Throughout generations, our nation has seen many periods of turmoil resulting in protests and demonstrations across the country. Now, after a worldwide pandemic, our issues have only grown more complex, and our ability to have civil, respectful discussions appears to be declining. After the recent attack on the US Capitol, it is no secret that political hostilities are at an all-time high. How do we bridge the ideological divide and bring all sides together? Are compromise and collaboration still possible in the face of a polarized political climate? Join OC Forum on Thursday, October 6th at 12 PM for the premiere of our latest virtual program, “Saving the Dream: Fostering Civil Discourse.” In this timely conversation, our panel of distinguished guests discuss the value of civil discussion and explore the Decision Point Method as a means for de-escalating political hostilities across all topics and policy issues. For more information on our speakers, visit the link below: https://www.ocforum.org/post/fostering-civil-discussion-guest-speakers Tune to hear more about our upcoming conversations by visiting ocforum.org.

If you have not noticed the volume of political advertisements on television and across social media, the November midterm election is just around the corner! There is much at stake on the ballot, making the upcoming election one of the most consequential in years. Are you ready for election season? OCTax and OC Forum invite you to join us for an exclusive look at the upcoming OC Elections impacted by redistricting and to meet the Supervisorial District candidates in Districts 2, 4, and 5, looking to shape the future of Orange County. Tune in on Thursday, September 29 at 12 PM to learn more. For more information regarding our guest speakers, follow the link below: https://www.ocforum.org/post/navigating-redistricting-guest-speakers

Two years have passed since the pandemic started, but the words “COVID-19” and its variants continue to cause anxiety and fear. Despite restrictions being lifted, psychologists are still reporting high-stress levels among Americans. In addition to post-covid blues, financial stress is high among younger populations and minority groups who report feeling the brunt of rising gas prices, housing costs, and inflation. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead, how can we support each other to relieve these ongoing stressors at work, at home, and in public? Join the OC Forum on Thursday, May 26th at 12 PM for the premiere of "Saving the Dream: Conquering Post-Pandemic Stress." Tune in to hear from our guest panel of visionaries as they discuss timely solutions to conquer post-covid blues. RSVP below to set a reminder! To learn more about our panel of speakers, visit the following link: https://www.ocforum.org/post/conquering-post-pandemic-stress-guest-speakers For more information on the resources discussed in today's program, check out the following sites below: Cigna Resilience Home Page https://cignaresilience.com/ Cigna Newsroom - Loneliness in America https://newsroom.cigna.com/loneliness-in-america Be Well OC Website https://www.bewelloc.org/ Be Well Campus Page https://www.bewelloc.org/wellness-campuses/ Disney Cast Life Blog https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/topics/disney-cast-life/ Silver Stress and Coping Lab Website https://sites.uci.edu/sscl/

If we have learned anything from "The Great Resignation," it is that caring for your staff translates into caring for your business. Companies are collectively pivoting to retain current employees while also attracting new ones by addressing childcare and hybrid scheduling demands. But what are the challenges that lie ahead for businesses trying to meet these needs? What role do we play in helping both our companies and employees grow? Join OC Forum for our second installment of our mini-series regarding employment in California, "Saving the Dream: Employee Wellness." Experience this timely conversation as our visionaries discuss solutions surrounding holistic employment and employee wellness approaches. For more information regarding our speakers visit the link below: https://www.ocforum.org/post/employee-wellness-guest-speakers Take advantage of the resources discussed in this program: For more information on childcare databases visit: care.com/careatwork OR https://www.chs-ca.org/for-families/child-care-referrals For information on Employment Trends visit: https://www.roberthalf.com/employment-trends-demand-for-skilled-talent Visit First 5 to learn more about their research: https://first5oc.org/childcare/ Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow us on our website at ocforum.org.

California's natural resources, especially water, gear us towards being the eighth largest economy globally. Over the last 25 years, California voters have passed over $27 billion in water resource bonds. Unfortunately, water use efficiency continues to be Californians' most critical issue while balancing the needs of multiple interests, climate change, and population growth. How do we find a way to balance these needs? Is desalination a solution to California's water demands? If you missed OC Forum's "Exploring New Water Solutions" in-person luncheon, you can watch the conversation here. Experience the conversation as our panel of distinguished water experts discusses solutions for water in California.

The global pandemic has fundamentally altered our workforce and business communities. For many, COVID-19 put them out of a job while forcing others to continue working under dangerous conditions. As we return to a state of normalcy, employees are reluctant to go back to their former employers. Some are simply quitting altogether in search of jobs that offer better wages and greater flexibility and autonomy. Are we experiencing what some are calling "The Great Resignation?" How can we help businesses rebuild their workforce while providing an equitable quality of life for employees? The OC Forum invites you to join the conversation to save the California Dream Job. This three-part mini-series will include discussions surrounding "The Great Resignation" - why people are choosing not to go back to work, livable wages, employee wellness, workforce recruitment, and retention for the future. Tune in to our first episode to learn more about this topic. Discussion Resources: Vital Link: https://www.vitallinkoc.org/about-vital-link SBDC California: https://ociesmallbusiness.org/team/ Location OC: http://www.locationoc.com/ HR Consulting Help: http://hrconsultinghelp.com/

The California Dream has always embodied a promise for those seeking a better life. That promise has evolved over the years to represent different things for different people; the promise of a secure job, an affordable home to start a family, a strong education, the land of opportunity, and great fortune. But is this dream beginning to fade? As residents who lack adequate housing, jobs, and education continue to grow in California, several are abandoning the dream altogether and moving out. What does this mean for the future of California? Can we save the dream that attracted so many to The Golden State? Join the OC Forum for our first program of the year in a new series entitled “Saving the Dream.” Be a part of the conversation as we interview our distinguished panel of thought leaders to discuss the future of California. To learn more about our guest speakers and the program, visit the link below! https://www.ocforum.org/post/saving-the-dream-the-future-of-california