What is OIAA?
The Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous, or OIAA, is an International service organization established in accordance with the Ninth Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous A.A., specifically for the purpose of assisting online A.A. groups in their common purpose of carrying the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers. OIAA fulfills this purpose by
1) Promoting unity among online A.A. groups through its Workshops, Forums and Assemblies
2) Using the internet to carry the message of A.A., creating opportunities for volunteers to be of service, and enabling all its members and the organization itself to connect and communicate
3) Responding to the needs of online A.A through our service committees such as online 12th Steppers, responding directly via email to people seeking help for a drinking problem support; the CPC committee, reaching out to all professionals who may have the opportunity to provide services to those who may have a drinking problem; and the Tech Steppers, who assist online A.A. groups improve their online safety and security posture.
4) Providing a central source of information about online A.A. through our website, a central hub where members can gather and get information related to online recovery, unity and service, and our online meeting directory that allows direct access to online A.A.meetings anytime, anywhere in the world.
Why Join OIAA
OIAA is all about service. Service to the alcoholic who still suffers. Service to our online groups. Service to our online fellowship. Why get into service? Why get into action? Perhaps Dr. Bob said it best:
I do it for four reasons:
Sense of duty. It is a pleasure. Because in so doing I am paying my debt to the man who took time to pass it on to me. Because every time I do it I take out a little more insurance for myself against a possible slip.
Dr. Bob
Membership
Membership in the Online Intergroup is open to all online A.A. groups and all A.A. members. There are no dues or fees for membership. The Intergroup is self-supporting through voluntary contributions of its members.
There are two classes of membership: voting and nonvoting.
Voting members include each registered online AA group and their current Intergroup officers. Each registered online AA group participating as a member should select an Intergroup Representative (IGR) to exercise its membership. It is suggested that IGRs have at least one year of continuous sobriety and that they be active members of their groups. Groups also are encouraged to select alternate IGRs to act in the IGR’s absence.
Nonvoting members include any A.A. member who wishes to join the Intergroup. He or she may participate in the discussions of the Assemblies, Forums and Workshops, but may not offer motions or vote.
Membership is not required to list your online A.A. group in the Meeting Directory or to participate on any of our many Service Committees.