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World Service Business Convention Report - 2025

A Letter From the WSB Chair
Opening Remarks
Treasurer’s Report
Bylaws Committee Report
Eastern Area Intergroup
Western Area Intergroup
Maine Chapter Report
Connection Committee
Convention Planning Committee
Literature Committee
Public Information Committee
Service Group Support Committee
Traditions Review Committee
Twelfth Step Committee
Closing Remarks

A Letter From the WSB Chair, (Jen N.)

The following report details the 23nd Annual FA World Service Business Convention (WSBC), held May 30-June 1, 2025, in Danvers, Massachusetts in a hybrid format. Whether you attended the Business Convention or not, all are encouraged to download and read this report in its entirety. Questions may be directed to fa@foodaddicts.org.

The Convention In Brief

Our first hybrid WSBC welcomed 523 registered attendees—245 in person and 278 virtually. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Hybrid Committee and 12th Step Committee, we achieved a remarkable milestone: 272 voting members participated, marking a 30% increase over last year’s voting participation. Members joined us from Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and 38 of the 50 United States.

The Business Convention featured a general overview of FA’s history and structure, four motions, opening and closing remarks, the treasurer’s report, the 2025-2026 World Service Board election, and an expression of appreciation for our outgoing board members and their service. We also heard pre-recorded updates from all WSI Committee chairs, as well as from the Maine Chapter, Western Area Intergroup, Eastern Area Intergroup chairs, and an update from our Secretary on all WSB committees. Because time allowed, we included a discussion to solicit ideas on how to continue attracting the next generation of food addicts. Other events included podcast recordings, a variety of sharing sessions, WSI committee meetings, entertainment, and a dance.

Since our first convention on May 25, 2002, the WSBC has remained committed to its primary purpose: helping the still-suffering food addict and keeping FA strong. Abstinence, gratitude, and service represent the three-legged stool that supports our fellowship. Nothing is more effective, though, than one food addict talking to another. Let’s continue to keep an open mind, work together, and embrace our diversity of thought. Group conscience will always guide us as we navigate growth and change.

We hope to see many of you at the Fellowship Convention which will be held on October 17-19, 2025 at the Arizona Grand Hotel & Spa. More details will follow, please visit the FA Website for a preview!

On behalf of the World Service Board, thank you for your service, your voice, and your support in

increasing our donations. We are a self-supporting organization and rely on the generous contributions of our members to continue carrying forward the world services of FA in our effort to reach the food addict who still suffers.

Thank you so much for your support and service.

Jen N., WSB Chair

Our Primary Purpose

Practically speaking, the World Service Business Convention fulfills our legal obligation. As an international non-profit organization, we are required, for instance, to meet annually to provide conference members with a financial report and an opportunity to elect board members.

It is important to know that structurally, FA is a “bottom- up” service organization. World Service, Inc., or WSI, is here to help reach the newcomer by serving FA as a whole and by supporting intergroups. Intergroups support chapters and meetings, who in turn support the most important entity—the individual FA member. WSI officers, committee chairs, and committee members are not here to exercise power or authority. It is just the opposite. Their role is to humbly serve and support.

To be useful to the overall fellowship, WSI needs some amount of formal organization. This includes a board made up of four officers and nine committee chairs. The specific committees are Bylaws, Connection, Convention Planning, Literature, Office, PI, Service Group Support, Traditions Review, and Twelfth Step. Forty subcommittees support these WSI standing committees.

Eight additional committees – Finance, Personnel, Design Review, Inquiry Response, Meeting Guidelines, Technology, Project Resource and Board Motions Review – support the board. Each year, if needed, the Resolutions Committee is available to support the conference with main motions.

Opening Remarks, WSB Vice Chair, (Stacy T.)

Hello, everyone. My name is Stacy, and I am a food addict, now from Sacramento, California, in the United States. It’s an honor to welcome you, officially, to the 2025 World Service Business Convention of Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous.

I wish I could deliver these remarks off the cuff, but I’ve written everything down so I don’t go off the rails. That said, I assure you: every word you’re about to hear is truly from the heart in the hopes of reaching your heart — whether you’re in person in Danvers, or joining our first hybrid convention online from across the planet.

It’s a privilege to be with you — a world full of food addicts who’ve transformed their greatest struggles into a path filled with service and a shared purpose: to lift each other up and ensure our solution is here for our existing fellowship and the still-suffering food addict out in the wild long after all of us have “rotated out” of our service positions, shall we say…

This weekend, we’re here to do the business of FA, but let’s not pretend it’s just business as usual this year. As an important and beloved tradition, we don’t get into “outside issues,” but “outside issues” certainly get into us, right?! Our program and our members exist in an increasingly polarized “outside world.” FA is made up of humans from around the globe who are deeply affected by what is happening in their homes, their communities, their cities, and their countries — perhaps more deeply affected given the nature of our addiction.

So, here we are, in the midst of all of that, to do what we do every year: reckon with what it means to hold tight to what is sacred in the worldwide lifeboat we share, and grapple, as we do every year, with staying united somehow — despite differences of thought and experience — so we can grow and endure as a fellowship in a world that’s changing faster than many of us can wrap our heads around.

Speaking of change, since this is a program of honesty, let me start with a bit of a confession: I do not like change. A fresh example is my current bout with COVID. Feeling sick, I tested positive a few days back and had to pivot to participate in this year’s convention remotely. I had a pretty significant fever and a lot of other symptoms, but nothing made me feel sicker than changing my plans to be in person in Danvers this year and participate, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the rest of the board and carry my part of the load in service as intended.

I like steady. I like predictable. I live for a clear answer to the question, “Is that FA-approved?” and I love a laminated meeting format, set in stone.

I remember when we last voted at this convention to change our meeting format and put the tools after the break. I thought my head was going to explode!

The specter of changing anything about this glorious program that saved my life puts me on edge.

So I get it. The idea of potentially altering how we meet, where we meet, what we say, and how we operate — the kinds of subjects we tackle each year here together — all of that can feel like we’re stepping off solid ground. It can for me anyway…

But, here’s the thing that I’ve come to understand deeply in the 20+ years that I’ve been in this program and abstinent, 10 completed AWOLs under my belt now and counting: That solid ground I long for? it isn’t always what I think it is. Sometimes it’s simply just the ground I’ve stood upon the longest — the most familiar ground.

The 4 years I’ve spent now on the World Service Board as your trusted servant have also shown me that principles held in our beloved Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions are strong enough to carry us forward from that familiar ground — but only if we’re honest, open, and willing enough collectively to revisit how we apply those principles from time to time. Not to change the core — no, no, no. Just to look again, as we do here annually, at how that core of ours is reaching people today.

Are we still relevant in 2025? Are we still effective? Can we find the courage in our group conscience to evolve as necessary and not be held back by a grip on our past — no matter how well it served us?

For me, the hater of change, that can sometimes feel like a tall order…

Just as in our individual journeys with recovery, we can sometimes suffer from amnesia collectively, forgetting that we have been changing and adapting all along. Sometimes quickly — too quickly for some — and sometimes painfully slowly, with consequences that have hampered our growth.

For instance, some of you — even those of you who were actually present then — may forget that in 1998 when FA first started, our literature tables looked a lot different than they do today. They were more bare; they crutched on AA almost entirely and drafted off a past rooted in the program we left — that is before our tables were filled with literature based on our own experiences and learnings — including our own book!

When contemplating change, the fear of change, there’s a quote I keep coming back to. It’s from Bill W., written in 1961, when AA had been around for a couple of decades, as we now have, and had been grappling for years with questions of growth and change themselves.

He wrote:

“Steps and Traditions represent the approximate truths which we need for our particular purpose. The more we practice them, the more we like them. So there is little doubt that AA principles will continue to be advocated for in the form they stand now. If our basics are so firmly fixed as all this, then what is there left to change or to improve? The answer will immediately occur to us: While we need not alter our truths, we can surely improve their application — to ourselves, to AA as a whole, and to our relation with the world around us.”

That’s not someone holding the program in amber.

That’s someone saying that truth endures, but the application must evolve.

That’s our challenge here annually — and our responsibility.

Many of us may think we’re protecting the program by doing what we’ve always done. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is a common refrain. But that’s not protection. That’s not faith in action. What I try to remember, on a personal level is: Fear of growth, of change, that’s not fidelity to some sacred ideal or notion or figurehead. It’s just fear.

And what could be better spiritual exercise for strengthening that muscle of faith than not giving into my fear?

Like so many things in this recovery, for me, that’s a lot easier said than done. But, my ongoing step work reminds me that spiritual growth isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being willing.

On a similar note, in the last few months, the World Service Board has been willing, purposeful, and courageous in building our collective muscle of faith by tackling what we’re calling “organizational sustainability.”

Like so many others, our organization took a worldwide hit during the pandemic — and we’re still crawling our way out of that disruption. So, we’ve created a task force to look at both the challenges and the opportunities that are in front of us. The purpose of this task force is to ensure the WSB consistently answers the charge of their responsibility to oversee the long-term stability and viability of FA — through retention of existing members, attraction of new members, and continued financial stability.

The challenges we face are many — such as the meteoric rise in get-thin-quick drugs like Ozempic.

But I want to assure you: FA is good. You’re going to hear all about that and experience that this weekend. We are solid at our core. We are not in crisis. But we continue to be at a crossroads — between our past and our future.

Guided by your votes, that means the board needs to do the hard work of addressing the complex topic of how to ensure this organization can respond in a timely fashion to such threats as I noted, as well as implement innovative ideas — like this hybrid convention born out of the fellowship’s want for a more accessible way for members around the world to have a voice and a vote — and your work is working! You heard those numbers!

In doing the work of this task force, we have had to ask ourselves some tough questions — individually, not just as a group — like:

Is my role as a steward to protect the past, or to prepare the program for the future?

What a balancing act… For me, I keep returning to the fact that the message that saved my life — the one that gave me structure, hope, and a full life beyond the food — that message doesn’t need me simply to defend it. It needs me to carry it as well — as the 12th step reminds us at least 3 times a week.

And carrying something means moving it forward. Adapting as needed. Putting it in new hands, in new ways — like the potential of a new FA app, something we’ll hear more about this weekend — one of the many opportunities our Organizational Sustainability Task Force is mindfully tackling along with our incredible new office staff.

As your trusted servant and voting member myself, I come here annually to help FA extend a lifeline — across generations, across cultures, across whatever barriers keep people from hearing what we have to say and accessing our solution.

But if our lifeline is not reaching people at the rate of need — if it feels coded, exclusive, or outdated — then it may be time to evolve, yet again.

Let me be clear: I’m not suggesting we dilute the program or bend our principles until they become something they are not.

What I am offering is a reminder that the form can evolve, HAS been evolving — and may need to evolve further — and that we can continue to do all of that — together — without compromising the truth of what works.

This weekend, we are going to discuss and vote on literature-related motions that may challenge us, as well as a motion related to how to keep our critical videoconference meetings strong and accessible.

Honestly, I feel a growing anxiousness just thinking about the discussions we’re going to have on these subjects; I feel this way every year, though, about how we may disagree — or, if I’m being REALLY honest, how you may disagree with ME!

But I remember our former chair, Kesaya N., getting up here some years ago, encouraging healthy discourse in the interest of unity. “Conversation is not confrontation,” she said. That one really sunk in for me, and I’ve been quoting her ever since. But this conversation, this very public conversation we’re going to have? It can still feel scary to me.

Any discord within our family of FA, any chance of a difference of opinion, makes me want to shut the door, close the blinds, and pull the covers over my head.

But recovery, for me, is about showing up for life — not hiding from it.

And that includes showing up for the life of this fellowship as well.

It means trusting that if this program is truly spiritual, then it can survive change — change I may fear, yes, and change I may not agree with (wouldn’t be the first time). But FA will survive, and I’ll survive as well.

Right now, and in years to come, we have an opportunity, together, to “improve our application,” just like Bill said in that quote I shared with you.

We are no longer a “young program” as we used to call ourselves. We’ve been reaching out to still suffering food addicts for over a quarter century now. We’ve grown through challenges before. We’ve shown up when it’s hard. And, if called upon this weekend, we can do it again — as individuals and through our group conscience.

As is true every year, the future of this fellowship will be shaped by the choices we make during this convention — not out of fear, hopefully, but out of faith, and love.

So, this weekend, as I awkwardly pull out my phone to vote for the very first time and try not to give into my own fears, I’m going to ask myself:

What does the still-suffering food addict need to hear NOW? How will they find us NOW?

And when they do — will we be ready to meet them where they are — all of them?

We’re not here to rewrite the message, but to keep it alive and effective by “changing the things we can” should we decide to — together.

So, let’s get to work!

We are a fellowship that transforms lives, all for the better, and together, we can ensure that our message of hope continues to reach those who need it most.

Whether you’re voting from near or far, or just observing this weekend, thank you for having faith in the process. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.

When united, there IS power in numbers here in FA, that I know.

Thank you for your service, and have a great convention!

Treasurer’s Report, (Patricia W.)

Fiscal Year Summary

Important Facts:

FA is financial stable
We have an adequate prudent reserve
We live by the spiritual principles of FA Financial Management

Projected Financial Results for the Year Ending June 30, 2025

Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. The numbers presented below are based on actual results through April plus estimates for May and June. We have used conservative estimates. Actual results will not be available until the fall of this year.We spent nearly $60,000 more than we brought in. The biggest factor was the $90,700 investment in the hybrid convention.


	Income	Expenses
Donations & Interest	219,300
Operating Expenses		186,900
Literature	53,200	51,100
Conventions, net of revenue		90,700
Projects		3,700
Total	272,500	332,400
Net Loss		$59,900

One of the primary reasons for offering a hybrid convention was to increase the number of voting members. Success was achieved with an increase of 62 additional voting members (30%). Unfortunately, total participation stayed flat (500 attendees) with:

- 42% fewer than expected in-person attendees causing hotel penalties per our contract.
- Fewer than expected virtual attendees did not cover the additional costs of providing the virtual option

Most of the loss was due to penalties for not meeting the required minimums for hotel rooms and meals in the contract. Fortunately, the prudent reserve was adequate to absorb the unexpected loss.

We are grateful that we listened to the fellowship’s desire to participate in the convention virtually and sad to say that with our existing hotel contract for 2026, we currently will not be able to offer a hybrid convention next year. The convention committee would like to again offer a hybrid convention and is working with the hotel to determine if a significant modification can be made in the 2026 contract. It’s unlikely but worth the effort to explore.

Donations have been flat for the last 3 years, with meeting donations increasing since COVID and

individual donations decreasing. These trends impact our planning for next year. Detailed information can be found by accessing the Treasurer’s Convention Report from the link at the end of the Treasurer’s Report .

Operating Expenses

Over 50% of our administrative costs are for two part-time employees. Although most of the work in FA is done by volunteers, staff are needed to oversee every day operations making sure the website is functioning, literature is available, and orders processed, emails are forwarded to the assigned volunteer, the bills are paid, questions are answered, and problems are solved in a timely manner. Our paid staff spend a significant amount of time supporting conventions, committee work, intergroups communications and helping individual members. The other significant costs are for the operation and maintenance of the FA website and having physical office space.

Final financial results will be posted at https://www.foodaddicts.org/wsi-financial-statements when review of the financial statements is completed by the outside CPA.

Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026


	Income	Expenses
Donations & Interest	210,700
Operating Expenses		201,800
Literature	53,200	47,000
Conventions, net of revenue		0
Projects		20,500
Total	269,700	248,800
Net Income		$400

The proposed budget has been reviewed by the Finance Committee and was approved by the World Service Board at their June 26 meeting. A budget is simply a guide and it can be amended by the board after input from the Finance Committee as situations change during the year.

Cautious estimates were used to prepare the FY26 budget. The Board is committed to a balanced budget for 2026.

Income is budgeted at approximately the same level as last year.
Literature shows a profit and includes only direct costs, does not include staff time to manage the ordering of literature and maintenance of the FA online store.
The two conventions in FY26 are expected to be self supporting. In other words, no losses are projected.
Projects include
- Possible professionally developed videos for a Youtube channel/other social media and web site use,
- Professional editing of podcasts,
- Design of new pamphlets and several revisions to existing pamphlets
- Translations of more of our literature into Spanish, French, German and Italian
- Continued improvements to our website.
Operating expenses assume that the FA physical office space will be closed at the end of February 2026 when the lease terminates. Upon closing of the office, all staff work will be done virtually. The FY26 budget includes only a $5,000 saving. Savings of at least $15,000 are expected in FY27. Our office staff consistently looks for ways to gain efficiencies and reduce costs.

Prudent Reserve and Project Reserve

Nonprofits are generally expected to keep enough savings (called a prudent reserve) to cover at least six months—and ideally up to one year—of their regular expenses. FA calculates this reserve using six months of estimated operating costs, plus an extra $100,000 due to uncertainties related to potential penalties in convention contracts.

The World Service Board is committed to keeping at least six months of reserve and working toward building a full year’s worth. FA’s combined prudent and project reserves are expected to be sufficient at $260,000, mostly held in cash.

What’s the best way to financially support FA?

Donate what you can when you can to your meeting, Chapter, Intergroup, and World Service
Meeting Treasurers: don’t forget to pass along excess funds
Video conference meetings can accept 7th tradition donations either directly by the meeting treasurer or by providing the PayPal Giving Fund QR code and URL
Individual member donations matter – please consider setting up a recurring monthly if you can at https://www.foodaddicts.org/donate-now .
Subscribe to Connection. It makes a great gift!
If you're able, consider giving up to $3,000 each year and including a gift of up to $5,000 to FA in your will.
Use the PayPal giving fund for non-recurring donations to eliminate credit card processing fees.

The full report presented at convention can be accessed here https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kroG3EhTZt257_uweYO7lEawzWl66_VErhNsOl9jnH4/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for your continued financial support of FA. Your donations are critical to FA’s continuing success.

Bylaws Committee Report, (Risa K.)

The Bylaws Committee met regularly this past year to discuss, debate, and draft motions concerning FA bylaws amendments and changes to the Standing Rules of Order. Summaries of the four motions presented at this year’s business convention and the results of the votes are shown below, and details of the motions follow. The updated bylaws and Standing Rules of Order will be posted on the FA website by early August 2025.

MOTION NUMBER	MOTION	SOURCE	RESULT	VOTE MARGIN
1	Concept 3	World Service Board	Passed	over 75%
2	Video Qualifier	Eastern and Western Area Intergroups	Failed	2/3 yes vote required; approximately 54% voted yes
3	“Some Thoughts on Sponsoring” Pamphlet Revision	World Service Board	Passed	over 2/3
4	Daily Reflections	WSI Literature Committee	Passed	over 2/3

1. Concept 3 (Short Form) Revision

The World Service Board moved the adoption of the Concept 3 Short Form revision drafted by the WSI Bylaws committee to refer to the voting members of the FA World Service Conference as World Service Conference (“WSC”) members, rather than “group delegates.” This revision brings Concept 3 into conformity with the FA World Service bylaws’ use of the term WSC members to refer to the voting members.

The motion passed, so the Short Form of Concept 3 will be revised accordingly.

2. Video Qualifier Bylaws Revision

The Eastern and Western Area Intergroups moved to amend Article IV, Section 1 of the FA World Service bylaws to enable in-person meetings to utilize video qualifications.

The motion failed, so the language of Article IV will remain the same.

3. Revised Sponsorship Pamphlet

The WSB moved that the 2025 World Service Conference adopt the WSI Literature Committee’s revision of the pamphlet titled “Some Thoughts on Sponsoring” and the motion passed.

The new pamphlet is a substantial re-write of the 2009 version. A key revision is the emphasis that

sponsors are not medical professionals and should not offer advice or suggestions regarding any medical issue. While remaining true to the core principles of recovery from food addiction, the new pamphlet contains contributions from many FA members with varying sponsoring practices.

The motion passed, and the revised pamphlet will soon be available for purchase on the FA website.

4. Daily Reflections

The WSI Literature Committee moved to amend the June 2011 FA WSI Standing Rule of Order to add Daily Reflections to the list of FA Conference-approved literature.

The motion passed so the Daily Reflections book is now FA Conference-Approved literature.

In other required business at the 2025 convention, elections were held for open positions on the World Service Board. The candidates for Secretary, Treasurer, Literature, Public Information, and Service Group Support were elected by acclamation, as they ran unopposed. There were two candidates for the Twelfth Step chair position: Elisa M. and Suzanne M., both from California. Suzanne M. won the election, receiving a majority of the votes cast. The 2025-2026 board is shown below.

POSITION	NAME	CURRENT TERM
Chair	Jen N., Massachusetts	2024-2026
Vice chair	Stacy T., California	2024-2026
Secretary	Sarah B., Texas	2025-2027
Treasurer	Patricia W., California	2025-2027
Bylaws	Risa K., Texas	2024-2026
Connection	Sharon C., New Hampshire	2024-2026
Convention planning	Cayce K., North Carolina	2024-2026
Literature	Karyn K., California	2025-2027
Office	Julie B., California	2024-2026
Public Information	Shoshanah M., Pennsylvania	2025-2027
Service Group Support	Regina M., Massachusetts	2025-2027
Traditions Review	Callie Z., California	2024-2026
Twelfth Step	Suzanne M., California	2025-2027

Highlights from Chapters and Intergroups

Eastern Area Intergroup (Janae M., Chair)

Overview of EAI Affairs:

EAI passed a motion to change voting eligibility for EAI business from 90 days to 2 years of abstinence.
Two motions were passed updating the Standing Rules of Order: (1) removing the clause

that prohibited previously submitted motions from being revised and reintroduced, and (2) adjusting the election timeline so that officer nominations and elections will now take place in May and June respectively.

EAI voted on which motions to forward to the 2025 World Service Business Convention. The Video Qualifier Motion was approved for submission. The Shorter Meetings Motion did not pass, though it received strong support and remains an ongoing topic of interest for future discussion.
In progress: streamlining EAI’s monthly meeting structure to align with WAI and the Maine Chapter—consolidating committee meetings and the body meeting into a single Zoom meeting from 8:00–9:30 AM.

EAI Committee Reports

Service Support Weekend Planning Committee

Successfully planned and hosted the 2024 Service Support Weekend from November 15–17 in Arlington, Virginia, with over 155 registrations.
The weekend focused on abstinence, gratitude, and service, centered around the theme “The Courage to Change.”
As a result, 59 fellows committed to doing service, which led to new EAI members and the formation of new Local Service Groups.

12th Step Committee

Collaborated with WAI and Newcomer Support to host a 4-part eForum on sponsorship.
Updated the EAI Newcomer Orientation Guide and accompanying video.
Co-hosting the July eForum “Stepping Out in Recovery: Traveling Abstinently” with WAI and Newcomer Support.
Currently developing a resource focused on spiritual experience in recovery.

Financial Aid & Resource Committee

Continued refining the financial aid application to ensure it is welcoming, non-intrusive, and maintains applicants’ dignity and anonymity.
Provided financial aid offers to all Eastern Area WSBC voting members who applied.

Service Group Support Committee (SGSC)

Supported the development of new Local Service Groups (LSGs) by offering informational sessions to areas interested in forming LSGs.
Visit the EAI Service Group Support webpage to view a list of active LSGs or to learn how to start one in your area.

Bylaws Committee

Oversaw the EAI body’s vote (and revote) to extend voting requirements to 2 years of abstinence.
Updated officer election timing from January/February to May/June.
Passed a Standing Rule of Order to extend current officer terms through the 2025 transition.
Introduced two main motions for EAI consideration ahead of this year’s World Service Business Convention.
Voted to amend procedures so that main motion ideas can be reintroduced with revisions.
Currently revising the main motion submission guide and timeline for clarity and improved process.

Public Information (PI) Committee

Created an EAI PI Health Fair Subcommittee Chair position and produced a comprehensive planning booklet covering all stages of a Health Fair: pre-planning, planning, event day, and follow-up.
Created an EAI PI Information Session Subcommittee Chair position and developed a guidebook for organizing and running virtual info sessions. This includes format templates, slide instructions, Zoom hosting guidance, and tracking tools.
Expanded the “Sponsoring a Rack” initiative: developed a process for members to order literature racks, request labels, and receive support editing trifolds from the PI committee.

Office Committee

Successfully processed all EAI FA meeting re-registrations by year-end 2024.
Continually updated and uploaded in-person trifolds and meeting directories to the FA website.
EAI currently supports 190 FA meetings, including 16 new meetings since June 2024: 97 videoconference, 73 in-person, and 20 telephone meetings.
Current trifolds include: 16 U.S. English-language trifolds, 1 Spanish-language trifold, and 4 international trifolds.

Information Technology (IT) Committee

Continued monthly collaboration with the WAI Tech Committee and WSI Tech Subcommittee to better serve the fellowship’s technology needs.

Treasurer Committee

Changed the EAI fiscal year from January–December to July–June.

Eastern Area Intergroup

Financial Report July 2024-May 2025

Revenue
Total Income	$45082.22
Expenses
EAI Committee Expenses (less FARC)	$15,058.19
FARC (Financial Aid and Resource Committee)	$10,094.84
SSW	$17,896.88
Donations to WSI	$15,381.98

Total Expenses	$58,431.89
Bank Balances
Starting Bank Balance	77,156.08
Ending Bank Balance	$61,430.60

Conclusion

This year, EAI supported over 190 active meetings. Committees collaborated across intergroups, launched new resources, and hosted impactful events—most notably, the Service Support Weekend, which inspired many fellows to step into service.

Financially, EAI remained strong, using funds to support outreach, service events, fellow assistance and WSB donations while maintaining a prudent reserve equivalent to 12 months of expenses. The transition to a new EAI Treasurer is underway, with processes in place to ensure continued fiscal responsibility and transparency.

We are grateful for the continued support and participation of our fellowship as we carry the message of recovery together.

Respectfully submitted,

Janae M., FA-EAI Chair, eaichair@foodaddicts.org

EAI Board Officers and Committee Chairs:

Bylaws – Melissa G., eaibylaws@foodaddicts.org

Financial Aid Resources Committee - Bronna G., eaifinancialaidandres@foodaddicts.org

Information Technology - Yehuda B., eaiit@foodaddicts.org

Office Services & Support – Berit M., eaioffice@foodaddicts.org

Public Information – Kathryn W., eaipi@foodaddicts.org

Service Support –Akia W., eaiservicesupport@foodaddicts.org

Service Support Weekend Planning– Caroline B., sswplanning@foodaddicts.org

12th Step -Maggie O., eai12thstep@foodaddicts.org

Treasurer – Don D., eaitreasurer@foodaddicts.org

Secretary - Amy S., eaisecretary@foodaddicts.org

Vice Chair - Jakki T., eaivicechair@foodaddicts.org

Western Area Intergroup (Diane P., Chair)

In 2024/25, WAI committees worked diligently to foster connections, provide resources, and support the growth of FA meetings both locally and internationally. The work done by various committees reflects a collective commitment to service, outreach, and supporting fellowship among members.

Fellowship Events and Support

The WAI Service Group Support Committee hosted five successful fellowship events—four across the U.S. and one in Sydney, Australia. These gatherings were well attended and met with enthusiastic responses, reaffirming the deep desire among FA members for in-person connection, shared experiences, and fun. The events highlighted the vital role of fellowship in member engagement.

Bylaws Committee

The committee completed an extensive revision of the WAI Bylaws, which were unanimously approved by our intergroup in December of 2024. As a part of that effort, there is an ongoing review of WAI’s Standing Rules of Order for possible revision. The committee also began the work of creating a Bylaws Chair Manual, detailing the information that is needed to begin in that role. The template will be passed on to other committee chairs for help in developing their own manuals. Lastly, the committee helped launch two new board committees (Audit and Finance), compatible with best practices for a twelve-step intergroup.

12th Step Committee Initiatives

In collaboration with EAI and the Newcomer Support Committee, the WAI 12th Step Committee held a well-received four-part eForum series on sponsoring. Each session featured two speakers and open sharing time, creating a supportive and informative environment for both new and seasoned sponsors. Additionally, the Spanish Language Local Service Group hosted three fellowship days in California, fostering community and accessibility within Spanish-speaking groups.

Office Committee Resources and Improvements

The WAI Office Committee developed several practical tools to support new and existing meetings. A document titled “Ten Things to Consider Before Starting an FA Meeting” was added to the FA website under “Meeting Information and Resources.” A streamlined Secretary Kit was also created to assist new meeting Secretaries and has been posted under “WAI Meeting Documents and Information.” To further aid meeting sustainability, the committee implemented a Google Docs spreadsheet that enables individuals to offer or request extra literature from closed meetings—an initiative aimed at reducing waste and ensuring resources are shared effectively.

Public Information Efforts and Outreach

Post-pandemic restructuring allowed the WAI Public Information Committee to operate more efficiently, with team roles now focusing on IT coordination, trifold materials, health fairs, and special projects. The committee participated in six in-person health fairs across Northern California and hosted two public information sessions at new venues. The session at the VA Mental Health Clinic in Monterey attracted 12 engaged healthcare professionals, who were quite enthusiastic to learn how FA can help their clients. Though attendance was lower at a session held at a San Francisco eating disorders clinic, it still provided meaningful exposure and connection with professionals in the field.

Financial Assistance for Convention Participation

The WAI Financial Assistance Committee provided support to all seven voting members who applied for help in attending the FA convention. The committee has allocated $1,700 in financial aid to ensure that all voting members can participate regardless of financial circumstances.

Treasurer’s Financial Report 5/21/2025

Expenses of WAI cover both the Western United States and Canada, plus Australia. We are financially stable with an adequate prudent reserve. The report below presents our financial position as of May 21, 2025. WAI reimbursed $1,250 to voting members for travel and online expenses for the World Service Convention. We anticipate some additional expenses before year-end, and have sufficient reserves to cover them. We donated $15,000 to WSI and plan to donate an extra $15,000 in the Fall. We are in sound financial shape and expect to end our financial year (Dec) with a small surplus, in addition to our prudent reserve.

Revenue:
Donations-Individuals	$6,668
Donations-Meetings	$10,208
Total Revenue	$16,876
Expenses:
Accounting Software	-
Donations to WSI	$15,000
Financial Assistance	$2,500
Insurance	$4,658
Professional Licensing Fees	-
Payment Processing Fees	$535
Taxes	-
PO Box Rental	-
Public Information Committee Expense	$1,298
Telephone	-
Zoom	-
Total Expenses	$23,991
Revenue in Excess of Expenditures	($7,115)
Beginning Cash January 1, 2024	$55,642
Cash as of May 21, 2025	$48,517

Conclusion

Across all committees, 2024/2025 was marked by innovation, increased accessibility, and a renewed focus on personal connection. From digital resource development to robust in-person events, WAI has made meaningful strides in supporting its members and expanding the reach of FA. These collective efforts have laid a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane P., FA-WAI Chair

WAI Board Officers and Committee Chairs

Chair – Diane P. waichair@foodaddicts.org

Vice Chair – Susan F., waivicechair@foodaddicts.org

Secretary – Karen N., waisecretary@foodaddicts.org

Treasurer – Angela M., waitreasurer@foodaddicts.org

Bylaws – Margie B., waibylaws@foodaddicts.org

Office – Lenell A., waioffice@foodaddicts.org

PI – Diane Pr., waipi@foodaddicts.org

Technology – Becky G., waitechnology@foodaddicts.org

Convention Resource – Linda Y., waiconventionresource@foodaddicts.org

12^th Step – Sheryn N., wai12thstep@foodaddicts.org

Service Group Support – Thelma W., waisgsc@foodaddicts.org

Maine Chapter Report (Catherine R., Chair)

Summary

The FA Maine Chapter celebrated its 23nd anniversary the year 2024-2025. The Chapter was formed in 2002 when members from the first few meetings in Maine organized around the four common goals:

Further the FA program in accordance with the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of FA
Maintain a communication center for FA groups
Provide unity
Educate the public about the FA program

There are four committees you can join within our chapter to get involved in service to support outreach to the newcomer. They are the 12th Step, Information Technology, Public Information and Office/Communications committees.

Some things the board and these committees have accomplished this past year are:

Focusing on succession planning and clarifying committee tasks and assignments to build stronger committee structures and while aligning and enhancing the skills of individual members
The chapter is strengthening the Chapter’s liaison system which pairs board members with Chapter meeting Contacts to support relationship building and the promotion of best practices
We’ve focused on reconstituting and reconfiguring the Office Committee as a new chair established the Office/Communications Committee, identified and refocused tasks, and brought in new members with skills aligned to those tasks
The chapter continues to improve and promote the Maine Chapter Bulletin Board in its second year to support dynamic communication and more outreach to fellows.
This is just one of many critical areas of focus and support that we could not do without our highly dedicated Information Technology chair and newly formed committee.
Our Public Information committee has increased and refocused our events outreach from 4 to 6 Medical Professional and Recovery events, i.e. social workers, nurse practitioners, recovery organizations providing support and outreach
They have evolved and established two new positions, the Events Coordinator and the Events Follow-up positions. Our goal is to increase public information meetings and improve event coordination as well as our follow-up systems for organizations or groups showing interest in learning more.
We’ve identified and helped meetings needing a PI position to strengthen outreach and create a year long monthly PI event plan for meetings and events
The Chapter hosted a very successful 16th annual Meeting Support Day with 40+ attendees from three states. This day was focused on connection & sharing, supporting virtual PI sessions, strengthening the Greeter position, and a Connections writing and arts session.
Maine Chapter fellows and board members have joined and are actively participating in the EAI board and WSI, WAI and EAI committees including Bylaws,12th Step, Information Technology and Special Projects

Although many of these initiatives are attributable to a specific committee, it is the effort across the fellowship and committees that has brought them to fruition. Many hands make light work. We especially need help to find a way to identify fellows committed to virtual Maine Chapter meetings who are registered on the FA website so that we can communicate regularly and directly with them.. Additionally, we need people who can assist us with Information Technology and Communications tasks. To learn more, email Steve A. fameitcoordinator@gmail.com or Ann P. at famechapter@gmail.com Come to Maine, virtually or in-person, we would love to have you join us.

It has been a busy and productive year for the Maine chapter!

ME Chapter Reports

Vice Chair:

Coordinated content and posted monthly Chapter announcements on the Maine Chapter Bulletin Board. Added buttons for ME Chapter address and Donate to ME Chapter.
Served as Liaison Coordinator to identify needs, facilitate communication, and promote unity between the FA Maine Chapter and affiliate meetings.
Wrote and presented Liaison Calls documents, summarizing findings from each liaison call into one document.
Established process for regular outreach between Board members and Chapter Contacts to establish an ongoing relationship and facilitate better communications.
Participated in the Office and Communications Committee effort to review all ME Chapter pages of the FA website for relevancy.
Participated in ME Chapter Board retreat.

Bylaws Committee:

The Bylaws Committee circulated a schedule and instructions for submitting motions for the 2025 FA World Business Convention. No motion was submitted to the Maine Chapter, so no further action was required.
The Bylaws Chair joined the EAI Bylaws Committee and participates regularly in their committee meetings. This has helped the Maine Chapter Bylaws Chair become more familiar with the EAI and Chapter Bylaws, the processes of changing the Bylaws, submitting motions, and modifying Standing Rules of Order. Being a member of the EAI Bylaws Committee also allows the Bylaws Chair to be closely connected to this committee, so when questions arise, the Chapter is already well connected to the team who will help answer those questions.

IT Committee:

Supported individual Board chairs to increase technology skills (computer, Google, Zoom, Pioneer/ClearLive, bulletin board, bit.ly)
Provided ongoing general and individualized support to Board members throughout the year; assisting new Chapter Board members as they join the Board, and assisted in transition of board members leaving or joining the 2024 board regarding computer setup and use; and training and support to members regarding Google Drive, gmail, access to files on Google Drive, etc.
Participated in WSI, WAI and EAI technology committee to assist in consolidation of information and resources, and explore current and future needs.
Provided technology support information, resources, support and access to Maine Chapter based FA meetings
Provided training, trouble-shooting, and support to Maine Chapter based FA meetings as needed, with particular attention to Zoom bombing concerns.
Assisted Maine Chapter Board members and committees to facilitate and organize electronic resources in provision of recovery based efforts for the fellowship and the community at large.
Conducted ongoing exploration of system updates, training needs, designing of best practice options, monitoring and increasing skill and comfort of individual Board members in the usage and application of electronic resources.
Continued to review and explore current Maine Chapter hardware and software with consideration for process and system streamlining and improvements.
Provided consultation and support to the PI Committee with electronic access through transition from Pioneer to ClearLive (noting that the ClearLive app is not functioning appropriately and support is not responding).
Provided support to the 12th Step Committee for Meeting Support Day 2025 technology needs.
Started IT Technology Committee meetings at monthly Maine Chapter Meetings. During these meetings, the Committee explored the skills and interests of participating members as well as options for providing technology support to Maine Chapter meetings and individuals attending them, with the aim of increasing skill and ease for accessing and supporting virtual meetings.
Ongoing exploration of system updates, training needs, design of best practice options, monitoring and increasing skill and comfort of individual Board members in the use and application of electronic resources.
Provided ongoing assistance to Maine Chapter, EAI, and other nationwide individual FA meetings using Zoom platform as requested.

Office/Communications Committee (O/CC):

The Office/Communications Committee (O/CC) had some organizational changes in 2024. A new Chair was appointed in November 2024 and a couple of new members joined the Committee. The O/CC refocused its efforts on the following:

Building a cohesive Office Committee team: The Committee began some collaborative committee projects, and identified the skill sets of members who can apply them to our work. We will continue this goal in the coming year.
Maintaining and updating the communication hub for the Maine Chapter: The O/CC continued to broadcast communications within the Chapter membership, and interfaced with WSI to update Chapter web information.
Executing and updating Office Committee goals and tasks assignments, a work in progress which will be further clarified as we enter the new fiscal year.
Updating job descriptions for all Office Committee service positions: a project begun and that will continue into the next fiscal year.
Supporting FA fellows in accessing and using the foodaddicts.org website in collaboration with the IT Committee.
Supporting profile registration on the foodaddicts.org website in collaboration with the IT Committee.
Assisting meetings with their meeting re-registration process in collaboration with the IT Committee.
Assisting meetings in updating service positions when meeting contact positions change.
Supporting meetings as the foodaddicts.org website adds the Meeting Secretary, Meeting Treasurer, Meeting Tech Support, and MESA positions to the service positions to be listed on the meeting profile.

Public Information Committee:

The PI Committee serves as a resource for the Maine Chapter fellowship to carry the message of recovery from food addiction through the Twelve Step program of FA to those who still suffer. The committee provides support and resources to local FA meetings, and individuals for their PI work. Using the Twelve Traditions as a guide, we offer help in discerning the most effective and appropriate means of communication to use for the public and the professional community.

Chair’s Report

In the past year our two Maine in-person meetings have continued to thrive--the Westbrook Saturday morning meeting and the Augusta Sunday afternoon meeting.
The Maine Chapter PI Committee renamed the “Health Fairs Coordinator” position as “PI Events Coordinator,” and Shirley H. fulfilled this role in 2024-25, increasing the number of events we have participated in and coordinating them seamlessly.
We increased to six major events in ‘24-25 from four events the previous year.
The six events throughout the State of Maine included the Rally for Recovery in Portland Maine; the Recovery Palooza in Bangor Maine; a Senior Health Fair in Brunswick Maine; the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association Conference in Rockport, Maine; and the HOPE Recovery Conference in Augusta, Maine.
These six events gave us an opportunity to have 323 meaningful conversations with participants, and 25 providers requested further information for their organizations. We distributed 1,491 pieces of FA literature to event attendees.
We offered an FA Information Session as one of the breakout sessions at a statewide recovery conference.
The PI Committee offered a breakout session at Maine Meeting Support Day with a discussion and resources for meetings on how to plan a virtual information session. Shiley H. and Meg W. led the session, offering copies of a simplified template that meetings can follow.
Sandi D. has served in the position of outreach coordinator to follow up on requests for further information and presentations that come out of these public events.

Committee Activities Report

MNPA Spring Conference, May 1-2: Eight FA fellows volunteered for the event; 18 conversations were held with attendees; one requested follow-up information for their organization; 69 pieces of FA literature were distributed.
The HOPE Recovery Conference held May 14 accepted our proposal on “Finding Freedom” for a breakout session. Eight FA fellows volunteered for the event, 104 conversations were held with attendees, 22 requested follow-up information for their organization, and 603 pieces of FA literature were distributed.
Scheduled for Fall 2025 are the Rally for Recovery on September 14 in Portland, the Recovery Palooza on September 27 in Bangor, the National Social Work Conference on October 6-7 in Rockport, and the Senior Health Expo on October 9 in Brunswick.
The Maine Chapter approved the allocation of donated funds to offset Airbnb expenses for volunteers traveling to participate in two of these events.

The PI Committee launched several initiatives this year:

To increase the number of PI positions filled in Maine meetings.

Shirley P became the PI representative for the Freeport Thursday 9 a.m. virtual meeting.
KiM C-S took on the PI representative position for the Westbrook Monday night virtual meeting.
Sandy and Andy W are co-PI representatives for the Westbrook Saturday 8 a.m. in-person meeting.

To create a year calendar for PI meetings that will spread the wealth over the year, feed our chapter bulletin board, and reduce possible duplication.

Working with meeting representatives, the Committee has filled several months of a yearly PI calendar:

May 13, Newcastle and Portland 9 a.m. meetings: virtual PI sessions.
May 20, Newcastle Tuesday: virtual
June 7, Westbrook Saturday: in person
June 16, Westbrook Monday: virtual
July 31, Freeport Thursday: virtual
August 11, Brunswick Monday: virtual
September [date to be determined] Portsmouth Monday: virtual
October 21, Newcastle: virtual
Nov 3 Westbrook, Monday: virtual
January 29, Freeport: virtual 2026

To focus our energies on grass roots efforts to inform the public about FA.

The PI committee has discontinued ad buys and is exploring the efficacy of having a Maine FA phone number. Neither activity currently warrants the monetary or volunteer expense involved.Volunteer efforts are better focused on grass roots efforts such as the addition of the Portland Recovery Rally and Bangor Recovery Palooza. Both events are attended by people in recovery and recovery advocates. Shirly H, Meg W, Andy W, and Bob D have all voiced an interest in working on more grass roots efforts to help make FA visible to the public through avenues such as adult education and community bulletins.
Coordination of PI meeting sessions with outreach through postcards and fliers that list the calendar of PI sessions and dates throughout the year.

12th Step Committee: (FAME12stepcommittee@gmail.com)

The FA Maine Chapter 12th Step Committee was busy again this year working on strategies for carrying the FA message to other food addicts and practicing these principles in all our affairs. Attendance was variable at our monthly Committee meetings, but enjoyed a growing number of committed members willing and able to do service. In fiscal year 2024-5, the Committee provided the following services and activities:

Conduct of orientations to monthly Chapter meetings for new attendees..
Regular announcement Maine Chapter meeting speaker seeker needs as requested by individual FA meetings.
Organization and conduct of multiple road trips to smaller meetings to provide support and speakers.
Organization and maintenance of the Maine Chapter’s Meeting of the Month list, which has been helpful in encouraging Board members’ attendance at Maine meetings. Board members then have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with FA members and provide support for any special events that meetings plan.
Posting of Maine events on the Maine Chapter bulletin board and the FA calendar as appropriate.
Regular requests for meetings to reach out to the Maine Chapter with any questions or needs for assistance with problem solving, etc.
Planning and execution of the 15th annual in-person Meeting Support Day. This event was held at the Opportunity Alliance in South Portland, Maine, on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The MSD provided a wonderful opportunity for members to get together for various fun fellowship building activities.
Support of meetings within the Maine Chapter for activities with a 12th Step recovery focus, such as art and articles for FA connection magazine; pre- or post-meeting fellowship meals; nature walks, or drumming circles which encourage fellowship building.

Conclusion

This year, the Maine Chapter supported ten meetings until we lost two smaller phone meetings. There is currently an effort to begin another In-Person, our third, to bring our total meeting count to nine. Committees collaborated with aligned EAI committees, WSI committees and on Special Projects, refocused committee efforts through an examination of goals and succession planning and hosted the 16th annual Meeting Support Day to create and connect Maine Chapter fellows and inspire service. Our Public Information focus has shifted to a more grass roots approach participating in events that either connect to medical professionals or recovery based organizations. Additionally, we’ve been able to strengthen the PI function throughout Maine Chapter meetings and align PI events among meetings throughout the year. After a recent event, we had requests from twenty-two organizations for follow up informational meetings with their staff.

Financially, the Maine Chapter has increased our prudent reserve, adequately funded all projects and lived by the principle of corporate poverty by donating any uncommitted funds equally between EAI and WSI. The transition to a new Maine Chapter Treasurer is underway, with processes in place to ensure continued fiscal responsibility and transparency.

We are grateful for the continued support and participation of our fellowship as we carry the message of recovery together.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine R.., FA-EAI Maine Chapter Chair, mechair@foodaddicts.org

ME Chapter Officers and Committee Chairs

Chair. MEChair@foodaddicts.org

Vice Chair. MEViceChair@foodaddicts.org

Bylaws. MEBylaws@foodaddicts.org

IT. MEITCoordinator@foodaddicts.org

Office. MEOffice@foodaddicts.org

PI. MEPI@foodaddicts.org

12th step. ME12thStep@foodaddicts.org

Shirley H is joining the Maine Chapter Executive Board as Treasurer.

Highlights From WSI Committees

Connection Committee (Sharon C., Chair)

All web addresses for hyper-links in text are listed at end of Connection report

Description of Committee

The Connection Committee publishes 10 annual issues of its magazine, featuring beautiful art and personal stories from Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) members who have found recovery. In collaboration with the Public Information Committee, Connection also produces FA Connection PI Postcards (available in packs of 20). These postcards serve as a valuable tool for FA members to share personal stories of recovery and encourage still-suffering food addicts to attend a meeting.

Chair Report

The year has been really productive for our committee. While we've been keeping up with getting the Connection magazine out on time, we've also stumbled upon something super exciting that's got us shifting gears.

We recently received some very insightful and revealing new data from the FA office that has given us a new perspective. Our Google Analytics shows that there were over 27,000 online user visits, just within the last three years, to our magazine's older Connection stories on our FA website blog. This highlighted something critically important for us; that a significant number of people are finding and reading our Connection, but unintentionally, we have NOT been driving them directly to our magazine to read stories of hope, and to subscribe online.

We'd been operating under the assumption that our magazine was primarily for our current members, and had kept ourselves somewhat tucked away on the FA website. But it was made clear to us that we needed much more online presence, and that there was a wider need we had to address.

We have completed some exciting projects that will do a much better job of reaching people who are still struggling with food addiction and need to know there's a long-term solution in FA. Our focus is now expanding beyond being a tool for those who are already in FA. We are connecting with those who are hunting for firsthand stories that they relate to right from the start, and direct them to a meeting.

To make this happen, we have teamed up with the Public Information Committee, and are making many updates to the FA website to reflect this new direction.

To better reach those who are still suffering, and to continue to give them what they are looking for, stories of hope, we have created a valuable new resource that is available for sale in the FA online store, and that serves a threefold purpose: 1. A way to expand Connection’s online presence, driving readership to our actual magazine; 2. A way to directly get the word out in FA member’s communities about their local FA meetings, and 3. For wider public information outreach.

The resource is beautiful packs of 20 postcards, each featuring different FA member’s art submissions, and resembling little Connection magazines. On the back they include basic FA information such as our FA website, a spot for a special downloadable and printable sticker, which you can customize online with your local meeting information, and a simple QR code linking to an online FREE sample of a double Connection issue (link also at end of report) that is story-packed, and right on the FA website. It’s loaded with real, heartfelt stories from FA members that people have been looking for, but we will now be leading them to a curated, diverse mix of well-written, newcomer-oriented stories, and where they can also subscribe to our magazine. You can use them with or without the local meeting info sticker, place them in and around your communities in locations such as clinician's offices and libraries, and place them on literature tables and use them at FA events such as health fairs, PI meetings, fellowship days, and more. Because these postcards will feature GORGEOUS past Connection cover art, they can also be used personally for display, as bookmarks, or for sharing.

On another note, it's important that all FA meetings that use the Connection magazine have a meeting subscription, and we really encourage all members to subscribe individually as well. And for our members with 90 days or more of continuous abstinence, please consider doing service by sharing your experience, strength, and hope through art and writing submissions! Other than the free online sample issue, anyone reading submitted stories will need to create a login on the FA website, and have a subscription to the magazine.

Our various subcommittees have also been busy with some fun new ideas. We've created a cool QR code section in the magazine that will link to a full-color online art gallery, FA news updates, and even online word games. We have a new form for submitting your ideas for our Notables & Quotables magazine section, we are always editing and selecting tons of stories, and we're hosting monthly virtual information meetings for FA meeting Connection reps. If you're interested in leading writing workshops, training is available! And our amazing admin team is working hard behind the scenes, keeping us organized, reviewing finances, and taking notes. We are also creating a new Connection logo, which will be a great way to discreetly mark the corners of images and to use on all of our FA Connection documents.

We're really energized by this new direction and are excited about the possibilities it holds for reaching more people who need FA.

2025 FA Convention/Connection Meetings 5/31 and 6/1

Welcomed new interested members, introduced our current team
Discussed production, what we are looking for in terms of art/articles
Discussed new way to submit art/articles via google forms
Went over new PI Collab postcards and web changes
Welcomed new ideas/suggestions such as to create a list of ‘story starters’ and adding the reference to the 12 steps on the new postcards on round two of printing.
Audio versions of Connection available in the new User-Friendly versions of the stories. They can be read aloud by your browser. These User-Friendly versions will be rolling out bit by bit.
Sold ALL of our 100 printed postcard packs.
Gave away older printed copies of Connection to gain interest (from office storage)

Subcommittee Reports

Art Subcommittee (Vacant, Subcommittee Chair)

The art subcommittee continues to intake art submission and select art for each issue.

Created a full-color art gallery using a QR code featuring the current issue’s art.
Art and images can now be submitted through our NEW automated Google form for Gmail users or via or email submission form for non-Gmail users. Please see https://www.foodaddicts.org/submit-to-connection-magazine to submit art/images.
We are currently seeking an Art Subcommittee Chair. Please email connection@foodaddicts.org with interest.

Articles Subcommittee (Karen W., Subcommittee Chair)

The articles subcommittee continues to take in article submissions, work with members of the fellowship to create articles, and select articles for each issue. Additional information:

As of April 2025, we are drafting the July/August 2025 issue (this issue will be specially curated for newcomers, and will double as our free sample online issue.)
Articles can now be submitted through our NEW automated Google form for Gmail users or via or email submission form for non-Gmail users. Please see https://www.foodaddicts.org/submit-to-connection-magazine to submit an article.
Connection Rep videoconference call is held the third week of the month to provide resources for increasing member subscriptions and submissions of art, images, and articles. (monthly attendance this past year varied 6-16) Meeting times change every month, so check the FA newsletter and FA Events Calendar for information.

Writing Sessions Subcommittee (Susan F., Subcommittee Chair)

Hosted an online writing session and supported two meetings to schedule and conduct local in-person sessions.
Updated materials for meetings or groups that want to host an in-person or videoconference writing session.
Full training is available, including practice and support.

Admin Subcommittee (Kim H., Subcommittee Chair)

Took monthly minutes and distributed to committee
Reviewed financial expenses
Assisted with creation of new submission forms for Art, Articles, and Notable and Quotable column
Assisted with revisions to the Connection webpages.
Assisted with launch of FA Connection PI Postcards.

Connection Helpful Web Addresses

Packs of Connection Postcards https://www.foodaddicts.org/store/connection-postcards

Free sample of double issue https://www.foodaddicts.org/connection-sample

Subscribe to Connection https://www.foodaddicts.org/how-to-subscribe-and-use-connection

Submit to Connection https://www.foodaddicts.org/submit-to-connection-magazine

Notable and Quotable ideas https://forms.gle/p37VJqukSMn6zxvQ6

Connection Rep resources https://www.foodaddicts.org/for-connection-reps

Connection Writing Session https://www.foodaddicts.org/connection-writing-sessions

Convention Planning Committee (Cayce K., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Convention planning committee helps plan the Business and Fellowship conventions.

Service Plug

We need you! If you are interested in joining our committee, please email convention@foodaddicts.org!

Chair Report

2025 Business Convention

On May 30th - June 1, 2025 we successfully hosted our 23rd annual World Service Business Convention both in-person in Danvers, MA and online!
This year, while Cayce was on parental leave, Caroline B. from MA graciously stepped in as Interim Convention Planning Chair. With the incredible support of the FA office team, the convention planning committee, and a newly formed committee focused on equity in the virtual experience for voting members, they delivered a polished, professional, and well-executed hybrid convention. This included selecting skilled parliamentarians and collaborating with FA WSI committees and staff—truly a powerful example of what’s possible when we put the food down and get into action!
For FA’s first Hybrid convention, we had 245 attendees joining us in person, and 278 joining us virtually. We had members from 38 US states, and places all over the world including: Alberta, Baden-Württemberg, London, New South Wales, North Island, Ontario, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
Thanks to the efforts of our hybrid committee and the 12th step committee, we had 272 voting members this year, a 30% increase over last year’s voting participation.
Business sessions included a general overview of FA's structure, opening and closing remarks, our treasurer's report, four motions, and acknowledgement of outgoing and incoming chairs. Other events included the recording of four new podcasts, WSI Committee meetings, FA qualification and sharing meetings, live entertainment, and our usual annual, lively dance party!
The WSI Service Group Support Committee presented a Sharing Session at the 2025 WSBC. The session was titled Why We Do What We Do (WWDWWD) which was 90 minutes of experience, strength and hope from our members with long term recovery. The minutes will be uploaded to the website once approved.

2025 Fellowship Convention

We are looking forward to hosting the 2025 Fellowship Convention at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, from October 17^th – 19^th! Stay tuned for more information coming in July!
For more information, please check out the Fellowship Convention section of the FA website!
At our last Fellowship Convention in 2023, we had over 300 fellows join us for an amazing weekend of fellowship and recovery. This year we are hoping to welcome even more people from the fellowship to the Convention. The more the merrier!

2026 Business Convention

Planning is currently underway to decide the format of the 2026 Business Convention. While the hybrid format was a success, it came at a significant cost to our organization. As your entrusted servants, we want to make sure we make a decision that is best for FA as a whole. Please stay tuned for further details!
Each year at the World Service Business Convention, we hold elections for WSI Officers and Committee Chairs. As 2026 is an odd year, we will be accepting nominations for the following positions: WSI chair, vice-chair, bylaws chair, Connection chair, convention planning chair, office chair, and traditions review chair.

Literature Committee (Barbara S., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Literature Committee writes, records, produces, and translates literature for the FA fellowship, as well as records podcasts for placement on various podcast platforms.

Chair’s Report

The Literature Committee recorded, wrote, revised, and published various pieces of literature and recorded dozens of podcasts, as well as translated current literature into several languages. The Committee also held four discussion sessions about adding the Daily Reflections reader as Conference-Approved literature before it was approved at the 2025 Convention.

Writing and Editing Subcommittee (WES) - Deborah F., Chair

WES completed all their planned goals for the year, including:

Completing the Some Thoughts on Sponsoring pamphlet.
Surveyed the fellowship about mental health and medication experiences in preparation for collecting experiences for a new pamphlet.
Presented a draft of a new pamphlet featuring FA slogans to 2025 Convention attendees at two Literature Committee meetings.

Translation Subcommittee – Chris B., Chair

FA Literature and meeting formats are translated into six languages – Italian, Spanish, German, Greek, Russian, and French. There are at least 15 non-English language meetings worldwide, and the need for literature in various languages has become more and more critical. The Translation Teams are focusing on five of the foundational FA pamphlets: Twenty Questions, Before You Take that Bite, Food Addiction and the FA Solution, the First Two Chapters, and Living Abstinently.

Audio Recording Subcommittee (ARC) - Kelly M., Chair

FA Podcasts are reaching thousands of listeners. There have been 133,400 podcast downloads, 70,400 listeners, and 104 new followers over 12 months. Over 40 FA volunteers continue to work diligently on the recordings and have accomplished the following this year:

The ARC Subcommittee continues to record two podcasts per month, including podcasts in German and Russian.
At the 2025 Convention, four podcasts were recorded, as well as the Why We Do What We Do session.
The Living Abstinently pamphlet has been recorded and will be posted on the FA website soon.
Future plans include continuing all of the current recording work and adding transcriptions of the podcasts.

Operations Subcommittee - Barbara S., Chair

One new pamphlet and four Spanish language pamphlets were produced, as well as two reprints. We worked with the proofreaders, graphic designer, printer, and the FA Office to produce those and the new Undereating? Underweight? Purging? pamphlet plus:

?Tiene problemas en controloar su forma de comer? (Are You Having Trouble with the Way You Eat?)
Sólo por Hoy (Just For Today)
Antes de tomar ese bocado (Before You Take That Bite)
Adicción a la comida y la solución de FA (Food Addiction and the FA Solution)

Both the Large Print FA Book and the Living Abstinently booklet were also reprinted.

Office Committee (Julie B., Chair)

Description of Committee
The Office Committee (OC) oversees and supports the World Service Office (WSO), which serves as the administrative and communication hub of Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous. The WSO manages the FA website, processes member subscriptions and donations, coordinates meeting listings, and handles official communications to and from the fellowship.

The OC also supports WSO staff and volunteers, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to serve members, committees, and newcomers. The Office responds to inquiries from individuals seeking recovery, FA members, and committee representatives, and serves as the central contact point for the fellowship.

The OC chair also participates in the WSI Finance and Personnel Committees and collaborates with other WSB committees to ensure seamless communication and operations across FA’s service structure.

Chair’s Report
The Office and Office Committee had a productive and forward-moving year. The team focused on strengthening operational systems, improving the member and newcomer experience, and preparing for future growth. Highlights from the past year include:

Supported a seamless transition in office staffing, which resulted in stronger service delivery and a more responsive presence to members and newcomers alike
Processed over 200 work orders, including website updates, communications to the fellowship, and committee service support
Answered over 2,000 phone calls and responded to over 3,000 emails, many of them from individuals reaching out for help for the first time
Re-registered all FA meetings to ensure that the meeting directory is accurate and up to date
Implemented a new phone management system to help newcomers more reliably reach a live person when they call the FA Office
Launched a streamlined convention registration system, combining business and fellowship registration into one platform
Supported the first hybrid convention by expanding technical support for behind-the-scenes logistics
Introduced custom QR code functionality, allowing committees to use trackable links for outreach materials
Added the PayPal Giving Fund to the FA website, enabling readers of our free literature to make donations without incurring credit card fees

Planned Initiatives

Launching a text messaging system to help members receive timely FA updates directly on their phones
Exploring the development of an FA mobile app to centralize literature, meeting information, announcements, and more

Public Information Committee (Maggie M., Chair)

“Tact and good judgment must be used…as no publicity is far better than bad publicity that might harm A.A. or rob it of dignity and appeal.” (The Hazelden Foundation. (1987). The Little Red Book. San Francisco, CA: Harper/Hazelden, p. 137)

Our mission statement describes our general role:

WSI Public Information Mission Statement

Tradition Eleven states that FA’s public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion. As trusted servants the Public Information Committee (PI) serves as the custodian of PI materials available to the public, including health care professionals, spiritual professionals, and the press. The PI committee's mission is to guide the fellowship to the most effective and appropriate means to communicate the FA solution to the public. In a guidance capacity, the PI committee will:

Review PI materials and activities for integrity, clarity of printed communication, and adherence to the Twelve Traditions.
Through the practice of group conscience, vet all PI materials using procedures outlined in the PI WSI Manual
Develop and present in-person, virtual and FA newsletter educational materials on PI practices for PI Representatives and the fellowship
Coach and mentor PI committee members at the WSI and intergroup levels
Maintain PI materials on the FA website PI sections
Thoughtfully evaluate, prioritize and act on WSI level public outreach projects based on their impact, feasibility and appropriateness.

Chair’s Report

We have focussed our energy on “grooming” ourselves for the public. We have been utilizing our PI focused editing and writing committee to ensure our public communications are current and appropriate. We also endorse using the simple but profound and powerful impact of our personal stories. We have also started establishing our wish list of future projects as we move forward with a solid foundation of a PI message that has attractiveness and integrity.

Foundation-Building Strategies and Where We Shine

This year’s accomplishments include:

Development of an upgraded and FA brand consistent meeting directory card with a QR code to enhance efforts to publicize meetings
Updated PI pages and helped with revisions for EAI and WAI PI web pages
Revisions and ongoing development of our social media policy
Investigated how to improve public information sessions .
Co-development with the Connection committee of a PI/Connection piece using attractive connection covers and QR codes to bring people to personal stories and recovery and to find meetings.

Our work with the Connection committee on a collaborative project is intentional. We are interested in bringing our “superpower” of telling our stories front and center. All of us in FA are particularly good at telling our stories. Interestingly, marketing experts also value stories. One expert quotes “If the story is good, it doesn’t matter whether the brand is well known-the story will carry the message forward” and another’s quote “If I tell a good story, that’s going to be etched in your brain.”

Planned Initiatives

Budgeted offering free literature to public professionals via inquiries at the FA office. Would include Food Addiction and the FA Solution and Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous; The First Two Chapters
Budgeted to develop professional video production of several short videos for web site use and potential FA owned social media sites
Expansion to other FA owned social media sites. Considering including YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Establish section in the FA newsletter on PI best practices

Service Group Support Committee (SGSC), (Regina M., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Service Group Support Committee (SGSC) supports local service groups (LSG) Chapters and Intergroups.

Chair Report

The year for the SGSC ended on a productive note. In January of 2025, the guidelines for the IG, Chapter and LSG’s were reviewed and approved for another year.

Working with the Office Director, the SGSC webpage was streamlined to more effectively communicate the message of the SGSC. A number of documents were archived but continue to be available on the website.

In February of 2025 we had a Global call for all LSG which was well attended. Three speakers shared their experience to organize Fellowship Days in AU, CA and a Spanish speaking fellowship day also in CA. The meeting minutes are on the website, and are well worth reading for ideas on organizing these types of events. The meeting minutes for the Why We Do What We Do (WWDWWD) 2024 session were uploaded to the website. This is a ready resource of information for people that need a jump start to their recovery.

The website for the Service Group Support (SGS) committee for EAI, two links have been created for the latest information for two LSG’s. We encourage other LSG’s to create links to their LSG’s. Please contact sgsc@foodaddicts.org for further information.

Finally, the SGSC presented a Sharing Session at the 2025 WSBC. The session was titled Why We Do What We Do (WWDWWD) which was 90 minutes of experience, strength and hope from our members with long term recovery. The minutes will be uploaded to the website once approved. Our committee looks forward to another year of opening doors for the still suffering food addict.

Traditions Review Committee (TRC), (Callie Z., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Tradition Review Committee’s mandate is to consider how the Twelve Traditions guide us on various issues raised by FA members or groups. Inquiries are submitted to traditions@foodaddicts.org. The committee meets to discuss these issues every other month, then shares their thoughts with the inquirer and with the fellowship (when appropriate) through various WSI reports and the TRC Index. The TRC is not a governing or policing body, nor does it get involved in resolving the issue; rather, it helps enable the person(s) to deal with the situation or the other person(s) involved.

Chair Report

From July, 2024-June, 2025, the TRC received 14 inquiries at traditions@foodaddicts.org. Of those, 7 inquiries were discussed and responded to by the Chair, and 7 were discussed and responded to by the full TRC as follows. Questions about any of these inquiries may be directed to traditions@foodaddicts.org.

Inquiries Overview

Responded to by TRC Chair.

Posting a PI Session on Instagram
Business Meeting minutes generated by AI
Speaker’s name in Podcast
Meeting Registration Requirements
Selling a journal on commercial website
Media Contact
PI Session with professional speaker

Inquiries discussed and responded to by the TRC (detailed inquiries can be found on the TRC Index at https://www.foodaddicts.org/trc-index-search).

Accepting donations within the fellowship
Flag viewable on Video Meeting
Group Conscience (Business Meetings)
Meeting Autonomy
Political discussion before and after the meeting
Ideologic Messages on Apparel in Meetings
Adding wording to the format regarding hate speech (unpublished due to lack of information)

Subcommittee Report

After discussion the Eforum subcommittee was disbanded. The committee got off to a strong start and had some great early success but over time it became harder to keep people engaged. With so many competing demands on fellows’ time, the video format just wasn’t enough to sustain interest in the Traditions E-Forums. We are always looking for ways to increase knowledge of the 12 Traditions. Any suggestions or comments can be sent to traditions@foodaddicts.org.

We held a joint committee meeting with the Bylaws Chair from WAI. The conversation was engaging and thoughtful, with fellows sharing personal reflections and experiences related to the various traditions. The discussion offered valuable insight into how the traditions are understood and applied within our fellowship.

Thank you,

Respectfully submitted by

Callie Z.

Traditions Chair

Twelfth Step Committee (Yolanda P., Chair)

Description of Committee

The 12th Step Committee supports FA members in growing in recovery through service. We facilitate efforts at the meeting, intergroup, chapter, and World Service levels by encouraging connection, sharing resources, and offering guidance to help members sustain abstinence through service.

Chair Report

Held monthly core committee meetings for subcommittee updates, new initiatives, and project collaboration.
Secured and coordinated over 25 volunteers for outreach efforts related to WSBC representation.
Worked cross-functionally with WSI chairs and committees, including the intergroups and the Maine Chapter, to edit literature, support World Service Business Conference (WSBC) initiatives, facilitate informal gatherings, and respond to meeting concerns.
Initiated a request to the WSI Literature Chair that inspired a formal motion to add Daily Reflections to the FA-approved literature list until FA publishes its own daily reader. By introducing A.A.’s Daily Reflections, we honor the spiritual diversity of our membership and ensure that our literature supports all who seek recovery, regardless of their religious belief.

Subcommittee and Partner Highlights

Newcomers Support and Assistance (NSA)

Conducted three Greeter Resource Calls and later transitioned to a pre-recorded presentation due to low attendance.
Produced and reviewed an 8-minute Greeter training video.
Planned and delivered “A New Way of Life” eForum on April 5, 2025.
Initiated development of a Newcomer Welcome Pamphlet.
Conducted dry runs for Monthly Newcomer Orientation rollout.
Collaborated on four eForums on sponsorship with EAI and WAI.

Conference Member Support and Assistance (CMSA)

Recruited and onboarded 6 new members to serve on the subcommittee.
Held two information sessions in January 2025 that covered important points about being a Voting Conference Member.
Developed and disseminated email guidance, outreach scripts, and volunteer assignments for outreach-call project.
Made 500+ calls to meeting representatives and contacts to encourage WSBC participation and offer support.

Meeting Effectiveness Support and Assistance (MESA)

Hosted monthly Resource Calls on topics such as:
- Meeting Security
- Supporting Zoom Tech Teams
- Crosstalk in meetings (with Spanish interpretation)
Added Spanish interpretation to every third call to promote inclusion.
Sent out monthly communications to MESA representatives, sharing updates, feedback.
Updated and submitted new Meeting Effectiveness and Inventory questions to the WSB.
Explored hybrid convention engagement and resource topics like “Value of Service” and “Meeting Inventory.”

The Only Requirement (TOR)

Reestablished leadership with new co-chairs in early 2025.
Held monthly meetings and worked on:
- FA Safety Statement and response protocols for unwelcoming experiences
- Updated mission and narrative
- Increased visibility and diversity
- Potential name change
- Literature and newsletter outreach ideas
Collected TOR documentation and history, including initial purpose statements.
Introduced the ‘Standing Committee’ concept, to accommodate strategically planned projects, as-needed initiatives, and on-demand assistance requests.

Spanish Language Local Service Group (LSG) Partnership

Supported cross-language inclusion to enhance meeting participation.
Hosted a Fellowship Day on January 11, 2025.
Co-hosted the MESA Resource Call on Crosstalk

Eastern Area Intergroup (EAI) 12th Step Committee Partnership

Collaborated with WAI and NSA on sponsorship eForums.
Progressed on Spiritual Experience Project:
- Exploring video and written formats
- Reviewing AA materials and the FA book
Supported CMSA with outreach-call project.
Preparing an EAI Orientation format overhaul with target launch in September 2025.

WAI 12th Step Committee Partnership

Partnered on Sponsorship eForums.
Launched planning for "Traveling Abstinently" eForum scheduled for July 27, 2025.
Proposed the creation of a Traveling Abstinently pamphlet to the 12^th Step Chair.
Reviewed and updated NSA and MESA webpages.
Promoted committee collaboration and global podcast speaker outreach.

Closing Remarks, WSB Chair Jen N.

2025 Business Convention

Thank you all for being here.

There have been many conventions where I left before the closing remarks, so I truly appreciate that you have stayed to listen. This year, we successfully held a hybrid convention—thank you again to everyone who participated, whether virtually or in person. While there is still work ahead as we consider the future of our business conventions, I am hopeful that as we grow, welcome new members, and identify ways to increase our donations, our ability to support a variety of options will increase.

Writing remarks is not easy for me. I have many skills, but this isn’t one of them! I don’t have a speechwriter, so I have to rely on God for inspiration. And as we know, God works through people—so thank you to everyone who read or listened to my many drafts.

For those who don’t know me, I first encountered what would become the FA program in 1996 while living in Michigan. I was 26 years old, struggling with food addiction and a palpable insecurity. I was so needy that some people would do an about-face when I approached them. If you were in my life, you were either my therapist, my lover, or a pseudo-parent. I had very few, if any, friends my own age. My deep need to be accepted and loved by others led me to years of promiscuity and the resulting shame and self-hatred. I was stuck in a cycle of bingeing and purging, fearful about my future and convinced that I was ugly, dumb, and boring.

When I moved to Massachusetts, I discovered a welcoming community of food addicts who shared their lives and recovery with me. That move altered my life. I can’t imagine my life without this FA community.

I have essentially grown up in FA. I have served on the EAI or WSI Board in some capacity for nearly every year I’ve been in FA. In the early days, we got started right away with Intergroup work. This service has informed every area of my life. It has taught me so many life lessons and exposed my self-centered fear in its many manifestations. I have grown in ways I never thought possible. I am not a natural-born leader. I was a follower for much of my life, spoke quietly, didn’t finish sentences, and did not have the confidence to share an opinion. Through service in this program, I have been given the space to learn, grow, and let go of fear.

I believe it is nearly impossible to stay static or mired in fear when serving in a board or committee capacity. We have to listen to our fellowship and follow the group conscience. We can share our thoughts and express our convictions, but God as we understand God must be infused in that process. I have learned over and over again that FA will remain strong if we remain abstinent and continue to show up and remember our basics. I hope and pray that we do not surrender our voices or our service contributions simply because we don’t agree with the outcome of motions or because we feel our work has been done. We need everyone to carry this message, to share their experience, strength and hope as this will continue to guide us and allow FA to be a haven for the struggling food addict.

As we come to the close of this convention, I am reminded of these words::
“We are people who would not normally mix, but there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful.”
That is what I have felt here this weekend—an indescribably wonderful spirit of gratitude and warmth.

We have come together from different backgrounds, with different stories, but with a common problem and a common solution. Our literature tells us that “the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating addictively.” No matter where we are on our journey, we are united by a shared purpose: to carry the message to the food addict who still suffers.

The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous reminds us: “We are not a glum lot. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.” Pg 132 This weekend, I have seen joy, laughter, and eyes that are sparkly and bright—even as we face disappointment, complicated questions and new challenges. That joy is the gift of recovery, and it is something we can offer to those of us struggling with fear, doubt and insecurity and an abstinence that seems elusive.

As we move forward, let us remember that “we are responsible for the effort, not the outcome.” Our task is to keep showing up, to keep trying, to keep carrying the message, and to keep supporting each other in love and service. We do not do this alone. As our literature reminds us, “God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

Let’s continue to walk this path, one day at a time—trusting that as we surrender and remain open-minded - we find true freedom.

Thank you for your courage, your honesty, and your willingness to share from your heart. Thank you, too, for the warmth and support you have extended to me in my first year as Chair. We are a remarkable community, and I am deeply grateful for each of you.

As you transition back home, please give yourself permission to rest and take good care of yourself. Stay close to your fellows, and remember: don’t eat, no matter what.

Thank you everyone.

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