​Regional Representative

What is a Regional Representative?
Regional Representatives are the link between the local group and the regional level. They bring concerns and issues to the region for discussion and bring back to their groups information from the region. 

Each Intergroup is entitled to one Regional Representative (RR) for every ten (10) groups (or portion of) affiliated with its Intergroup. Each Unaffiliated Group is entitled to one RR. Travel expenses, meals and other accommodations for Region 2 Assemblies are the responsibility of the group or Intergroup represented.

​Each group or Intergroup selects its RR in any manner it chooses as long as it stays within the framework of the Twelve Steps. the Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA Service. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Attend Regional Assemblies – you or your Alternate should be present during all business sessions. 
2. Verify that the Region has the correct names and addresses for RR’s from your Intergroup. Inform the Region of any changes of RR, Alternate or Intergroup mailing address, and phone number(s). Region 2 - P & P Manual Amended Oct. 26-27, 2013 Page 3 of 16 
3. Notify the Publications Coordinator when you are no longer an RR (at least 60 days prior to an assembly) and pass on the R2 Assembly booklet of R2 Assembly minutes, agenda, donations, etc. to your Intergroup for the new RR. 
4. Provide any R2 Board member with written information about upcoming events for inclusion in the R2 Master Calendar or by utilizing the “add an event” feature on the R2 website, which is preferable. 
5. Provide the R2 publications Coordinator with Intergroup newsletters and flyers about upcoming events. 
6. Share Intergroup newsletters and flyers with other RRs. 
7. Keep your area informed of happenings in the Region and OA as a whole. Regional Assemblies are used as an interface between WSO and the Intergroup and Unaffiliated Groups. If the information stops at the R2 Assembly, the lines of communication are broken. 
8. Serve on an R2 Committee and take an active part in the activities of the Regional Assemblies. 
9. Voice the group conscience of the Intergroup you represent but know that you are responsible to the Region and OA as a whole. What works in one area may not be best for the Region as a whole. 
10. Know and understand the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of OA Service. Help them to be implemented in your Intergroup area. Group problems with the Traditions and Concepts should be brought to the attention of the parties involved or to the Region 2 Trustee/Board if additional help is needed. 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register to attend an assembly?
Registration information is sent to your intergroup and is also available on-line. The cost for registration includes a speaker lunch on Saturday. It is important that you register in advance, so that you receive materials you will need to bring to the assembly. 

How many reps can our intergroup send?
Each Intergroup is entitled to one Regional Representative (RR) for every ten (10) groups (or portion of) affiliated with its Intergroup. Each Unaffiliated Group is entitled to one RR. If your intergroup is entitled to send more reps, encourage them to send as many as possible. The more representation, the better we can carry the message. Full participation of all Intergroups assures a strong, effective Region, and Regional Assemblies assure the group conscience of each Intergroup may be heard.

What are the qualifications to be a rep?
Each group or Intergroup selects its RR in any manner it chooses as long as it stays within the framework of the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions. 

What do I need to bring to an assembly?
Your experience, strength and hope, and an open mind are most important. You also need to bring the Assembly Packet, which we will email to you in advance. We suggest you print out a hard copy so that you can fill in information and take notes while at the assembly. This has all the information you need to review prior to the assembly, including motions that will be voted on, reports, agenda, etc. 

What if I’m the rep but I can’t attend assembly?
Do whatever you can to ensure representation for your intergroup: ask your alternate to attend, consult with your intergroup for other members who may be able to attend in your place. 

Who pays my expenses to attend assemblies?
Travel expenses, meals and other accommodations for Region 2 Assemblies are the responsibility of the group or Intergroup you represent. Some intergroups hold special fundraisers. You can also save costs by sharing rooms and transportation among your reps or with reps of other intergroups. Note that some assistance is available from Region 2 for financially-challenged intergroups. These include IFAP funding (based on mileage to the assembly), Scholarship programs, and special funding for Hawaii and Mexico. Please see the Assemblies section for more information.

Do I need to work on a committee?
All reps are encouraged to select a committee they want to work with. During the assembly meeting, all reps will break into committee groups for designated periods of time to work on committee ideas and projects. This is a valuable way to do service, and get ideas you can bring back to your intergroup. 

What about lunch?
There is a speaker lunch on Saturday, and your costs are covered by your registration fee. 

​What about the Friday night show?
Come to the Friday night show if at all possible, to start getting to know other reps, benefit from a recovery experience, have fun and get a great start to the assembly. There is also a Saturday night speaker events for reps and OA members. 

What are the business meetings like?
The business meeting is run according to Robert’s Rules of Order and is based on the agenda determined by the Region 2 Chair. Items of business include motions to vote on, budget issues, committee sessions, old and new business for the region, an Ask-It-Basket where you can submit questions, an Intergroup Concerns session where you can bring up issues related to your intergroup, and a Saturday workshop which offers recovery on a special area of interest (past topics have included diversity, meditation, service, etc.) 

When do I need to be there?
 it’s very important that you attend the new rep orientation held before the assembly (see Assembly section for time). At this orientation, you will get the information and answers you need for your first assembly experience. 

What if I want to do more service at the Region level?
GREAT question! Consider becoming a board member, or Trustee. Region 2 depends on service to keep OA strong in our area. Board descriptions and qualifications can be found in the Assemblies section. Election of Region officers takes place at the final R2 Assembly of each calendar year. The selection of Trustee nominees is done at the last R2 Assembly of the year for their presentation for election at World Service Business Conference in May during its electoral year.