Support for Treasurers

7th Tradition

fundraising & prudent reserves

FAQ for Treasurers

Contribution Suggestions

OCI Contributions

R2 Contribution Form

WSO Contribution Form

Thank you for giving service as treasurer of your group. OA continues to be available for every compulsive eater seeking recovery because of your service.

What does the meeting treasurer do?
OA groups are self-supporting (Tradition Seven), accepting money only from members to keep carrying the message. Passing the basket at meetings usually takes care of the group’s financial needs, as well as provides extra funds, so the group can contribute its fair share to support the local intergroup/service board, region, and World Service Office. There is no requirement for any member to contribute, although most do. Those who can are usually willing to give generously to make up for those unable to give at present.

Group funds may provide for the following:

• Rent for the meeting place.
• Coffee, tea, water, and necessary supplies.
• Equipment and miscellaneous expenses, such as OA signs, postage, and telephone.
• OA books and other OA-approved literature (including AA Conference-approved books and booklets originally copyrighted 2010 or earlier) for group use as well as to sell. (See the OA Approved Literature List on oa.org.)
• Copies of materials downloaded from the OA website.
• Local meeting directories downloaded from the OA website.
• Support for the intergroup/service board.
• Support for the region.
• Support for the World Service Office, which provides support and services to the worldwide OA Fellowship.

While groups may contribute according to their informed group conscience, they frequently choose to send 60 percent of funds left over after expenses to their intergroup/service board, 10 percent to their region, and 30 percent to the WSO. Groups may also choose to contribute all excess funds to their intergroup/service board and allow the service body to contribute to the region and WSO.
The treasurer keeps clear, simple records and keeps the group informed about how much is taken in and how it is spent. The treasurer makes a brief monthly report to the group and/or steering committee. Treasurers can find a compilation of helpful materials on the “Group Treasurer Materials” page in the Group Support section on oa.org.
 
The treasurer may also have these responsibilities:

• Receive and count collections at meetings, assisted by the group secretary or other member.
• Receive money in payment for literature.
• At each business meeting, make records available for any interested member.
• At business or steering committee meetings, ask for instructions regarding disbursement of surplus funds.

Experience has shown that problems can be avoided by electing, if possible, a treasurer with a minimum of six months of abstinence & a committed involvement in program.

Most group steering committees find it makes good sense to budget all expenses in advance, setting aside sums from each collection in order to meet monthly expenses. It is not a good idea for a group to accumulate large sums in excess of what is needed. A prudent reserve (three to six months of operating expenses) is all that is required. Excess funds should be sent to the intergroup/service board and region—and to the World Service Office to support their vital work

—(Excerpts from the OA Handbook for Members, Groups and Service Bodies, pp. 18-20)