Political outreach for the rest of us

That we’ll all be reeling from the how and why and are you sure? of this election for a long time is a given, and while it might be tempting to crawl into your metaphorical (or hey, maybe it’s literal; we’re not judging) pillow fort right about now, community engagement is more important than ever, and aligning yourself with disenfranchised segments of the population is a sure way forward. But if getting out there with your clipboard and megaphone aren’t your speed, there are plenty of ways to get engaged this week via more creative methods with the following:

On Saturday, January 28, at the Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street), Block by Block, an arts engagement initiative, is asking community members to come with ideas on how art and culture can be used to impact community needs in south Sacramento (a.k.a. District 8) at the Community Art Summit Public Discussion. Attendance is free, but registration is required, and the session will run from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; visit www.crockerart.org/event/1297/2017-01-28 for more information.

Later that day at the Colonial Theatre (3522 Stockton Boulevard), the folks behind the Sacramento Horror Film Festival are hosting Louder Than Wolves: Taking a Stand Against Rape Culture, which will take the shape of dance performances, spoken word and poetry, aerial arts, live music and screenings of the short films Quiet Culture and Girls Don’t Cry Wolf. A minimum donation of $10 is requested, and all proceeds will benefit local women’s shelter WEAVE. Visit www.facebook.com/
sacramentohorrorfilmfestival to find out more.

Lastly, take a cue from Bassem Youssef (pictured), who will be speaking at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis (501 Alumni Lane in Davis) on Wednesday, February 1, at 8 p.m. with his program The Joke is Mightier Than the Sword. Youssef was a surgeon in Egypt up until the Egyptian Revolution of 2011; in its wake, he created a satirical YouTube show that eventually became a television show—al Bernameg (The Show)—that was eventually canceled over lawsuits, threats and governmental pressure. Known as “the Jon Stewart of Egypt,” Youssef will be speaking to his experience in reaching out to the people in the wake of a massive cultural shift—something we should hope to see plenty of in the years to come. Tickets start at $17.50; find out more at www.mondaviarts.org/event/2016-17/bassem-youssef.