibilities and 1.3 Intergroup Representatives.
Committee Reports:
1. 2025 Vancouver International Convention Committee: Barry Chair and Jan BB, Alt-Chair, provided an overview of the upcoming convention, highlighting its significance as the 30th anniversary of OIAA. Jan encouraged participation in a special gathering on Thursday and a workshop on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of connecting online members with the broader AA community. The suite events are in-person, and the virtual attendance is possible for $35.
2. Public Information Committee: Mary M, Chair, discussed the committee’s role in carrying the AA message to online groups and responding to their needs. She highlighted that the committee received over 600 inquiries in the past year and works closely with other committees to provide information and support. Mary encouraged participation in OIAA and mentioned the availability of the Tech Steppers to assist with security issues on Zoom platforms.
3. CPC: Sharon, the Alt Chair, describe their committee’s role in educating professionals about AA, sharing examples of successful virtual presentations in healthcare settings and international collaboration, while emphasizing their focus on cooperation rather than affiliation with treatment centers.
Board Reports:
1. OIAA International convention: Beth A, International Trustee, announced that the OIAA International convention, a subcommittee of the Unity Committee, has a fully scheduled program with participation from groups across the globe, including New Zealand, the US, Columbia, Mexico and more. She highlighted the need for volunteers, particularly for tech support and events, and mentioned that the general registration for the convention will open on August 8th.
2. Finance update: Jennifer, OIAA Treasurer, presented the May budget variance report, noting that contributions exceeded the budget by 9.73% year-to-date, with $11,426 received in May. She highlighted increases in mailing/postage, organizational fees, and legal expenses, with the latter exceeding the budget by $4,200. Jennifer announced her intention not to seek reelection as treasurer in December after having served two years and eight months in this role, and encouraged interested members to attend the Finance Committee meetings on August 9 or September 13th for more information. She also discussed the need to transition from a working board to an administrative board and announced that committee budgets are due by August 31st.
3. Technology Chair: Mark M presented an update on the technology committee’s work, including a redesign of the OIA website to make it more user friendly and accessible. He also discussed plans to translate the website into multiple languages. We have Over 300,000 visitors a month on our website. We have over 1000 group members. Mark previewed a version of the new website.
4. Trustee-at-Large: Madeline presented the new OIAA Anonymity Policy for social media and internet activities, which will include a private YouTube channel for sensitive content. The policy is now on the website. Gwen asked for volunteers to help manage the new video process and requested volunteers to help with the October intergroup rep forum.
New Business: Amelia, Secretary, presented the Board’s motion to strike the phrase “including the chairperson’s position as an ex officio member of the standing committees” from the Bylaws Section 4.01b. It was seconded by Jennifer B. Amelia explained that this was a housekeeping matter, that the job description of the Chair in the Bylaws does not give the Chair the authority to act “ex officio” in this role with the Committees, that the Trustee-at-Large now has in her job description the liaison to the Committees. This led to a discussion from previous board members about the importance of maintaining oversight of the committees by the chairperson. The OIAA Secretary emphasized that the oversight of the committees per the OIAA Bylaws, was the fiduciary responsibility of the entire OIAA Board, not one person. Others expressed concerns about the need of the Board to follow the second tradition, that the Chair and Vice Chair do not “govern”. Forty-nine votes were cast in the initial tally to approve this motion. After hearing minority opinion, the membership voted to reconsider the motion with 38 votes in favor of reconsideration and 20 against, reopening the discussion on the original proposal period. After further discussion there was a motion and second to call the question with a vote of 42. The final vote did not pass with the required two-thirds majority, 25 yes and 20 no.
The meeting was adjourned with the Responsibility Declaration.
Signed: Amelia L., OIAA Secretary, August 8, 2
Membership approved_______________________________
