A monthly newsletter from the Board of Region 3 of Overeaters Anonymous Serving Arizona • Colorado • Iowa • Kansas • Nebraska • Nevada • New Mexico • Oklahoma • South Dakota • Texas • Utah Monthly Step, Tradition, and ConceptSTEP NINE
Made direct amends to such
people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
TRADITION NINE
OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they
serve.
CONCEPT NINE Able, trusted servants, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels. |
Meet Judy R.
Region 3's Vice Chair In
1983, Judy R.’s doctor’s wife handed her a copy of FOR TODAY. Judy had no idea why. Six months later, she found her way to Overeaters Anonymous, became abstinent, lost the 40 pounds she wanted to lose, and, as she puts it, “looked HOT.” Then her life veered sharply off course. An affair with a married minister was followed by years of eating that eventually carried her weight to 305 pounds. A turning point came during an ordinary walk. Judy suddenly broke into a jog—not because anyone told her to, but simply because she could. In that instant, something clicked: “I want this and am willing to work to keep it.” That willingness became a foundation for her recovery and her service. It also showed her that recovery is not a single dramatic decision, but a daily practice of action, humility, persistence, and trust in her Higher
Power. Judy’s philosophy is both spiritual and practical: “Effort is my part; outcome is my Higher Power’s part.” She believes her food addiction most likely comes from her DNA, which means having the disease is not her fault. But she is equally direct about responsibility: what she does—or does not do—for her recovery is up to her. That directness is one of Judy’s trademarks. Her advice to someone who is suffering but afraid to ask for help is blunt: “Get over it. You are killing yourself.” To her younger self, she would offer another unvarnished truth: “Wanting to be different does nothing. Doing different is the all.” Her ability to act instead of panic has served Region 3 well. At her first Assembly as Vice Chair, Judy did not realize that assigning readings to representatives was her responsibility. Once she discovered it was, she simply began calling on people without becoming frazzled. Now serving a second term, she jokes that the role reflects her “compulsion to work.” She also credits a God-given talent for speaking
well as an important part of her leadership. Outside OA, Judy’s life is wonderfully full—and decidedly energetic. She and her spouse live on 50 acres with 24 animals. She enjoys nature, walking, horseback riding, road trips, thrift stores, her children’s input, and her spouse’s calmness. Then there are the tools: Judy owns four battery-operated chainsaws
and a John Deere riding mower, separate from the family collection of six chainsaws and three riding mowers. Today, Judy describes herself as a “very sexy size eight,” safely removed from the despair of homicide or suicide, and “in the clouds with God most all day.” Through her recovery and her Region 3 service, she hopes to leave others with exactly what
she has fought to claim for herself: hope and life. Meet Jenean B
Region 3's Rep Jenean Billins came to Overeaters Anonymous
in deep desperation. After barely surviving COVID, she knew she had one more chance to learn how to live a healthy life—but she did not know where to begin. Other approaches had worked temporarily, but she always regained the weight, plus more. At 355 pounds, Jenean attended her first OA meeting on February 1, 2023, at 6:30 a.m., followed by her first F10 workshop that same morning. Initially skeptical of the unfamiliar Twelve Steps, Jenean wondered why they were necessary just to lose weight. What kept her returning was finding people who understood what she had endured. They welcomed and encouraged her, offering helpful suggestions and genuine interest. For the first time, she did not feel alone or compelled to hide. She still attends that Early Risers meeting almost every day. A turning point came after Jenean had repeatedly tried—and struggled—to abstain from flour, sugar, and sweeteners. One evening, she heard a recovered speaker say that no one can convince another person to choose recovery. The speaker then quoted the Big Book: “Those who do not recover are those who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple
program.” The words stopped Jenean cold. Could she truly not do it—or would she not? She realized she had been offering half-measures while trying to negotiate with the disease. That night in November 2023, she willingly surrendered and became abstinent. Today, Jenean is a “100-pounder” who continues working toward a healthy body weight. Service keeps her abstinent, spiritually awake, and connected. She sponsors five people, is leading her sixth Twelve-Step workshop, serves in two meetings nearly every day, and teaches monthly Zoom Security Training. She represents the Greater Oklahoma City Intergroup as both a Region Representative and World Service Delegate and chairs the Region 3 Twelfth
Step Within Committee. She also serves as Vice Chair and Service Trainer for a virtual intergroup. Jenean’s father, a teacher and church leader, showed her what quiet, steadfast leadership looks like: showing up, listening well, and serving humbly. She continues his example as an ordained minister who teaches an adult Bible study every Sunday. Through sponsorship, Jenean has learned that compassion is not about fixing anyone. It means listening, offering steadiness and love, and remembering that no one recovers alone. Her message to someone afraid to reach out is simple: connection is the lifeline of this “we” program. Reaching out is not a burden; it is an act of courage. Jenean hopes her service leaves others with encouragement, a spark of hope, and a passion for the program. For her, serving as a Region Representative is a gift of trust—and exactly where she is meant to be in this season of recovery. Let's Keep the Momentum Going! Our 2026 Annual Appeal Is Off to a Strong Start—
Keep the Momentum Going! As of August 17th, members, groups, and service bodies have contributed US $16,959 to our 2026 Annual Appeal. These contributions help support our shared services and OA’s work of carrying the message worldwide. Thank you to everyone who has contributed or helped get the word out. Please help keep the momentum going by continuing to read the 2026 Annual Appeal Instructions and Letter aloud in meetings, sharing the 2026 Annual Appeal video from Managing Director Rich Valdez, and reminding members how they
can contribute. To support the Annual Appeal, visit oa.org/contribute and select “Annual
Appeal” from the dropdown menu. You may also use the QR code or mailing address in the Annual Appeal letter. Thank you for supporting OA’s shared services and helping strengthen our Fellowship. Beverly M. Board of Trustees Treasurer Ready to Say Yes?Region 3 Board Elections • November 2026 Chair • Recording Secretary Grow in recovery. Build friendships. Make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is one simple "yes" to begin an incredible recovery journey.
This Fall, Region 3 will elect both a new Chair and a Recording Secretary. We invite you to consider whether one of these positions might be right for you.
Service is one of the greatest gifts of recovery. It strengthens our abstinence, deepens our connections, and allows us to give away what has been so freely given to us.
The Chair helps guide the vision and activities of Region 3, while the Recording Secretary serves as the keeper of our history, communications, and governing documents. Both positions are vital to carrying OA's message
throughout our Region. You don't need to have all the answers. You simply need a willingness to serve. Could this be your next service adventure? Talk with any current Board member to learn more. We'd love to share
our experience with you. Some of our greatest growth, deepest friendships, and most meaningful recovery experiences have come through service. Recovery gives us a new life. Service helps us give it away. Ready to say
YES? Click here to for more information and/or to apply. This month's Region 3 eBlast spotlights all the materials for a two-hour workshop that your Intergroup could offer hybrid or online. The package contains the Recovery Road map, suggested topics, procedures, scripts, and a timeline. See the attached file for more information. OA First Ten Days Meetings Tuesday, September 1st, 6 PM (CST)
WHO? Beginners, abstinence strugglers, returnees, program boosters, everyone
WHAT? Tools, food plans, action
plans, cross talk/discussions, questions answered, and a new lease on life WHEN? 10 consecutive days starting on first day of EACH month; each session is about 60 minutes. In all odd months it is held at 6 PM Central time; in all even months it is held at 8 AM Central time.
PLEASE NOTE: This event
does not take place in July or December. The next 10-day workshop series begins Tuesday, September 1st.
WHERE? On Zoom with your camera on (Zoom details will be provided after registration). TO DO? Get a notebook for the Workshop. Obtain the “Where Do I Start” pamphlet at oa.org/what-to-expect/where-do-i-start/ HOW? Register by sending an email to Shelly F at [email protected] with your first
& last name, cell phone number, email address, and time zone. Saturday, September 19th, 3:30 PM (CST)
Keep Your Virtual Meetings Secure! Are constant disruptions interfering with your virtual meetings? It’s time to take charge and create a secure, seamless experience for everyone. Join
our monthly Zoom Security Training Session to learn the keys to safeguarding your meetings. Colorado OA State Convention | Freedoms in OA September 25th from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (MDT) A day of recovery at the tranquil and beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center at the base of the mountains in Colorado Springs. All are welcome! OA Men's Workshop – Standing in the Fire October 10th from 1 to 2:30 PM (CST) OA Men, join this Zoom workshop on courage and integrity. See the pertinent information on the flyer above. Contact Melvin B with any questions you may have. All OA Men
are welcome! R3 Assembly and Tri-County OA Retreat November 5th & 6th Step into a weekend of connection, renewal, and a little bit of magic under the Texas sky. The Sunlight of the Spirit R3 Assembly & Tri-County OA Retreat invites
you to Glen Rose this November for heartfelt fellowship, inspiring speakers, and moments of quiet reflection that just might change everything. Whether you’re coming for the full experience or just a day, you’ll find laughter, serenity, and a community that understands the journey. With a speaker bringing 45 years of abstinence and a schedule full of meetings, meditation, and even a bonfire gathering, this is more than an event… it’s a place to breathe again. You are receiving this email because you are connected with OA Region 3 as a board member, intergroup representative, service contact, or subscriber. If you prefer not to receive these emails, you may unsubscribe at any
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Questions or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us: [email protected]
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