Anonymity within OA
THE TWELFTH TRADITION OF OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
Anonymity is the foundation of Overeaters Anonymous and of all Twelve-Step
programs.
Anonymity means we never talk about who, besides ourselves,
is a member of OA without their permission.
I am the only person who
can identify myself as a member of OA.
Anonymity assures me that I
can speak without fear; whatever I say will never leave this room.
If
we choose to identify ourselves at a meeting, we only use our first names.
Ours is a progressive and fatal disease if not treated. If fear of gossip
keeps anyone from attending meetings, the
result could be fatal. So, strict confidentiality must be adhered to at all
times.
This is why we say:
WHO YOU SEE HERE
WHAT YOU HEAR HERE
WHEN YOU LEAVE
HERE
LET IT STAY HERE!
-D.H., Brainerd, Minnesota USA, Lifeline, January 1996