2013-2014 season

Forums are held on the second Mondays of September, November, January, March, and May
at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo, CA
from 5:15-7:00 pm: 

5:15-5:40 Registration/Networking

5:40-5:50 Introductions and announcements

5:50-7:00 Program

After each forum, members are welcome to stay for a steering committee meeting from 7:00-8:00.

May 2014 / Sexual Assault in the Military

The May 2014 forum was co-hosted by the Camarillo Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) on the epidemic of sexual assault in the military. It included a partial screening of the award-winning film, "The Invisible War," followed by a discussion and call-to-action by Cogresswoman Julia Brownley and Mickiela Montoya from the Office of Communications & External Affairs, United States Department of Veteran Affairs. 

March 2014 / First Generation Students

The March 2014 forum, co-hosted by Project ISLAS (Institutionalizing Student Learning, Access and Success) at CSUCI, presented a full screening of the award- winning film, "First Generation," with a follow-up panel discussion on how to support first generation and low-income students in getting to and through college. 

January 2014 / Comprehensive Sexuality Education

In California, all schools are required by law to teach HIV/AIDS prevention, but they are not required to teach sexuality health education. Districts that choose to teach sexuality health education must teach a comprehensive curriculum that meets the criteria of the California Education Code. Forum co-host Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura, & San Luis Obispo, Inc. shared its in- depth report on how well school districts in Ventura County are covering the curriculum. 

November 2013 / Getting Appointed

Ventura County Supervisors Kathy Long and Linda Parks introduced the WER (Women’s Economic Roundtable), a new 10-member Advisory Committee to the Board of Supervisors that will hold discussions on developing, educating, and enhancing career and economic development opportunities for Ventura County Women. The Supervisors presented an overview of the role of the County Board of Supervisors, how this committee will function, and how individuals and organizations can get involved. The Ventura County Women’s Political Council, this month’s hosting organization, also discussed its program to train and support women who are interested in pursuing appointed and elected public office. 

September 2013 / Health Care Reform

SEIU Local 721 co-hosted this presentation on Health Care Reform (Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obama Care). The union is one of several organizations holding workshops to help educate the public on the new Covered California Healthcare plan: how to apply, how to choose a plan within the exchange and how to determine cost and coverage options.