Our meetings last for 1 hour and follow the same format every week. It begins with an OA script, a reading from OA literature, and then we have open discussion in which anyone is welcome to speak.

The Harrisonburg group of Overeaters Anonymous is a fairly small but very stable meeting. You are not expected to talk or say anything if you don't want to. You can expect to be welcomed by others and don't be surprised if other OA members introduce themselves to you and give you their phone number (many of us choose to stay in touch with each other in between meetings, but this is completely up to individuals and there are no expectations).

Nothing at all! Newcomers are always welcome. There are no dues or fees to attend meetings ever. And you're free to attend our meetings without identifying as a member. Just show up and keep coming back (or not).

OA, like AA, does not require you to believe anything. All are welcome. You may hear other OA members talk about their conceptions of "God" or a "Higher Power", but know that everyone is welcome, including atheists and agnostics. 

Yes. This is a strong part of our program and written into our Harrisonburg meeting format: "The word anonymous in our name implies a promise of privacy.  Who you see here and what you hear here, please let it stay here."

You don't need to bring anything. Over time, if you come back, you'll learn that we read from two OA books called Voices of Recovery (on Saturdays) and The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous (on Mondays). We even have copies available at our Saturday hybrid meeting that you are welcome to buy or borrow.

Yes. 

Bring your questions with you for after your first meeting and some of us will gladly stick around to help answer them. Or if you prefer, send us an email at harrisonburgoa@gmail.com.