In a recent study this year, 81% of teens and 69% of adults used social media in the U.S to stay in touch with each other. There's no denying that staying connecting is essential. Still, there is a growing concern that prolonged exposure to social media may negatively impact our mental health, especially young adolescents. So what are the risks that come with spending too much time on these platforms? How do we stay in touch with the world without compromising our well-being?  Join The OC Forum as we conclude our three-part mini-series "The Social Media Predicament" with a timely discussion surrounding the impacts of social media on mental health. Tune in on Thursday, September 9 at 12 PM to learn more and set a reminder now! For more information on our panelists and how to reach them, visit our website by using the link below! https://www.ocforum.org/post/the-social-media-predicament-e3-mental-health-impacts

COVID has evolved. With the new Delta Variant continuing to spread, what does this mean for Orange County? Will schools and businesses close down again? Don't miss this timely discussion on the current research surrounding the new Delta Variant. Join our panel of distinguished experts and leaders as they give their insight into what's in store for Orange County and the impact it will have on our children. Tune in on Friday, August 27 at 12 PM to watch it live! RSVP now to join the conversation. Guest Speakers Include: -Dr. Shruti K. Gohil, Associate Medical Director — UCI Health Epidemiology and Infection Prevention, UCI Health -Dr. Bernadette M. Boden-Albala, Director and Founding Dean of the Program in Public Health, UCI -Dr. Dan Cooper, Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical and Translational Science, Institute for Immunology, UCI -Pamela Kahn, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Orange County Department of Education -Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Deputy Health Officer, OC HCA -Vice-Chancellor Steve Goldstein, UCI Health Affairs (Moderator) References: Visit our website below to learn more about our guests! https://www.ocforum.org/post/the-future-of-the-delta-variant Learn more about keeping your children safe during the new school year! https://schools.covid19.ca.gov/

The OC Forum’s three-part mini-series continues in our second installment of “The Social Media Predicament.” Social media is an essential tool for gathering and spreading information worldwide, but not everything we consume is objective or unbiased. How do we differentiate between real news reported by professionals from paid content and gossip? What can we do to educate people to become more savvy consumers of digital media? Join our panel of distinguished guests as we explore insightful strategies for consuming information online. Tune in on Thursday, August 12 at 12 PM to learn more!

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. While there is no denying we will continue to use social media platforms routinely, there is a growing concern about the harmful and lasting impacts social media can cause on our culture, communities, and mental health. Join the OC Forum as we discuss our "Social Media Predicament" and learn how we move forward in a world where social media is the new communication standard. Tune in to our first episode on Thursday, July 29 at 12 PM to learn more about this topic. Set a reminder now!

Join the OC Forum for an exclusive interview with California Senator Alex Padilla! We are honored to welcome UCI's Chancellor Howard Gillman as our moderator and host for this exciting event. Gain insight into what's on the horizon for California and learn about his experiences as a new Senator. Don't miss this OC Forum Exclusive! Set a reminder today!

Renewable energy is on the rise. What does this mean for the future of energy in Orange County? Join The OC Forum on Thursday, June 24th as we explore exciting innovations in energy management right here in our county. Our discussion will include an interview with SoCal Gas and Edison executives as well as representatives working on the latest clean energy solutions and sustainability. Interested in learning about the projects discussed in this program? Visit the following websites for more information: California Energy Commission https://www.energy.ca.gov/ HyDeal Project (SoCalGas) https://www.ghcoalition.org/ghc-news/hydeal-losangeles Hydrogen Home, Sunline Transit, and more (SoCal Gas Projects) https://newsroom.socalgas.com/?_ga=2.106380227.1916810735.1624315438-2038673482.1612825036 Veloz https://www.veloz.org/ What is Just Transition? https://www.worldfuturecouncil.org/what-is-just-transition/ Sustain SoCal https://sustainsocal.org/

In light of the ongoing social justice movements, the need for policy reform and collaboration between law enforcement and the community is crucial to creating lasting solutions that uplift all aspects of our community. The OC Forum invites you to be a part of our critical discussion around how law enforcement, and the people they serve, can work together to address our community’s safety and develop meaningful, sustainable changes. Tune in to “The Future of: Law Enforcement and hear how our local law enforcement is evolving to build bridges with our community.

In light of the recent reports of increased racism and violent attacks on the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community, the OC Forum will be hosting a special event with local leaders in the AAPI community to discuss how we can stand together, stop AAPI hate, and support our neighbors in the AAPI community. For more information on resources and news, please visit stopaapihate.org And don't forget to check out these other websites for information on today's discussion: Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) www.ocapica.org UCI AAPI Events https://inclusion.uci.edu/aanapisi/ Asian Americans Advancing Justice https://www.advancingjustice-la.org OC Forum Website www.ocforum.org

Following our award-winning “The Future of: Race Relations” program last summer, the OC Forum is proud to present part two of this critical discussion; “The Future of Diversity.” To create meaningful impacts and long-lasting results that will combat racial tensions and racism throughout the country, it is critical we implement diversity in all aspects of our community. From schools to businesses to non-profits, the benefits of implementing a wealth of diverse backgrounds and beliefs in our everyday relationships will be long-felt by our community. Through diversity, we can finally begin to break down a systemic problem that has plagued generations for years. Join OC Forum and the OC Black Chamber as we continue digging deeper into the Future of: Diversity. For more information regarding the Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce Survey, please click the link below: https://www.ocblackchamber.com/toward-a-deeper-understanding