- Introduction
- Commonly asked questions
- List of local meetings
Introduction
Our region currently provides eight face-to-face meetings. Our meetings are places of strength, honesty, and hope become abstinent from compulsive eating behaviors. We followed a structured meeting format to learn about the 12 steps and traditions, and facilitate structured sharing. We welcome ALL who want to stop compulsive eating behaviors.
Commonly asked questions:
What are the meetings like?
Our meetings are set up before the starting time, and lead by a volunteer member. This volunteer temporarily serves as the group leader and reads a structured format of how the group as a whole can facilitate a meeting of principle.
Our format starts with introductions, the OA preamble, suggestions for newcomers, the 12 steps adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to food and compulsive overeating, the 12 traditions to maintain principles before personalities, group announcements, 7th tradition for returning OA members, reading designated literature, sharing of individual members with out cross talk, closing of the meeting, clean up of literature and conversation time.
Are there any requirements to attend a meeting?
The ONLY requirement to attend a meeting is the desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for new attendees. Returning members may contribute a donation of $2 or more to cover rent and printing costs, however we encourage newcomers not to donate. You are not required to register or call ahead to attend the meeting. We friendly suggest to call the meeting to ask any questions you may have.
How do I know when to talk / What should I say?
Our members remember how we felt the first day we came to the OA meetings ourselves. That is why we lovingly guide newcomers how to participate within the meeting guidelines. Guidelines are stated in the meeting format read by the designated meeting leader to ensure the well-fare of the group as a whole.
There are no expectations for you to share anything you do not feel comfortable with including your name, identifying as a compulsive eater, or talking during the designated sharing time, you are welcome to say "pass" or modify your sharing based on your personal needs.
Feedback, crosstalk, and advice giving are kindly discouraged here. Cross talk during an OA meeting is giving advices to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person than to the group and questioning or interrupting the person speaking/sharing at this time. Should this be violated, the group as a whole will lovingly guide the newcomer how to participate in a way that will ensure the well-being of the group.
If newcomers are welcome to share. If you have very personal issues you are concerned with sharing in this time, a potential suggestion is to discuss it with a certain member one-on-one after the meeting to ensure your comfort at these meetings.
Members and newcomers are allowed and often have conversations with each other before and after the meetings. Feel free to ask any questions and connect with other members at this time.
Local Meeting List
East Duluth
- When: Tuesdays 1:30pm
- Where: Small yellow building between church and the Human Development Center
- Address: 1710 E. Superior St. 55812
- Contact: Barb
- Additional Notes: n/a
West Duluth
- When: Saturdays 9:30am
- Where: Our Saviors Lutheran Church
- Address: 4831 Grand Ave 55807
- Contact: Shannon
- Additional Notes: Park in back lot and use back door.
West Duluth
- When: Mondays 6:30pm
- Where: Elim Lutheran Church
- Address: 6101 Cody St. 55807
- Contact: Leah
- Additional Notes: Use lower entrance
Two Harbors:
- When: Thursday 7pm
- Where: Lake View Hospital CD Unit
- Address: 325 11th Ave - Hyw 2 55616
- Contact: Becky
- Additional Notes: n/a
