Commitment and love are powerful experiences on their own, but when the two are combined something remarkable happens. This was not an overnight matter as many of us struggled for years with unbearable internal pressure. Our perfectionism led to distorted ideas as to what love and commitment were about. We could not live with these impossible standards and so we found a way out. Commitments then became painful reminders and we sought to escape them. Many of us doubted our
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We, the Board, wanted to reach out to the Fellowship to talk about the purpose of General Service Representatives (GSRs) and why they are so important. First, GSRs provide an essential service to the meetings and groups of ABA.
It was decided between the GSR members that we would embark on an inventory process because we had repeated questions arising about whether we (as GSR’s) still had value and whether the GSR was still relevant. We also were questioning whether we were helping the still suffering ABA members (Tradition 5) and how we could go about ensuring this was happening.
This is an open meeting of Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous. We welcome all of you, and particularly any newcomers. In keeping with our primary purpose and our Third Tradition, which states that “the only requirement for A.B.A. membership is a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices,” we request all who participate to limit their sharing to problems related to their eating disorder.
The literature of ABA refers at times to gatherings of our members as "Meetings" or "Groups," and at times uses the term "Home Group." These terms are not interchangeable, yet many ABA members are confused about how to distinguish among them. This document will define the concepts and explain the key features that make each of them different from the others.
Like all 12-Step Fellowships, ABA uses a “we” program, and our unity is our most precious attribute. The message we carry to the anorexic or bulimic who still suffers must be simple and clear to avoid confusing anyone or blurring the unique nature of ABA.
People from all over the world come to the virtual meetings looking for recovery from anorexia, bulimia, and related eating disorders. If the worldwide need for recovery from eating disorders is so extensive, then starting more virtual meetings seems to be the logical solution.
Here are guidelines for being the chairperson of an ABA meeting including who can chair, how to prepare, and how to choose a “sober member” to tell their story if needed. Some of the suggestions are for online meetings however most suggestions apply to face-to-face meetings also. Chairing a meeting is a good way to do service.
This document is intended to help people begin to use the ABA virtual meetings. Many people live in places where there are no in-person ABA meetings. Others may not have the ability to travel to in-person meetings. Our virtual meetings are an important means of outreach to these and all anorexics and bulimics who could benefit from our message of hope.
There seems to be a good deal of misunderstanding about what the term “copyright” means, and about what constitutes copyright infringement. In an attempt to eliminate this confusion, as well as to guide ABA members and Groups, the GSA offers the following information from Intellectual Property Law, which regulates the issues surrounding copyright:
This is an open meeting of Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous. We welcome all of you, and particularly any newcomers. In keeping with our primary purpose and our Third Tradition, which states that “the only requirement for A.B.A. membership is a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices,” we request all who participate to limit their sharing to problems related to their eating disorder.
The future of Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous depends upon maintaining our unity through the lively operation of a service structure that allows the collective voice of ABA members worldwide to guide and direct our principal service board, the General Service
Association of ABA. In practical terms, this requires the election of General Service Representatives by all active ABA Groups and their participation in regular international meetings of these Representatives.
Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous is an anonymous Fellowship of individuals whose primary purpose is to find and maintain “sobriety” in our eating practices and to help others find recovery. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices. There are no dues or fees for ABA membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions. ABA is not allied or affiliated with any other 12-Step Fellowship or outside organization.
This pamphlet explains the structure behind ABA meetings, groups, and Home Groups. It outlines how meetings are formed, what service roles look like, and how belonging to a Home Group supports accountability, connection, and long-term recovery.
