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2025 Mid-term Report

****WORLD SERVICE CONTACT****

Please read the letter from our Chair at your next business meeting. Make copies available at in-person meetings or share a link to the Mid-Term report (which can be found via the FA website’s search engine) at virtual meetings.

Letter from our Chair (Jen N.)

Dear Fellows,

I am grateful to share this 2025 Mid‑Term Report, reflecting the work of World Service from July through December 2025. This period has been one of steady progress, thoughtful transition, and deep commitment to our primary purpose—carrying the message to the still suffering food addict.

A significant area of focus has been organizational sustainability. The FA Office is the heartbeat of our organization and continues to strengthen the systems that support our fellowship. This has included expanding technology and newcomer support, as well as transitioning away from a physical office toward fully digital operations. Additionally, the team conducted a census and survey to help inform our broader efforts. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it is essential to ensuring that FA remains accessible, reliable, and responsive.

Committees across World Service made meaningful contributions during this term. We held a successful Fellowship Convention and are in advanced planning for our 2026 World Service Business Convention. Numerous motions have been submitted and are under discussion through EAI, WAI, and the Bylaws Committee. Literature development and translation continued in multiple languages, Connection magazine expanded its offerings, meeting and service group support grew through eForums and updated resources, and Public Information efforts were refocused to better reach newcomers and professionals. Our Traditions work continued to provide spiritual clarity and guidance, helping keep FA grounded in its principles.

As always, our ability to serve depends on the dedication of trusted servants and the financial support of our members. I am deeply grateful to all who give their time, energy, and Seventh Tradition contributions to sustain this work.

Abstinence is the most important form of service however, as we approach our World Service Business Convention, I invite you to join a committee or many of the convention specific roles. Your participation matters, and together we can continue to strengthen FA for the future.

With gratitude,

Jen N.
Chair, World Service Board
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

OFFICER REPORTS

Vice Chair Report (Stacy T.)

The Vice Chair serves on the World Service Board (WSB), is a member of the Executive Committee, and oversees the Inquiry Response, Meeting Guidelines, Personnel, and WSI Technology committees. The Vice Chair also co-chairs Organizational Sustainability Task Force.

Inquiry Response Committee (IRC)
- Switched committee chairs after many years. Thank you for your tireless service Jamie M.! Norma Jean P.is now our committee chair.
- Addressed over two dozen inquiries and concerns brought to the committee.
- Continued to meet as needed periodically to discuss and address challenges and concerns brought to FA’s attention.

Meeting Guidelines Committee (MGC)
- Clarified the process around the formation of a Meeting Format Subcommittee so when/if a format motion is passed by the conference and needs substantial edits, there is a process the MGC will follow to meet that need.
- Continued to meet as needed periodically to address meeting guidelines-related issues and opportunities.
- Continued to maintain and update all meeting guidelines documents.
- Started a log of inquiries received and responses sent to members on issues pertaining to meeting guidelines documents.
- In the process of adding an in-person German language meeting format to the website.
- Deirdre H. stepped down as MGC chair but will remain on the committee and continue to do document/website updates. Stacy T. will take over as chair for now.

Organizational Sustainability Task Force (OSTF)
- Continued to meet monthly and as needed to review, discuss, and address the prioritized organizational challenges and opportunities identified by the WSB.
- Currently working through our process for communicating recommendations, questions, and next steps to the WSB.

Personnel Committee (PC)
- Continued to meet as needed periodically to update and refine our personnel documents, policies, and procedures, as well as support the FA office and Office Committee Chair, as needed.

WSI Technology Committee (Tech Team)
- Continued meeting monthly to support the fellowship, WSB, intergroups, chapters, and the FA office with tech-related matters.
- Continued offering monthly Tech Office Hours with steady participation and cross-regional volunteer coverage.
- Improved coordination with WSI, EAI, and WAI through ongoing intergroup tech check-ins.
- Completed updates to the Tech Committee landing page on foodaddicts.org (navigation improvements, outdated FAQs removed).
- Updated the Zoom bombing prevention page to reflect current best practices.
- Began reviewing and revising the Tech Committee Manual and related documentation (tech roles, abstinence requirements, resource links).
- Discussed creating a shared committee contact email/distro for improved security and centralized communication.
- Continued monitoring and responding to tech-related emails and voicemails directed to the FA office or the committee.
- Advanced development of Seventh Tradition “how-to” videos (QR codes, treasurer guidance, IRA distributions).
- Drafted a strategy for regular newsletter blurbs and “tech tip” content to raise awareness and attract new volunteers.
- Partnered with Convention Planning to assess technology needs for the 2026 Business Convention (Zoom, voting mechanisms, A/V setup).
- Consulted with the Inquiry Response Committee on anonymity guidance related to Zoom’s AI-transcription features.
- Proposed exploring a required technology contact or role in meeting registration to strengthen ongoing tech support and accountability.

Treasurer Report (Patricia W.)

At the 2025 Business Convention, we shared both encouraging news and financial concerns. The new hybrid format allowed many more members to participate and vote at the WSBC, which was a great success. However, it also cost more than expected and resulted in a financial loss. At the same time, we reported that donations from meetings and individuals had been declining, which could affect FA’s long-term financial stability.

The fellowship heard this message and responded generously. So far, this fiscal year, donations have increased:

Meeting donations: up 28.6%
Individual recurring donations: up 7.8%
Individual one-time donations: down 38.9%
Total increase in donations: $25,788

A large part of the increase in meeting donations reflects a change made by the Eastern Area Intergroup, which now encourages meetings to send 75% of their excess funds to World Service rather than the previous 50%.

The October Fellowship Convention was well attended, and thanks to thoughtful planning and careful spending, it brought in $6,530 more than it cost, providing a welcome boost to FA’s finances.

Expenses for the first six months are in line with expectations. The Operations Director and Office Manager continue to manage costs carefully, streamline operations, and improve services to the fellowship and newcomers.

How You Can Continue to Support FA

The best way to ensure that the FA can continue to provide excellent services and represent FA to the general public is through ongoing financial support.

The most effective way to support World Service is to set up a recurring donation on the FA website.
Other helpful ways to support FA include:
- Subscribing to The Connection magazine
- Increasing your meeting donation if you are able and encouraging meetings to send unused funds to World Service and their intergroup or chapter
- Encouraging sponsees and fellows to donate regularly to World Service
- Encouraging video conference meetings to accept electronic donations

Other News

The World Service Board Service appointed a special committee to explore ways to increase donations, strengthen and clarify messages to members about the ongoing need to support World Service, and ensure a consistent message about donations across FA materials, including literature, the website, meeting formats, and online forums.
The June 30, 2025 financial statements have been reviewed by FA’s Certified Public Accountant, and the annual tax returns have been prepared. Both will soon be available on the FA website:
- https://www.foodaddicts.org/wsi-financial-statements
- https://www.foodaddicts.org/wsi-tax-returns

Thank you for your continued financial support. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and provides the financial foundation that makes all the accomplishments described in this report possible by supporting the people, systems, and services that keep FA functioning and growing. When we each give what we can, none of us has to give more than we can.

If you have any questions, please contact treasurer@foodaddicts.org

WSI COMMITTEE REPORTS

Bylaws Committee (Risa K.)

Description of Committee

The Bylaws Committee maintains and clarifies the WSI bylaws, standing rules of order, and procedural manuals for the WSB, WSI committees, and WSC members. The committee proposes motions to modify the WSI bylaws and the standing rules of order and reviews any motions concerning these documents coming from outside the committee in preparation for each year’s World Service Business Convention (WSBC).

Chair’s Report

In the months of July through December 2025, the Bylaws Committee accomplished the following tasks:

Drafted motions that may be presented at the 2026 WSBC.
Remained in contact with other potential motion makers so as to stay current with any motions to come through WSI Committees, intergroups or the chapter. One motion is currently in progress from a WSI Committee. EAI is considering four motions brought by meetings. WAI is considering two motions brought by meetings and the Maine chapter is considering two motions brought by meetings.
Worked on updates to the WSC Member Manual, the WSI Bylaws Committee Manual, and the WSB Manual.
Communicated with intergroup and chapter chairs to inform them of deadlines for submission of motions.
Created a historical list of updates to the WSI bylaws.

Connection Committee (Sharon C.)

Description of Committee

The Connection committee publishes 10 issues each year, filled with beautiful art and real stories by food addicts who have found recovery through Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA).

Chair Report

This term, our committee has met on a regular basis, and works as a team to ensure timely creation and publication of each issue of the magazine. We continue to discuss ways to increase 1) art and article submissions, 2) subscriptions, and 3) committee members. Additionally:

The digital version of Connection has been converted to a user friendly version on the website, rather than the previous PDF version that was hard to [manipulate] on videoconference calls. Use of ISSUU, the company used for the digital subscription, was terminated as part of creating the user-friendly version. We saved over $500 and avoided a significant cost increase for the next year.
Working with the FA office to determine the future of the “Stories of Recovery” on the FA website.
Due to low article submission numbers, column headings have been removed, making article selection easier for the article draft team.
Document 7 and Committee Manual updates for 2026 are complete.

Vice Chair Report (Angie R.)

The vice chair works closely with the chair and Admin subcommittee chair, leads committee meetings in the chair's absence, and serves as the Connection Rep Contact.

Four Connection Rep calls were held this term, with 8-10 reps in attendance on each call. Sending email from the office to reps directly will hopefully increase attendance.
The newest resource for Connection reps is the Your Step-By-Step as Connection Rep document. It is provided at the monthly meeting and on the FA events calendar. The document includes all information Connection reps need to fulfill this service position, which has allowed us to simplify the Connection rep webpage.
The vice chair is overseeing a new indexing project with hopes that subscribers will be able to do keyword searches at some point.

Subcommittee Reports

Art Subcommittee (Anna B., Subcommittee Chair)

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

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:

Article classifications were changed. The last page may now contain a lighten up, or just a short article of recovery.
We received 104 submissions in 2025 but not all were articles that align with our mission
We published 90 stories in 2025
The new indexing project will operate under this subcommittee.

Writing Sessions Subcommittee (Susan F., Subcommittee Chair)

In 2025, three writing and art sessions were included as part of Fellowship and Support Day events. These were hosted and led by local FA members using materials (a slide deck and facilitator guidelines) developed and provided by the Writing Sessions Subcommittee.

On April 27, the EAI Maine Chapter held its Support Day, which included an art and writing session.
August 17, the Owego, NY Fellowship Day included a Connection Writing session.
On September 21, at the PA Fellowship Day, FA members participated in a Connection Writing session.

Admin Subcommittee (Kim H., Subcommittee Chair)

Took monthly minutes and distributed to committee
Reviewed financial expenses
Documented workflow for production schedule
Created Google forms:
- Connection Rep attendance at monthly meetings
- Committee application to attract new committee members
- Notable & Quotable (N&Q) to collect reader responses to various recovery related questions, as an attempt to make Connection more interactive.
Helped convert digital issues to user-friendly versions
Post monthly digital issues to website

Convention Planning Committee (Cayce K., Chair)

Description of Committee

Convention Planning Committee organizes FA’s business convention, held yearly, as well as a fellowship convention, typically held every other year.

Fellowship Convention 2025 Recap

On October 17 - 19, 2025 we hosted our Fellowship Convention at the Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ. This Convention was a special occasion as it was the second time we have had a Fellowship Convention in this warm and sunny location. What a wonderful time for all of us to be together again!
Nearly four hundred members and their guests attended from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Sharing sessions included themes such as “One Day at Time: Living in the Moment and Gratitude in Difficult Times: Finding the Gifts in Challenges” and members with 15+ years of abstinence also shared on Sunday.
Other events included FA member-lead creative art sessions, yoga & essential oils, and guided meditation, the recording of 4 new podcasts, yoga, water volleyball, karaoke, live entertainment, and a lively dance party!
Location details and more information for the next Fellowship Convention will be announced at the 2026 World Service Business Convention in May.

2026 Business Convention

Planning is underway for the 2026 World Service Business Convention to be held at the Doubletree Inn in Danvers, MA from May 29 - 31, 2026.
Registration for the Business Convention will open January 15, 2026, and will remain open through April 28, 2026 at 11:59PM PST. No refunds will be offered after this date. After this deadline you can register on site but will not be able to purchase a food plan.
The deadline for World Service Conference (WSC) member registration, submission of motions, and applications for Board positions is February 28, 2026 at 11:59PM PST.
Additional details about the 2025 Business Convention can be found on the Business Convention page of the FA website.
We look forward to gathering together! Please contact convention@foodaddicts.org if you have any questions or would like to be involved!

Literature Committee (Karyn K., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Literature Committee oversees the ideation, creation, development, translation and maintenance of pamphlets, booklets, books, audio recordings, and other FA literature used within the FA fellowship (except Connection magazine, the PI Kit, and any newsletter produced by a WSI committee).

Chair’s Mid-Term Report

The Literature Committee advanced projects as prioritized through 2029-30 and worked diligently to keep FA literature easily available. This included recording at least two audio recordings each month, publishing the 2025 conference-approved Some Thoughts on Sponsoring booklet as well as recording sessions at the 2025 Business Convention and the Fellowship Convention. Translation work, including print and web-based literature, non-English language webpages and meeting formats, continued in at least six languages.

Subcommittee Reports

Audio Recording Subcommittee (Maude)

Continued to use the Speaker Recommendation form to fuel the pipeline of speakers
On average, recorded two podcasts per month; four during the 2025 Business Convention and four during the 2025 Fellowship Convention
Recorded one podcast in Russian, one in Spanish
Made plans to record two podcasts in German in 2025 and started a German podcast team
Posted the 2024 recording of ‘Why We Do What We Do’ for WSI Service Group Support
Began podcast transcriptions for FA Podcast Blog

Operations Subcommittee (Kelly M.)

Arranged for re-printing (with small edits ) Large Print FA Book (English)

Arranged for design, proofreading, edits, printing, and loading to the FA website:

L-21 Undereating? Underweight? Purging? (English- Conference approved June 2024)
L-14 Thoughts on Sponsoring (English - printed and now for sale in FA Store)
L-16 Living Abstinently (English)
LS-03 ¿Tiene problemas en controlar su forma de comer? (Are You Having Trouble with the Way You Eat?) (Spanish - updated, printed and now for sale in FA Store)
LS-04 Solo por Hoy (Just for Today) (Spanish - printed and now for sale in FA Store)
LG-05 Antes de tomar ese bocado (Before You Take That Bite) (Spanish- printed and now for sale in FA Store)
LS-18 Adiccion a la comida y la solucion de FA (Food Addiction and the FA Solution) (Spanish- printed and now for sale in FA Store)

Translation Subcommittee (Chris B.)

Languages in alphabetical order:

FRENCH:
- FA Videoconference Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated, reviewed and uploaded to FA website by Meeting Guidelines Committee Chair
- Translation of flyer Living Abstinently (LF-16) - translated, reviewed, passed on to designer first week of December
- First Two Chapters of the FA book (LF-19) - translated, reviewed and ready for submission end of December 2025
- Food addiction and the FA solution (LF-18) - translated, reviewed and ready for submission mid December 2025
- Before you take that Bite (LF-05) - translation to commence January 2026
- Podcast recording in French: three French speaking FA members have been contacted regarding the recording
GERMAN:
- FA Videoconference Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated and uploaded to FA website by Meeting Guidelines Committee Chair
- FA In-Person Meeting Format (Document 4) translation process ongoing
- Two German podcasts recorded, reviewed and in submission process for uploading on FA website
- Before you take that Bite (LG-05) translated, reviewed and awaiting design stage
- Living abstinently (LG-16) translated, reviewed and awaiting design stage
- First Two Chapters of the FA book (LG-19) translated, reviewed and awaiting design stage
GREEK:
- FA Video conference Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated
ITALIAN:
- FA Video conference Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated and uploaded to FA website by Meeting Guidelines Committee Chair
- Food Addiction and the FA Solution (LI-18) - translated, reviewed, awaiting design stage
- Before you Take that Bite (LI-05) - translated, reviewed, awaiting design stage
- Twenty Questions (LI-02) - translated, reviewed, awaiting design stage
- First two chapters of the FA book (LI-19) translated, reviewed, awaiting design stage
- Just for Today - translated, reviewed, awaiting design stage
RUSSIAN:
- Brief background information: the key driver and leader of the Russian team had to give up her position due to severe health issues, a new team has got to be established and until then ongoing projects are on hold
- Support regarding FA podcast
- FA Video conference Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated - to be submitted for uploading by the end of February 2026
- FA In-Person Meeting Format (Document 4c) translated - to be submitted for uploading by the end of February 2026
- Translation of Living abstinently (LR-16) completed - to be submitted for uploading by the end of February 2026
- Translation of the First 2 Chapters of the FA book (LR-19) - work in progress

SPANISH:
- FA Video conference Meeting Format (Document 4c) - bilingual and Spanish version uploaded to FA website by Meeting Guidelines Committee Chair
- Some Thoughts on Sponsoring (LS-14), 2025 version, translated, reviewed and submitted
- First 2 Chapters of FA book (LS-19) translated, reviewed and submitted
- Evaluation of further podcast recording possibilities by Spanish speaking FA members with 5 or more years of continuous abstinence
- Overweight? Obese? Overeating? There is a Solution - translation to commence spring 2026

The Writing and Editing Subcommittee (Deborah F.)

Gained Conference-approval at 2025 Business Convention for rewrite of Some Thoughts on Sponsoring
Working concurrently on three pamphlets:
- Mental Health and medication in FA recovery
- FA Slogans pamphlet
- Traveling With the FA Program

Office Committee (Julie B., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Office Committee (OC) is a resource to the fellowship, the World Service Board (WSB), World Service committees, Intergroups, and Chapters. The OC oversees the World Service Office (WSO), which employs administrative staff, maintains records of all financial transactions, manages the technological infrastructure, and serves as the main point of contact for inquiries from the public and newcomers to FA.

Chair’s Report

The FA Office has focused this term on modernizing our systems, improving data collection, and supporting key fellowship initiatives. Our work has centered on streamlining operations, enhancing communication across committees, and laying the groundwork for more accurate fellowship data and sustainable infrastructure. The following report summarizes progress in several significant areas, including the FA Survey and Census, office transition, literature repricing, convention support, and new digital outreach efforts.

Here are a few highlights of the Office Committee’s accomplishments over the last six months:

FA Survey & Census

Convened a committee to redesign the FA Survey to capture new demographic trends within the fellowship better.
Successfully launched the updated survey and collected 1160 responses.
Developed the online infrastructure for the upcoming FA Census, which will measure member participation across all FA meetings in a given week.
Completed census of all FA meetings and counted 4215 FA members.

Physical Office

Began the process of closing the physical FA office, including notifying building management, researching storage solutions, and planning for the disposal or relocation of physical assets.
Collaborated with the Finance Committee to establish a formal Document Retention Policy.
Sorted and categorized physical documents for either retention or disposal in line with the new policy.
Obtained a PO Box for all incoming mail and updated FA’s official mailing address accordingly.

Literature Repricing

Partnered with the WSB Treasurer to review pricing across all FA literature to ensure long-term sustainability of printing and distribution costs.
Implemented revised prices and communicated these changes to the fellowship.

Convention

Supported the Fellowship Convention through management of registration, payment processing, document printing, website content, surveys, and email communication.
Collaborated with the Personnel Committee to finalize the job description for the Convention Administrator role and posted the listing to the fellowship.
Assisted the Convention Committee by providing data and support for the 2026 Business Convention budget.

FA Podcast Blog

Partnered with the Literature Chair to develop an audience acquisition strategy for the FA Podcast.
Launched the new FA Podcast Blog to increase awareness of Food Addiction and promote the FA program.
Provided training to members of the Literature Committee and Podcast Committee on updating and maintaining the blog.

Next Steps

In the remainder of the term, the Office will continue shifting toward fully digital operations as the physical office winds down. Key priorities ahead include: completing physical storage and document consolidation, onboarding a Convention Administrator (pending hiring), and expanding data-driven support to committees. We remain committed to building systems that are sustainable, transparent, and responsive to the fellowship's evolving needs.

Public Information Committee (Shoshana M. Chair June-November, Joanna A., Chair beginning November 2025)

Description of Committee and 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. 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 and virtual programs to PI Representatives and the fellowship
Maintain PI materials on the FA website PI sections

Chair’s Report

Reorganized our subcommittees (for now) into three priority areas: 1) Information Sessions (with the intent to revisit all existing materials and revisit the approach to be more geared toward the newcomer and others who have not heard of FA), 2) Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) (with the intent to focus on the medical community) and 3) Social Media Engagement.
The committee decided to let two subcommittees (Media & Press Relations and PI Mentoring and Coaching) remain dormant for now, as we revisit our priorities and try to get more members engaged in PI service at the WSB level.
Short term goals:
- Looking at the information session format and approach to determine the best way to reach the newcomer through information sessions,
- Reaching the medical community, and
- Spreading awareness through social media.

Long term goals:
- Developing a strategic plan for the committee,
- Revising the committee manual,
- Reviewing and correcting the website to ensure materials are up to date and relevant, and
- Develop new or rejuvenate preexisting PI efforts with the intent to spread the message of FA recovery more broadly.

Subcommittee Updates

Writing and Editing Subcommittee

Role: Review, update and draft PI content and make recommendations to the PI committee on the creation of new materials and revision or withdrawal of existing content.

Currently reviewing the letter to the healthcare professional.

Cooperation with the Professional Community

Role: Review, update and draft current PR materials for healthcare and other professionals, present methods for individuals and groups to build relationships and educate health care and other professionals and assist with inquiries from these professionals.

The subcommittee will be reviewing AA materials to familiarize themselves with how AA currently reaches medical professionals.
Current focus will be on reaching medical professionals, developing power point presentation, and revisiting use of professionally produced video presentation.

Social Media Engagement

Role: Provide oversight of official FA public information activities on social media and educate the fellowship regarding specific anonymity requirements for social media.

Using content from the FA book and other FA literature to publish as quotes on social media.
Canva was purchased and the FA office created templates for slides to be used on Facebook (posts twice per week on Wednesday & Sunday)
Subcommittee was taking an inventory of the links on Web Links to update where FA is linked to schools, EAPS and other professional sites (this is being discontinued)
Moving forward we will be linking our current FB page with an Instagram account
We will use the Meta Suites data collections to determine when are the best times to post and how to spread the message farther than just FB.

Service Group Support Committee (Regina M., Chair)

Description of Committee

The Service Group Support Committee (SGSC) supports local service groups (LSG), chapters and intergroups. The SGSC Chair is the liaison between the service groups and the WSI Board.

Chair’s Report

This Interim report highlights work and events from July 2025-December 2025.
The core committee had a change in membership. We welcomed Thelma W., as WAI Chair of the SGS committee and Tricia H., as EAI Chair of the SGS committee. We also welcomed Kathryn W., as a committee member.
The Chair continues to liaison with the Eastern Area Intergroup (EAI) Chair and the Western Area Intergroup (WAI) Chair. This helps foster communication between the WSB and Intergroups.
The SGSC Committee hosted a Global call in November of 2025, in which three members shared their experience in forming an LSG, their decision making process on events to do, and sustaining the LSG for the long haul. It was a productive meeting and the meeting minutes will be uploaded to the website.
The committee is spearheading a move with assistance from the FA office to transition the LSG’s from the use of Bulletin Boards to dedicated webpages on the FA website. The LSG’s are looking forward to this exciting change.
The committee is working on an update to the LSG guidelines and will be posted when approved by the WSB.
The LSG’s hosted many fellowship days and health fairs over the last six months, too many to post here! The SGSC committee is grateful to the members for building community in this way. All Fellowship Days are posted to the Events calendar, so look there for upcoming information in 2026.

Traditions Review Committee (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 enables the person(s) to deal with the situation or the other person(s) involved.

Chair’s Report

From July, 2025-December, 2025, the TRC received 2 inquiries at traditions@foodaddicts.org. The inquiries were responded to by the TRC chair, and were also discussed by the full TRC. The TRC received several inquiries that were not Traditions related and those were sent to various committees. Questions about any of these inquiries may be directed to traditions@foodaddicts.org.

Responded by Chair:

Special Composition Meetings

2. Trifolds - Including Meetings

Detailed inquiries and responses can be found on the FA website by clicking on For Members then Traditions Review then TRC Index (traditions review committee index)

Explanation of the Traditions Project

In response to AA’s position on not changing the long form of the traditions the Traditions Review Committee developed an in-depth explanation of our Traditions which has been sent to the Office for inclusion on the FA Website.

FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS (IN DEPTH) EXPLANATION OF OUR TRADITIONS

TRADITION ONE --- UNITY

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on FA unity.

Each FA member is an integral part of FA. Our program of recovery must continue to exist or certainly many of us will die. Because of this, we must, at times, relinquish our own wishes to those of the group. How do we decide what is best for the group? See tradition two.

TRADITION TWO --- GROUP CONSCIENCE and AUTHORITY

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.

Our higher power is expressed in the decisions made by group conscience. Whether at the meeting level or at the annual business convention, group conscience determines our direction.

TRADITION THREE --- MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT

The only requirement for FA membership is a desire to stop eating addictively.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is open to all who seek recovery from food addiction. At all times we strive to be considerate of the suffering food addict who is attending a meeting for the first time. All are welcome.

TRADITION FOUR --- MEETING AUTONOMY

Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or FA as a whole.

FA meeting groups are autonomous, but only to the degree that their decisions do not affect other FA groups or FA as a whole. If a meeting group’s decision may impact another FA group, the affected group or the trustees of the World Service Board should be consulted. Decisions that may affect FA as a whole are always made by the World Service Conference (the voting members at the FA World Service Business Convention).

TRADITION FIVE --- PRIMARY PURPOSE

Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the food addict who still suffers.

The purpose of each FA group is spiritual in nature – to carry the message that there is hope for recovery from food addiction. One day at a time, food addicts are able to live happy, healthy lives in healthy-sized bodies. As we focus on our recovery, we develop the strength to carry the message of recovery to food addicts who are unaware that a solution exists.

TRADITION SIX --- AFFILIATION

An FA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the FA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

Because FA does not own real estate, all FA meetings are held at locations owned or managed by outside enterprises, whether in-person or virtual. We have an obligation to donate to these outside enterprises (see Tradition 7), but we must be careful not to endorse any facility or outside enterprise. An FA group may cooperate with such venues, but such cooperation ought never go so far as affiliation or endorsement, actual or implied.

TRADITION SEVEN --- SELF-SUPPORTING

Every FA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

FA groups accept no outside donations. This includes not accepting services such as free copies, free rent for meeting spaces, or free baby-sitting from entities outside of FA. We accept FA donations only from FA members. Even within FA, our bylaws limit the amount of donations any one member may make so that no FA member may claim grounds to exercise undue influence over the program as a whole. In addition, we have a practice of poverty. No FA meeting should accumulate funds beyond a prudent reserve.

TRADITION EIGHT --- NONPROFESSIONAL

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.

No FA member or group should ever accept payment for 12th-Step work. We may hire professionals, including FA members, for specific jobs such as professional editing or design, managing our website, and providing legal advice to the trustees of FA.

TRADITION NINE --- SERVICE BOARDS

FA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

Rotation of leadership is a key spiritual principle of FA. Board members of FA are elected by the FA World Service Conference at the annual business convention. Terms of office are limited in the FA bylaws. Board members are the custodians of our Traditions and the receivers of voluntary FA contributions by which we maintain our FA office, website, and other FA-related functions. All elected representatives of FA are to be guided by the principle of service. They are not true authorities. They are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

TRADITION TEN --- OUTSIDE ISSUES

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, hence the FA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

An outside issue is any issue created outside of FA. Social, economic, political, religious – the list goes on and on. Of course, outside issues will impact our members; but our focus needs to remain on recovery from food addiction. Therefore, no FA group or member should express opinions on outside issues in such a way as to implicate FA. Recovery from food addiction must come first if we are to live happy, useful lives.

TRADITION ELEVEN --- ATTRACTION NOT PROMOTION

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

We avoid any form of sensational advertising. There is never a need for promotion. We are guided by our principles of recovery; these are attractive. Within the fellowship of FA, it is a break of confidentiality to share details of someone else’s experiences without their consent. Outside of FA, it is a break of anonymity to disclose a person’s membership in FA— publicly. This is especially true when sharing names and faces of an FA member in large spaces like social media or news outlets, to smaller circles such as with friends, family, and co-workers. Each person's story is theirs to reveal.

TRADITION TWELVE --- PRINCIPLES BEFORE PERSONALITIES

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Anonymity is a spiritual principle that embraces humility. On a personal level, anonymity protects a member from being identified as a food addict. At the public level, we do not show our faces or names. No member shall ever be perceived as the “face or voice of FA.” When making decisions, the FA member focuses on the principles of recovery, not on the personalities of other FA members.

On Going Projects

The TRC as a whole will continue to look for ways to inform the fellowship about the 12 Traditions.
The committee will work to increase its membership diversity to better represent the full scope of our fellowship.

Twelfth Step Committee (Suzanne M., Chair)

Description of Committee
The 12th Step Committee exists to help members carry the message of recovery through service, connection, and outreach. Our goals are to support service at all levels of FA, strengthen the link between personal recovery and service, and ensure that the message of hope reaches those who still suffer.

This year, the committee is refocusing on the essentials. Our goal is to simplify structure and effort, clarify purpose, and let go of activities that do not directly serve our primary goal of carrying the message. We are evaluating our subcommittees to identify what truly supports recovery and what has become busy work or is not serving us anymore. Our aim is to bring the focus back to the core FA principles that allow us to clearly transmit solid recovery to all who walk through our doors seeking a solution to food addiction.

Chair’s Report

Met monthly with the core committee for subcommittee reports, project updates, and new initiatives.
Monitored 12th Step email and responded to inquiries.
The Twelfth Step Chair, along with the WAI and EAI Subcommittee Chairs, spent the past few months developing a slide deck for a new initiative: the Sponsor Support Call (Zoom). This 15 month series of monthly resource calls are designed to strengthen sponsorship across all levels of FA by giving sponsors a space to share their experience, strength, and hope. Three seasoned members were secured to qualify on the inaugural series launch, emails have gone out in the FA email newsletter, and texts with all pertinent information are being passed between fellows.
The 12th Step Committee worked closely with the TOR subcommittee following the 2025 Business Convention to gain an understanding of its current work, status, and possible next steps. After careful consideration, the TOR subcommittee chair made the decision to place the subcommittee on hiatus. During this time, the 12th Step Committee, along with the broader fellowship, has focused on strengthening our welcome to all, supporting communication of Conference-approved changes to meeting representatives, assisting WSBC efforts, editing literature, and addressing meeting concerns brought to the 12th Step Committee.
Working closely with the MESA subcommittee to do a follow up to the Back to Basics series from 2024. MESA will be doing a Back to Basics three month series starting February 2026- April 2026.

Subcommittee Reports

MESA (Linda Y.)

The following monthly MESA resource calls were offered to the fellowship:

May 4, 2025: Meeting Effectiveness Questions (MEQs)

What are MEQs?

Why are they essential for your meeting? How do I choose an MEQ?

How do I use Document 9 in my meeting?

August 3, 2025: I'm a MESA Rep—What Should I Say and Do?
September 7, 2025: Principles Before Personalities—What Does It Mean?
October 5, 2025: When to Hold 'Em and When to Fold 'Em—Determining When It's Time to Close a Meeting and Join Another.
November 2, 2025: Yakety Yak, Don't Talk Back—Crosstalk (We have crosstalk sessions twice a year).
December 7, 2025: Inquiry Minds Want to Know—An Open Forum Where MESA Reps Can Ask Questions.

Additional MESA committee activities

Conducted monthly meetings to plan MESA Resource videocalls, e-forums, and other initiatives that support meeting effectiveness.
Monitored the MESA Helpline and responded within 48 hours.
Sent bi-monthly email notifications to all registered MESA Representatives and interested parties, providing information about upcoming MESA Resource video calls. This notification invites recipients to share ideas or topics for the video calls and asks MESA Representatives to respond if there are any changes in service positions or if they wish to be removed from the distribution list.
We are also reviewing the MEQ's with the intention of updating 2026.

Newcomers Support and Assistance (NSA) (Lou C.)

In the latter half of the year, the committee’s primary focus was developing a draft of a new Welcome Newcomer pamphlet which has been sent to the literature committee for review.

The Only Requirement (TOR) (Hiatus as of June 2025)

Conference (Voting) Member Support and Assistance (CMSA) (Suzanne M.)

Initiatives

Created a list of meetings that included WSI and Meeting Contact’s phone numbers and emails with the idea of calling the WSI contacts first to check in about voting member selection and support.
- Identified volunteers to make calls.
Had meetings with Convention Chair, past CMSA subcommittee chair, Office Director, and Bylaws Chair regarding moving forward with calling initiative. It was decided to hold off on the calls until after the Voting Member registration deadline has passed. We will reconvene to discuss a plan to move forward after we see the numbers for the upcoming 2026 in-person only convention.
MESA had a resource call on January 4, 2026 on the topic of the importance of each meeting sending a Voting Member. This meeting also included all information and details of what the role and responsibilities include for the Voting Member. All of this to encourage participation at the in-person 2026 Business Convention.
Have a draft script for outreach calls to WSI contacts
Secured volunteers to make outreach calls to WSI contacts after the initial Voting Member registration deadline has passed. We will then better be able to assess how we will move forward.

EAI 12th Step Committee (Maggie O., Chair)

Initiatives

eForum on traveling abstinently in collaboration with EAI and NSA (Newcomer Support and Assistance) on July 25, 2025 (211 participants)
eForum on traveling abstinently in collaboration with EAI and NSA (Newcomer Support and Assistance) on November 2, 2025 (147 participants)
Created fifteen monthly sponsor support calls slide deck, speaker list, and volunteers launching on January 18, 2026 in collaboration with WSI 12th Step Chair, EAI and WAI 12th Step chair and subcommittee members
EAI Intergroup Deep Dive: Presented a clear overview of the EAI Committee Chair’s role and responsibilities.
Spiritual Experience Resources: Developing curated links to spiritual experience content for the EAI 12th Step page on the FA website, enabling quick and accessible study of FA’s spiritual principles.
WSI Outreach Support: Identified seven EAI 12th Step Committee members to assist with outreach calls to WSI contacts, encouraging participation by sending a Voting Member to the 2026 FA in-person meeting.
Identified six volunteers for the future Legacy Letters initiative.
Prepared a slideshow presentation used to introduce newcomers to EAI
Host monthly breakout room for newcomers in EAI at monthly EAI meetings started November 2025

WAI 12th Step Committee (Sheryn N., Chair)

Initiatives

eForum on traveling abstinently in collaboration with EAI and NSA (Newcomer Support and Assistance) on July 25, 2025 (211 participants)
eForum on traveling abstinently in collaboration with EAI and NSA (Newcomer Support and Assistance) on November 2, 2025 (147 participants)
Created fifteen monthly sponsor support calls slide deck, speaker list, and volunteers launching on January 18, 2026 in collaboration with WSI 12th Step Chair, EAI and WAI 12th Step chair and subcommittee members
Presented a Deep Dive presentation of the WSI 12th Step Committee at the WAI meeting on November 9, 2025 (75 participants)

The sub-committee chair experienced a medical event which slowed the committee’s pace. Despite this, foundational work continued, and the pamphlet draft represents meaningful progress during a challenging period.

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