Meeting Summary for OIAA IGR Forum

Jan 24, 2026 01:12 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) ID: 839 1683 1125

Quick recap

The OIAA IGR Forum focused on reviewing and discussing the organization’s technology with a focus on  the OIAA meeting directory and OIAA website. Mark, the Technology Chair, provided an overview of the OIAA technology budget and spend, highlighting recent investments in language translation tools for website improvements. 

Matt, Alt-Chair of OIAA Steppers and David from Code for Recovery presented developments for the next version of the OIAA meeting directory, highlighting features like improved search functionality and reduced load times. 

Kerri, OIAA’s Web Administrator, demonstrated recent website updates, including simplified navigation, group reports and events, and the OIAA calendar. 

The forum concluded with an open floor for IGRs to discuss a variety of topics such as group event submission processes, bylaws for online groups, and the potential implementation of an OIAA chat hotline. Participants shared feedback and suggestions for future improvements, highlighting a desire for IGRs to build communication channels between IGRs to allow for more exchange and discussion.

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Summary

IGR Forum pre-meeting discussion

Bob inquired about voting rights and meeting access, which Mark clarifying that OIAA events are open for all to attend with voting matters reserved for OIAA voting members. The group also discussed the importance of sending out meeting and event invitations and links in a timely manner to improve participation.

OIAA Technology Overview

The meeting focused on OIAA’s technology and its evolution, with Mark introducing the session and outlining the budget for technology, which consistently costs around $25,000 annually. 

IGR Feedback

Participants discussed the need for better communication among IGRs, with suggestions including email listservs and a potential chat hotline. Mike raised questions about banking for online-only groups, and Riley shared a solution using HomeGroup Online. The group also considered the effectiveness of technology in attracting newcomers and discussed the potential for a quarterly IGR forum. Mark emphasized the importance of feedback and collaboration in improving OIAA’s technology offerings.

New Meeting Directory System Launch

Matt, OIAA Steppers Alternate Chair, and Davide from Code From Recovery introduced a new OIAA meeting directory system, with Matt explaining that they have moved from using Google Sheets to a database system to handle the growing number of meetings. David from Code from Recovery demonstrated the new features of the meeting finder, including improved performance with caching, the ability to filter by specific times and hours, and the option to view ongoing meetings. The team invited participants to test the beta site and provide feedback through a feedback form, emphasizing the need for user testing before going live with the new system.

OIAA Website Navigation Overview

The meeting focused on the OIAA website and its navigation changes, with Kerri providing a detailed overview of the site’s structure and functionality. She highlighted the three main audiences of the website: newcomers seeking help (“Get Help Now”), AA members looking for online meetings (“Find Meetings Now”), and OIAA members and trusted servants (“Inside OIAA”).. Kerri explained the purpose of various sections, including the OIAA member groups page, the IGR hot list, and the member stories feature. The meeting also covered the submission process for meeting updates and the importance of cleaning up the directory by removing inactive meetings. Mark announced opportunities for volunteers to help with this cleanup effort, led by Ken B.

IGR Feedback

The IGR meeting discussed maintaining the IGR hot list page, with Mark suggesting the need for a liaison to oversee its relevance. Kerri highlighted the importance of giving more notice for submitting group events during holidays to ensure events are posted. The group also addressed the creation of bylaws for online groups and the listing of meetings on the OIAA directory.  Clarification was provided that only online events can be listed on the OIAA Group Events page, not live events. Beth, PAC Chair,  announced a new subcommittee under PAC to assist new IGRs, and Mark encouraged participation. The conversation ended with discussions about AI’s implications on anonymity and the sharing of meeting notes on the IGR hot list page.