Revised December, 2004
GREATER SYRACUSE OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS INTERGROUP BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - NAME

 The name of this organization shall be the Greater Syracuse Area Intergroup, hereinafter known as Intergroup.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

Section 1 - Purpose

The primary purpose of this organization is to aid those with the problem of compulsive eating through the Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous, and to serve and represent the OA groups from which the Intergroup is formed. This Intergroup is in compliance with and qualifies as an exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service of 1954 (or corresponding section of any future United State Internal Revenue Law.)

Section 2 - The Twelve Steps are:
  1. We admitted we were powerless over food -- that our lives had become unmanageable.
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
  7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
  11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

These Steps cannot be amended.

Section 3 - The Twelve Traditions are:
  1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.
  2. For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority -- a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
  3. The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.
  4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole.
  5. Each group has but one primary purpose -- to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.
  6. An OA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the OA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
  7. Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
  8. Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
  9. OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
  10. Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the OA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
  11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public media of communication.
  12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

These Traditions cannot be amended.

Section 4 - The Twelve Concepts of Service are:
  1. The ultimate responsibility and authority for OA world wervices reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.
  2. The OA groups have delegated to World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; thus, World Service Business Conference is the voice, authority, and effective conscience of OA as a whole.
  3. The right of decision, based on trust, makes effective leadership possible.
  4. The right of participation ensures equality of opportunity for all in the decision-making process.
  5. Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure that their opinions and personal grievances will be carefully considered.
  6. The World Service Business Conference has entrusted the Board of Trustees with the primary responsibility for the administration of Overeaters Anonymous.
  7. The Board of Trustees has legal rights and responsibilities accorded to them by OA Bylaws Subpart A. The rights and responsibilities of the World Service Business Conference are accorded to it by Tradition and by OA Bylaws, Subpart B.
  8. The Board of Trustees has delegated to its Executive Committee the responsibility to administer the OA World Service Office.
  9. Able trusted servants, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them, are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels.
  10. Service reponsibility is balanced by carefully defined service authority; therefore, duplication of efforts is avoided.
  11. Trustee administration of the World Serevice Office should always be assisted by the best standing committes, executives, staffs, and consultants.
  12. The spiritual foundation for OA service ensures that:
    1. no OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or power;
    2. sufficient operating funds plus an ample reserve, shall be OA's prudent financial principle;
    3. no OA member shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority;
    4. all important decisions shall be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity;
    5. no service action shall be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; and
    6. no OA service community or service board shall ever perform any acts of government and each shall always remain democratic in thought and action.
These Concepts cannot be amended.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERS

Section 1 - Membership

Membership of the Intergroup shall consist of the following:

  1. The Intergroup Board
  2. Intergroup Representatives (IRs) which shall consist of one (1) member and one (1) alternate from each group within the geographic area.
    1. Geographic area shall be defined as Greater Syracuse Area, including the Canadian border to the north, Cortland to the south, Herkimer to the east, and Auburn to the west.
Section 2 - Qualifications
Qualifications or eligibility for membership in the Intergroup:
  1. Those groups within the geographic definition of Intergroup that have formally registered with the World Service Office (WSO) and indicated their intention to belong to Intergroup may be considered members.
    1. Subsection 1. Definition: These points shall define an Overeaters Anonymous group:
      1. As a group, they meet to practice the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous.
      2. All who have the desire to stop eating compulsively are welcome in the group.
      3. No member is required to practice any actions in order to remain a member or have a voice (share at a meeting.)
      4. As a group they have no affiliation other than Overeater Anonymous.
    2. Subsection 2. Composition
      1. A group may be formed when two (2) or more persons meet together as set forth in Article III, Subsection 1.
      2. Groups compose the intergroup as set forth in Article III, Section 2 hereof.

  2. Each Group shall be entitled to one (1) vote through its elected IRs.

  3. No group may be registered with another Intergroup.
Section 3 - Intergroup Representatives (IRs)
  1. Intergroup representatives shall be selected by the group conscience of the group they shall represent. Each IR shall be selected by any method deemed appropriate by their group. These IRs shall serve for a period designed by their group, always subject to recall by the group they represent. Each group shall be free to designate an alternate delegate when the necessity arises.

  2. It is suggested that IRs be selected for stability, length of time in program, and time of abstinence.

  3. The primary responsibility of the I R, or alternate, is to represent their group at all meetings of the Intergroup, to act as a liaison between this Intergroup and their groups, to see that all communications pertaining to Intergroup are made available and, where requested, read aloud to the group.
Section 4 - Vacancies or Resignations of Intergroup Representatives IRs

Failure of an IR to attend two (2) consecutive meetings of this Intergroup shall cause the Intergroup Corresponding Secretary to notify representative group of any IRs absences. Action shall be at the discretion of said group.

Section 5 - Members with voting privileges are:

Board members and Intergroup representatives. Persons holding more than one office will only have one vote.

ARTICLE IIII - THE INTERGROUP BOARD

Section 1 - Intergroup Board

The Board shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, World Service Conference Delegate(s) and Regional Representative(s). The immediate past Chairperson shall serve as an exofficio member of the Intergroup Board for one year. This Intergroup Board shall serve as the Executive Board.

Section 2 - Nominations to the Intergroup Board

Nominations to the Board may be made from the floor at the time of election. A nominating committee may also be formed, at the discretion of the Intergroup.

Section 3 - Qualifications for the Intergroup Board
  1. Working the Twelve Steps of the recovery program for one (1) year.

  2. Familiarity with the Twelve Traditions.

  3. Six (6) months current abstinence with the exception of the WS Conference Delegates and Regional Representatives. (See Article IV, Section 6, E and F.)

  4. Regular attendance of an active group for a period of one (1) year and are or have been an IR.
Section 4 - Method of Election
  1. Elections shall be held as follows:

    Officers shall serve a term of one (1) year. In the event of a vacancy, a new officer shall be elected by a vote of the Representatives to serve out the remainder of the term.

    1. No officer shall serve more than two (2) complete terms in succession.
    2. Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected at the September meeting; Region 6 and World Service Delegates at the September meeting; Treasurer at the January meeting; Corresponding Secretary at the March meeting; and Recording Secretary at the May meeting.

  2. To be eligible for election to the Board, the nominee must:
    1. Meet all qualifications as defined in Article IV, Section 3.
    2. Understand responsibilities of the position as defined in Article IV, Section 6.

  3. In order to be elected to membership on the Intergroup Board, a nominee must be present at the election meetings and must receive a majority vote.
Section 5 - Term of Office
  1. Board members shall be elected to serve for a period of one (1) year, with the exception of the WS Conference Delegate(s) and the Region Representatives (RRs) who shall be elected for a two (2) year term.

  2. Board members shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms.

  3. After an interval of one (1) year, they may be again eligible for election.

  4. Upon election to the Board, members shall cease to be a representative of their group; and that group shall elect a new IR.
Section 6 - Responsibilities of the Intergroup Board
  1. Chairperson:
    1. Shall preside at all regular and special meetings of this Intergroup.
    2. Shall be responsible for establishing the agenda for all Intergroup.
    3. May cast the deciding vote to make or break a tie.
    4. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    5. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)
    6. Co-signs all checks posted by Treasurer
    7. Shall distribute keys to Intergroup Post Office Box.
    8. Shall insure all officers sign on/off bank account at time of elections.

  2. Vice Chairperson:
    1. Shall serve in the absence of the Chairperson.
    2. Shall assist the Chairperson whenever needed.
    3. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    4. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)
    5. May co-sign checks in chairperson's absense.

  3. Recording Secretary:
    1. Shall see that minutes are kept of all Intergroup meetings and that a copy of said minutes is printed and mailed to each IR. As a cooperative gesture, a copy of minutes may be sent to the Regional Trustee.
    2. Shall maintain a file of all minutes of past meetings.
    3. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    4. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)

  4. Corresponding Secretary:
    1. Shall direct correspondence to the appropriate officer or committee Chairperson and maintain a file of outgoing correspondence.
    2. Shall distribute notices of all meetings of the intergroup as described in Article V.
    3. Shall keep WSO informed of all changes to group information.
    4. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    5. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)

  5. Treasurer:
    1. Shall maintain a checking and savings account, if necessary, for dispersal of Intergroup funds.
    2. Shall submit financial reports each month at the Intergroup meetings.
    3. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Budget Committee.
    4. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    5. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)
    6. The Treasurer shall arrange for an independent audit of the account during the final month of each year.

  6. World Service Conference Delegate(s):
    1. Shall attend the World Service (WS) Conference of Overeaters Anonymous.
    2. Qualifications for selection of World Service delegate alternates shall be set by Intergroup except that minimum requirements found in OA, Inc., Bylaws Subpart B, Article X, Section 3c shall be met. Each delegate/alternate will have at least one (1) year of current abstinence and at least two (2) years of service above the group level.
    3. Each Intergroup is entitled to have one (1) qualified delegate for up to the first fifteen (15) groups it represents and one (1) for each fifteen (15) additional groups or any fraction thereof. A group will be recognized and represented by an Intergroup within its geographical area.
    4. Delegates and alternates should be selected at least one-hundred (120) days before the annual Conference, and the names forwarded immediately upon selection to the World Service Office.
    5. If Intergroup does not select its delegateslalternates or fails to inform the World Service Office before the annual meeting, such delegates and alternates may appear at the Conference with evidence of their due selection deemed credible by the trustees, and such delegates will be seated.
    6. Shall serve Overeaters Anonymous and the WS Conference until the following Conference.
    7. Shall serve no more that four (4) consecutive years, except for reasons to be decided by the group conscience of the Intergroup with respect to the delegates.
    8. Shall be willing to report, either orally or in writing as designated by the Intergroup, the actions of the Conference to all groups the Intergroup represents; to keep the Intergroup and represented groups aware of WSO information; to communicate important information to the area.
    9. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    10. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)

    (Note: OA experience seems to indicate that greater continuity for service is achieved when the WS Conference Delegate and the Regional Representative are the same person(s).)

  7. Regional Representative(s) (RRs):
    1. Shall attend all region assembly meetings.
    2. In all areas, the RR shall meet all qualifications and requirements as outlined in the Region 6 Bylaws.
    3. Shall have one (1) year current abstinence.
    4. Shall serve Overeaters Anonymous and Region 6 for the full term as designated by the Region Bylaws.
    5. Shall serve no more than four (4) consecutive years, except for reason to be decided by the group conscience of the Intergroup with respect to the RR.
    6. Shall be willing to report, either orally or in writing as designated by the Intergroup, the actions of the Region assembly to all groups they represent; to keep the Intergroup and represented groups aware of region information; to communicate important information to the area.
    7. May attend all standing committee meetings.
    8. May be removed after two (2) consecutive and unexcused absences from meetings of this Intergroup. (See Article IV, Section 7 - Vacancies.)

    (Note: OA experience seems to indicate that greater continuity for service is achieved when the WS Conference Delegate and the Regional Representative are the same person(s).)
Section 7 - Vacancies and Resignations
  1. If a member of the Intergroup Board fails to attend two (2) consecutive meetings without prior notice, his/her office may be declared vacant by a majority of those members present and voting.

  2. Any Board member may resign at any time for any reason by giving the Chairperson of the Intergroup written notice.

  3. Any Board member of this Intergroup may be removed from office by a twothirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the IRs at a special meeting announced for that purpose.

  4. Any Intergroup Officer who advises the Board that he/she has returned to compulsive eating will be deemed to have resigned as of the time of receipt of such notice by the board.

Section 8 - Filling of Vacancies
  1. Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote at that meeting in which the vacancy occurred, or at the next meeting or special meeting of the Intergroup. Such persons chosen to fill said vacancies shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

  2. A person chosen to fill any vacancy on the Board shall meet the qualifications as defined in Article IV, Section 2, and be aware of all responsibilities of that position as described and defined in Article IV.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section 1 - Regular Meetings
The Intergroup shall meet monthly at a time and place designated by a majority of the voting members.

Section 2 - Annual Meeting
An annual meeting shall be held in the month of September for the election of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Region 6 Delegate(s) and WS Delegate(s).

Section 3 - Special Meetings
A special meeting may be called at any time by a majority vote of the Intergroup Board by giving notice as prescribed in Article V, Section 4.

Section 4 - Method of Notification
Notification of all meetings shall consist of notices prepared by the Intergroup Corresponding Secretary and distributed to each group secretary and/or IR ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. Notification may also be made by placing an announcement in the Intergroup newsletter, if any, or by mail and at the prior Intergroup meeting.

Section 5 - Quorum
Those voting members present at any meeting of this Intergroup shall constitute a quorum for all proceedings of the Intergroup.

ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES

Section 1 - Standing Committees

The following standing committees may be established as required to carry out the purposes of Intergroup in the most effective and efficient manner.

Standing committees may include but not be limited to:

  1. Newsletter
  2. Literature/Lifeline
  3. Outreach
  4. Twelfth Step Within
  5. Budget
  6. Special Events (Retreats/Marathons)
  7. Bylaws
  8. Professional Community & Institutions
  9. Cassett/Tape Library
  10. Other committees, standing or special, deemed necessary to carry on special work

Section 2 - Committee Appointments
The Board shall designate such committees as are deemed necessary for the welfare and operation of the Intergroup. The Chairperson shall appoint a committee Chairperson from those IRs present who meet IR qualifications. Any OA member present, meeting IR qualifications, may be appointed to chair a standing committee with approval of the established quorum.

Section 3 - Committee Procedures
Each standing committee may prescribe its own rules for calling and holding meetings and its method of procedures, subject to the guidelines of The Twelve Traditions of OA.

Section 4 - Committee Responsibility
Each standing committee Chairperson shall submit a written report to the Intergroup, preferably monthly, but at least quarterly and at the end of any specific event coordinated by that committee.

If any monies are expended, a detailed and itemized report shall be included with the report.

Section 5 - Ex-officio Members
Past committee Chairperson may serve in an ex-officio capacity in their respective committees.

Section 6 - Committee Bank Account
  1. If it is deemed necessary by the Board that a committee shall open a bank account, the following procedures shall be followed:
    1. The committee Chairperson and the Treasurer of the Intergroup shall be cosigners on the account.
    2. The committee Chairperson shall keep all financial records and shall present a detailed, itemized report of transactions to the Intergroup one (1) month following any event for which monies were expended.
    3. The committee Chairperson shall arrange for an audit of the account during the final month of each year. The audit shall take place at the same time as the audit for the general account of the Intergroup.
Section 7 - Vacancies
Should a vacancy, resignation or removal occur in any standing committee, all pertinent information shall be turned over to the Intergroup Chairperson. The Chairperson shall then appoint a new committee Chairperson to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

ARTICLE VII - SOURCE OF FUNDS

Section 1 - Source of Funds
  1. Voluntary contributions of the member groups shall be the primary source of funds.

  2. Secondary source of income may be such occasional projects or activities as may be authorized by the Intergroup according to Tradition Six.

  3. The Intergroup may accept donations from OA members, conforming with the general practice of OA.

  4. The maximum allowable annual donation to the Intergroup by OA members is to be limited to one thousand dollars ($1,000).

    The acceptance of bequests or donations from any outside source is prohibited.

  5. The Intergroup shall not accept the responsibility for trusteeship over, or enter into the distribution or allocation of funds set up outside of Overeaters Anonymous.
Section 2
There shall be no accumulation of funds beyond current necessities, with retention of only a prudent reserve for contingencies. Funds in excess will be donated to Region No. Six and the World Service Office on a regular basis as directed by the Intergroup.

ARTICLE VIII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern this Intergroup in all cases to which they are applicable and I which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws, The Twelve Traditions, or any special rules of order this Intergroup may adopt.

ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS TO THESE BYLAWS

Section 1
These Bylaws may be amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the IRs and Board members present at any regular or special meeting of the Intergroup, provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing and received by each group affiliated with this Intergroup at least twenty (20) days prior to the meeting in which action is to be taken on the amendment.

ARTICLE X - MAJOR POLICY MATTERS

Section 1
Matters which affect this Intergroup and/or groups within its service area shall be referred to the Board of this Intergroup. Matters which relate to Overeaters Anonymous as a whole shall be referred to the World Service Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION

Section 1
Upon the dissolution of this association, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the association, the remaining assets shall be distributed to the World Service Office of Overeaters Anonymous, or a non-profit fund, association, foundation or Corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, education or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its taxexempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2
No part of the net earnings of this association shall ever inure to or be used for the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the association shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payment and distribution in furtherance of the express purposes for which it is formed.

**Intergroups outside of the United States should consult local authorities.**

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
GREATER SYRACUSE OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS INTERGROUP

The undersigned, a majority of whom are citizens of the United States, desiring to form a Non-Profit Corporation under the Non-Profit Corporation Law of New York, do hereby certify:

FIRST: The name of the Corporation shall be Greater Syracuse Overeaters Anonymous Intergroup.

SECOND: The place in this state where the principal office of the Corporation is to be located is the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County.

THIRD:The specific and primary purpose of this Corporation is to aid those with the problem of compulsive eating overcome that problem; and the general purpose and power is to promote the public health, and to work with and furnish charitable and cultural assistance to those with the problem of obesity.

Said Corporation is organized exclusively and irrevocably dedicated to religious, charitable, scientific, or hospital purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

FOURTH: The names and addresses of the persons who are the initial directors of the Corporation are as follows:

Name Address
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________

FIFTH: No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Third hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or interfere in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

(If reference to Federal Law in Articles of Incorporation imposes a limitation that is invalid in your state, as in California, you may wish to substitute the following for the last sentence of the preceding paragraph: "Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this Corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this Corporation.")

SIXTH: Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the Corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Board of Directors shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the Corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto subscribed our names this

___day of 20___

__________________________________________
Director

__________________________________________
Director

Greater Syracuse OA Bylaws (0612000)