About OSPA Meetings 

Why do we attend meetings?

Meetings are an essential part of the OSPA program and an important tool to aid in recovery. All OSPA meetings are free and are open to skin pickers with a desire to quit picking, hair pullers and self-mutilators.

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What is the requirement to attend OSPA Meetings?

The only requirement for attendance is a desire to stop skin picking. There is no other requirement. Hair pullers and self-mutilators are also welcome at OSPA meetings.

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Does it cost anything to join OSPA?

There are no dues or fees for membership in OSPA; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. You can donate as much or as little as you like. It is not required. You can donate on our Donate page.

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What happens at an OSPA Meeting?

While formats vary from meeting to meeting, there are some common elements to all of them: a reading of the OSPA Welcome, the OSPA Preamble, the OSPA Twelve Steps and OSPA Twelve Traditions, and a member chairing the meeting, announcements, and sharing by members. Meetings may also dedicate time to read 12-Step literature.

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After the meeting, some meetings set aside time to exchange phone numbers, answer newcomer questions, and chat in fellowship. All those who wish to stay and participate are welcome.

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Why is it important to attend OSPA meetings regularly?

We gain a sense of hope, we identify with others, we meet people who can help, and we learn how to apply the OSPA Program, Steps, Traditions, Tools, Slogans, and literature to our daily lives.

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What is Anonymity?

The principle of anonymity means we do not take outside the meetings what we hear and see in the meetings. Most of us prefer our identities and stories to remain confidential. OSPA Tradition Twelve states, "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities."

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