[ The MAY TREASURER’S REPORT will not be printed in this month’s Metro Memo.
Copies of the complete report will distributed as a separate flyer at the Metro Intergroup meeting on
June 12. If you would like a copy of the report, please contact the treasurer at treasurer@oanyc.org.]

2008 WORLD SERVICE BUSINESS CONFERENCE REPORT
by Alyssa

I am honored to have been able to serve as a WSBC delegate. Two years ago I went as a volunteer and was a page during the business meetings. I didn’t think it could get better than that. I was wrong. Being a delegate was exhausting yet invigorating.
The work was intense. The debates were heated but respectful and organized. It was amazing to witness and be a part of the
Second Tradition at work – a loving Gd as expressed in our group conscience – even when the delegates were passionate
about the topic.

There was a workshop on the Strategic Plan of OA. The four main items are Public and Professional Awareness, Strong
Meetings, Committed Service Bodies and Financial Health. The delegates were divided into small groups to brainstorm on
those four topics at the meeting/group, intergroup, region and world levels. My workshop group worked on financial health
at the group level. Each group presented the salient points to the body. The summaries of each group will be available by
the end of the month.

As a new delegate (green dots as we are called because of the green dot on our badges) I attended workshops on parliamentary procedures and the WSBC Conference. Both were enlightening as to what to expect during the Business Meetings. We learned how to maneuver and navigate the Standing Rules, By-laws and Roberts Rules and what the differences are.

I was originally planning to be a member of the Unity and Diversity committee but after a suggestion of member of the R6
Finance Committee and consultation with my Mentor (all new delegates who wish are assigned a mentor) I decided to
change to the finance committee since I am chair of the R6 Finance Committee. On that committee we decided to work
on three issues – increase contributions, increase member understanding and awareness of the finances of OA and create
“how to” information for treasures on the group, intergroup and region levels. The last topic was a request of R6 Assembly
that I brought to World. I was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Finance Committee for this year.

There was a panel discussion of non-English speaking delegates. Each person spoke of his or her own experience and
struggles with OA literature that is in English and how the various groups deal with the issue. That really made an impact
on the body. The Region Chairs submitted emergency new business to take money from our reserves to create a line item
in the WSO budget for translation. Due to lack of time, the WSBC did not have the opportunity to address the motion.
The Board of Trustees heard the body and decided to adopt their own version of the Region Chairs’ motion. I am glad to
witness and report that OA is responsive. Although the WSBC did not get to formally debate the issue, the need and our
wishes were heard.

As for the business meetings themselves – we were busy. The virtual meeting policies were passed and the meetings were
added to our service structure, year medallions will be created by WSO, policies for media were adopted and the Treatment
and Beyond pamphlet was adopted. The policy for special focus meetings was amended to include cultural background but
the clause asking those not of that special focus to refrain from attending was defeated. The request to review prior years’
appointments was heavily debated and with amendments proposed but was not passed.

It was amazing that over 200 delegates representing different cultures and countries came together as one community with
respect, love and the desire to do service. I am grateful that you allowed me to represent you and be a part of it.

Gratefully in service,
Alyssa M.