As we navigate the unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, Be a Part of the Conversation is committed to keeping vital conversations going!

Visit this page often to learn about upcoming Online Programs, as well as finding links to follow-up pages and recently-recorded programs.

Please Donate! Your support keeps the Conversation going!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Be a Part of the Conversation has suspended all in-person community programs and other gatherings. However, we will continue to provide quality programming by hosting webinars and online meetings, many of which feature guest presenters and panelists.

Your donation will support our efforts to keep our communities connected. Thank you!

Coming up!

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“The Trouble with Alcohol”

Celebrated on social media, an integral part of many sporting events, seemingly essential to social gatherings, and festively displayed at many grocery stores, alcohol is our country’s favorite mood altering substance.

And then came the pandemic. Isolation and anxiety have created fertile ground for alcohol misuse, aided by the social norms that deceive us into believing it’s okay to drink more.

We’ll talk with clinicians and people in recovery from alcoholism about our history with alcohol, why it is innocuous for some and disastrous for others, and how to know when the line has been crossed from moderate consumption to alcohol use disorder. We will also discuss treatment options and learn about the beauty and hopefulness of life in recovery.

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“Cannabis (it’s complicated, especially for kids!)”

Funded by ARCH and Tredyffrin/Easttown School District

What was once a relatively simple plant, today’s cannabis (marijuana) has inspired everything from fear to fierce loyalty. We’ll have a conversation about the science of marijuana use and its impact on young people’s developing brains.

We need to learn all we can about this evolving substance, which bears little resemblance to a plant.

Our presenters will address the effects of increased THC levels, social norms, availability, and the impact on a young, developing brain.

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“The Rising Tide of Stimulants”

Funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol

Our panel of presenters will discuss the current trends surrounding stimulant/psychostimulant use. We’ll address related risk factors and warning signs, focusing on populations that are particularly at risk. We will also explore the trajectory of initiation via prescribed stimulants (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta) and their misuse, as well as the use of illicit stimulants, including cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth and some club drugs.

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“Healing Families During Times of Challenge”

Funded by the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.

This is a particularly challenging time for Bucks County families whose loved ones are struggling with addiction to opioids and stimulants.

We’ll be joined by treatment professionals, a Bucks County official, and we will learn about the impact of opioid and stimulant use disorders on families. Join us as we navigate the convergence of addiction and the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing support for families.

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“Cannabis. Who Knew?”

Funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol, part of the Youth Marijuana Prevention Project

We’ll have a conversation about today’s marijuana, increased THC levels, lack of perceived harm, and its impact on young people and the developing brain. Those who care about adolescents need to learn all we can about this evolving substance, which bears little resemblance to a plant. We’ll be joined by Gary Fedoroff, a treatment provider from Newport Academy in California, where marijuana has been legal for medical and recreational use for several years. We’ll also hear from someone who is in recovery from Cannabis Use Disorder.

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7:00 pm

“Parenting On Your Feet + Mock Teen Bedroom”

Funded by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services; in partnership with Penn Medicine’s Chester County Hospital

What are the challenges you are facing as Chester County parents, caregivers and educators? Our panelists will address the potency of today’s cannabis, other substances, impaired driving, and more, with a special focus on teens and emerging adults.

We’ll also provide a tour of our Mock Teen Bedroom, which helps adults to identify signs of substance use, and trends that put kids at risk, such as cannabis, vaping and alcohol. Together, we’ll develop the tools we need to support Chester County youth!

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30 pm

“Cannabis (it’s complicated, especially for kids!)”

Funded by the Great Valley School District

What was once a relatively simple plant, cannabis (marijuana) has inspired everything from fear to fierce loyalty. We’ll have a conversation about the science of today’s marijuana and its impact on young people’s developing brains.
We need to learn all we can about this evolving substance, which bears little resemblance to a plant.
Our presenters will address the effects of increased THC levels, social norms, availability, and the impact on a young, developing brain.

NOTE: This program will not be recorded, so be sure to join us live!

Follow Up on Past Online Programs

We occasionally record our online programs. You can find those recordings, along with other helpful information by visiting the links listed below. (Most recent are at the top.)

Click here to find all our Follow Up pages.

“Conversation Celebration” from December 6, 2020

Learn more about our annual fundraising event, watch the recorded program, and meet our honorees!

Visit our “Conversation Celebration” page.

View the recorded event.

“Cannabis (it’s complicated, especially for kids!)” from October 27, 2020

Visit our Cannabis page for a recording of our presentation, plus a whole lot more helpful information!

Visit our “Cannabis” page.