Online Service Area (OSA)
History of the Online Service Area
First Online C.A. Meetings: On February 1, 1997 the “Hope, Faith & Courage” (aka HFC) became the first online/virtual meeting facilitated through email.
Initially a speaker/discussion meeting patterned after AA’s “Lamplighters” online meeting, but soon changed to mostly a discussion format.
In time, the “speaker” portion of the meeting was replaced by inviting people celebrating a birthday to post their stories online. After a slow start, the meeting began to thrive. Due to the very low initial cost of operating the meeting, no 7th Tradition was taken initially. After some discussion, and a long talk with former Trustee Bob L, it was decided that the HFC meeting needed to take a 7th Tradition, as this was the only one of the 6 points regarding group status that HFC was not currently meeting.
1998 – In August, the second email subscriber meeting, “KISCA,” was started. By December of 1998, the online CA Groups were comprised of 200 members on 4 continents.
1999 – Two more email meetings were formed, “Sisters in Sobriety” and “The Study.”
1999-09-03 – The Conference approves the creation of an Online Service Committee and https://ca-online.org is registered on 1999-09-16.
2000-09-03 – The C.A. World Conference ratifies ca-online.org as a Cocaine Anonymous Online Service Area. OSA Delegates representing the OSA are: Michael C. (2 votes) and Alt. Del. Sherri H. (1 vote). (Conference Summary of Motions – Day 5 Minutes, Sept. 3, 2000)
2000-10-04 – Area Delegates: Michael C., Angela C. Alternate: Sherrie H. (Oct. 4 – 31 Online Service Area Minutes)
2001 “There is a Solution” meeting began.
2002 – “Steps On Line” meeting started.
2010 – Voice meetings were introduced.
2020 – Global pandemic starts and C.A. moves to the “ZOOM” platform. OSA experiences exponential growth.
Today the OSA has some 50 + virtual meetings with hundreds of members participating from countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Toe Tag – 12 Steps in 4 Hours Workshop
History of the 12 Steps in 4 Hours Workshop Since May 27, 2007, the “12 Steps in 4 Hours” Group of C.A. has now taken, as of June 2025, more than 14,600 people through the 12 Steps in 4 hours. Thanks to the Virtual ZOOM platform, the 12 Steps in 4 Hours C.A. Group, has … Read more
Conference Badge Wallet – 2024
40. August 28, 29, 30, 31, September 1, 2024. The 40th World Service Conference in Fort Worth, Dallas TX. Theme: “Principles Before Personalities.” Cameron F. Badge Holder with various Conference “swag.: Pacific South Regional Outgoing OSA Delegate.
Unisex Hoodie – White – 2nd Annual OSA Globathon – 2022 – 2023
Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that’s soft, smooth, and stylish. It’s the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching … Read more
Unisex Hoodie – Black – 2nd Annual OSA Globathon – 2022 – 2023
Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that’s soft, smooth, and stylish. It’s the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching … Read more
Cuffed Beanie – 2nd Annual OSA Globathon – 2022 – 2023
A snug, form-fitting beanie. It’s not only a great head-warming piece but a staple accessory in anyone’s wardrobe. • 100% Turbo Acrylic • 12″ (30 cm) in length • Hypoallergenic • Unisex style • Hand washable • Blank product sourced from Vietnam or Bangladesh
Jigsaw Puzzle – 2nd Annual OSA Globathon 2022-2023
Assembling puzzles is the perfect family bonding activity. Treat yourself to a unique puzzle and gather your loved ones for an evening filled with joy and teamwork. • Pressed paper chipboard with adhesive, 0.06″ (1.53 mm) thick • 252 pcs puzzle size: 10.62″ × 13.62″ (27 × 34.6 cm) • 520 pcs puzzle size: 15.74″ … Read more
Mug with Color Inside – 2nd Annual OSA Globathon 2022-2023
Add a splash of color to your morning coffee or tea ritual! These ceramic mugs not only have a beautiful design on them, but also a colorful rim, handle, and inside, so the mug is bound to spice up your mug rack. • Ceramic • Height: 3.85″ (9.8 cm) • Diameter: 3.35″ (8.5 cm) • … Read more
T-shirt – 2018 Bingo Event
Bingo event held in Granada Hills, CA, USA, as a joint fundraiser for both the San Fernando Valley Area Area (SFVCA) and the On-line Service Area (OSA).
Web Capture – 2001
Web page capture (2001-02-20 on web.archive.org) of the first online C.A. group, Hope, Faith & Courage.
Figet Spinner – 2017
In 2017, figet spinners were the hot, fad item of the moment. The Online Service Area sold these as a fundraising item at the 2017 CAWS Conference held in Los Angels, CA. Private Collection, Ruby C., Utah
Button – On-Line Service Area SIS Meeting
Button created by Cynthia C. and distributed to Sisters in Sobriety (SIS) on-line meeting members in 2001 and 2002, probably at a meet-up during the 2001 and 2002 CAWS Conventions. Private Collection, Ruby C
T-shirt – 2000 On-Line Service Area
First On-Line Service Area shirt was made before the On-Line Service Area was recognized as an Area by the World Service Conference. Shirts were sold as a fund-raiser at the 2000 World Service Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Private Collection, Ruby C
Flyer – CA Online Area
Celebrating 20 yeas from 1997 to 1997 ca-online.org Image sent by Susan B. (Utah)