Moderator Instructions

WhatsApp Image 2025-11-20 at 10.23.45_8f9df37f

 

I. Pre-Convention Preparation

Task Detail
Tech Check Use a laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC). Avoid smartphones. If using a Chromebook, be aware some functionality may be limited. Test your device’s capabilities at least one week before the Convention.
Review Read this entire Moderator format and the full Session Format document before the Convention.
Study Review and adhere to the OA Twelve Traditions. [OA 12 Traditions]
Attend It is highly recommended to attend the session immediately before yours in the same track to observe the moderator role in action.
Communicate Regularly check the WhatsApp group for questions, updates, and coordinator messages.
Emergency Contact If you are unable to fulfill this service role, immediately text or WhatsApp the Training Coordinator (773.879.6151) or email (training1vrc@oavirtualregion.org).
Timing Moderator Action Host Action

(Moderator Reminds Privately)
Pre-Session Ensure the Host preps interpreters/readers to say the Serenity Prayer and Interpretation directions in their respective languages before interpretation is turned on. Prep interpreters.
Step 1: Prayer After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time to allow interpreters to say the prayer. N/A
Step 2: Direction READ interpretation instructions (See Script B below). N/A
Step 3: Non-English Speaker direct all participants, including the Speaker and the Moderator, to choose their language (INCLUDING ENGLISH) from the interpretation globe. Say this aloud and in the chat often until the room settles. N/A
Step 4: Interpreter Repeat Allow interpreters/readers to repeat all the above instructions in their languages BEFORE interpretation starts. N/A
Step 5: Go Live Remind the Host (privately) to turn on interpretation after the Serenity Prayer and instructions are given. Turn on interpretation.
Step 6: End Remind the Host (privately) to stop interpretation before the final Serenity Prayer. Stop interpretation.

 

III. Interpretation/Reader Protocol (Moderator & Host Actions)

Goal: Ensure interpretation is set up correctly and instructions are given clearly.

Timing Moderator Action Host Action

(Moderator Reminds Privately)
Pre-Session Ensure the Host preps interpreters/readers to say the Serenity Prayer and Interpretation directions in their respective languages before interpretation is turned on. Prep interpreters.
Step 1: Prayer After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time to allow interpreters to say the prayer. N/A
Step 2: Direction READ interpretation instructions (See Script B below). N/A
Step 3: Non-English Speaker direct all participants, including the Speaker and the Moderator, to choose their language (INCLUDING ENGLISH) from the interpretation globe. Say this aloud and in the chat often until the room settles. N/A
Step 4: Interpreter Repeat Allow interpreters/readers to repeat all the above instructions in their languages BEFORE interpretation starts. N/A
Step 5: Go Live Remind the Host (privately) to turn on interpretation after the Serenity Prayer and instructions are given. Turn on interpretation.
Step 6: End Remind the Host (privately) to stop interpretation before the final Serenity Prayer.

Stop interpretation.

 

IV. During the Session: Moderator Scripts

The script starts here:

PART A: Welcome, Prayer, and Interpretation Announcement

READ:

        • Welcome to the 2026 Virtual Region Convention! The topic of this session is [INSERT SESSION TITLE HERE].
        • My name is [INSERT YOUR NAME] and I am a [INSERT YOUR SERVICE ROLE, e.g., Moderator] and I will be your moderator for this session.
        • Let us start with the Serenity Prayer in English:
        • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

(After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time for the interpreters to read the prayer.)

PART B: Interpretation & Captions:

READ:

        • This session will be interpreted simultaneously in the following languages: [LIST LANGUAGES HERE].
        • To listen in another language, click Interpretation in your controls. To hear the interpreted language only, click Mute Original Audio.
        • To view captions in another language, click the up arrow next to the Show Captions button. In the Translate To section, choose your language.

PART C: Unity, Anonymity, and Zoom Rules

READ:

        • OA’s Unity with Diversity Policy:
        • As we extend the heart and hand of the OA Fellowship to those who still suffer, let us be mindful of OA’s Unity with Diversity Policy, which respects our differences, yet unites us in the solution to our common problem. Whatever problem you may have with food, you are welcome at this meeting, regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other trait.

Zoom Info and Anonymity:

        • The audio of the speakers and moderators only is being recorded and may be available online later.
        • We ask that you keep what you see and hear here confidential and that there be no recordings or screen captures. Please respect the anonymity of all who attend.
        • Attendees are automatically muted.
        • Please stop your video if you are walking around or eating.
        • We ask you to rename yourself to first name and last initial. Feel free to add your state, province, or country.
        • Please note that chat is set to hosts only.

 

V. Open Sharing Segment

Step Action
Announce If you are announcing the sharing segment, READ PART D.
Monitor Monitor the time and conclude shares 5 minutes before the official end of the session.
Close Remind the Host (privately) to stop recording during shares and/or when the speaker concludes.

 

PART D: Opening for Sharing

READ:

        • Now is the time for open sharing. Shares are [INSERT DURATION HERE] minutes each.
        • If you want to share, raise your virtual hand in your meeting controls. On a phone, press *9. If you can’t raise your hand, you can chat with a Host.
        • The moderator will call on you. When it is your turn to speak, you will see a prompt on your screen asking you to unmute. Please select “unmute” to speak.
        • The timer will signal when your time is up.
        • You are welcome to tell where you are from and how long you’ve been in OA.
        • Please remember that our TRADITIONS state that OA has NO OPINION ON OUTSIDE ISSUES.
        • This session is now open for sharing.

 

VI. Ending the Session

Step Action
Timing Conclude shares/speaker remarks 5 minutes before the session ends.
Interpretation Stop Remind the Host (privately) to stop recording during shares and/or when the speaker concludes.
Close READ closing script.

 

PART E: Closing and Final Prayer

READ:

        • We’d like to thank everyone who attended this session. We’ll now close the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
        • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

(Allow interpreters to repeat the Serenity Prayer in their languages.)

READ:

        • The meeting is now closed.

THANK EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING AND END THE MEETING FOR ALL.

There is a SOLUTION
GROUNDED in RECOVERY