Education & Workshops
Resources for leading and participating in CEA-HOW workshops, plus audio recordings and educational materials
Workshop Guidelines
The WSO provides guidelines for planning and facilitating workshops within the CEA-HOW framework. These guidelines ensure that workshops maintain the program's principles while providing valuable learning experiences.
Workshops are an important part of CEA-HOW education and outreach. They can be hosted by individual meetings, intergroups, or the WSO itself. Workshops provide a deeper dive into specific topics than a regular meeting allows.
All workshops should be grounded in CEA-HOW approved literature and the 12 Steps. The leader facilitates discussion and draws in the audience rather than lecturing. A question-and-answer period allows participants to ask questions and share their own experience.
Workshop Guidelines (PDF)Workshop Examples
Here are examples of workshops that have been successfully used within the CEA-HOW fellowship:
Secrets of Sponsorship
A workshop exploring the sponsor-sponsee relationship from both perspectives. Covers what sponsors look for, what sponsees need, and how to build a strong working partnership in the program.
Download PDFLiving the Promises
A workshop centered on the Promises from the Big Book (pages 83–84). Participants share how these promises have materialized in their recovery and explore what the Promises mean for daily living.
Convention & Phone Bridge Workshops
Workshops designed for larger gatherings — conventions, retreats, and phone bridge events. These typically feature a panel of speakers followed by audience Q&A and can be adapted for virtual formats.
Spreading the Message
A service-focused workshop on public information and outreach — how to carry the CEA-HOW message to healthcare professionals, community organizations, and compulsive eaters who haven't yet found the program.
Audio & Podcasts
Listen to CEA-HOW speaker recordings, workshop sessions, and recovery stories from members around the world. Available on major podcast platforms.
Tips for Leading Effective Workshops
- Draw in the audience — Workshops are interactive, not lectures. Ask questions, invite sharing, and create space for participants to contribute their experience.
- Use approved literature — Ground all content in the Big Book, CEA-HOW pamphlets, and other approved materials. Personal experience should illustrate program principles, not replace them.
- Include a Q&A period — Allow time at the end for questions. This is often where the most meaningful exchange happens.
- Keep it focused — Choose a clear topic and stay on it. A 60–90 minute workshop with one clear theme is more effective than trying to cover everything.
- Open and close with prayer — Follow the same spiritual framework as meetings. The Serenity Prayer is always appropriate.
Ready to Learn More?
Workshops and education are part of recovery. Find a meeting to get started, or contact the WSO to learn about upcoming educational events.