Art & Advocacy

New America California, in collaboration with the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), melded art with social impact in a unique and thoroughly entertaining way by hosting a comedy show about economic mobility and the American dream. Over the course of one evening, eight military-connected comedians spun personal stories into comedic gold, giving the audience and themselves permission to laugh about the absurdity of it all: the endless grind, the seemingly immovable ceilings, and the potholes in America’s “land of opportunity.” But the show wasn't just about finding laughter in points of pain. Is This Thing On? A Night of Comedy About Making it in America demonstrated the importance of utilizing creative platforms to raise awareness of, and engagement in, issues of public and social policy.

After the show, the audience participated in a talkback with the comedians, during which both performers and attendees relished the opportunity to dive deeper into the performers’ perspectives.Their insights sparked dialogue that was both thought-provoking and hopeful, and included a genuine call to consider the systems that make "making it" so difficult for so many.

Attendees of the show were reminded that, while policy conversations can feel distant and abstract, they affect real lives. Pairing art with advocacy can connect people, foster empathy, and challenge the status quo. By utilizing humor, these comics demonstrated how creative expression can give voice to issues often overlooked or even avoided in daily discussion.

For New America California, this event reaffirms a dedication to uplifting marginalized voices, creating space for community dialogue, and shifting narratives on economic justice. The success of the evening underscores the significance of creative expression in public discourse and its ability to push conversations forward. Whether it’s through comedy, music, or visual arts, these creative spaces give us all the chance to reflect, laugh, and, most importantly, act. When planning community engagement centered on policy awareness and outreach, consider looking toward the creative community for partnership and utilizing this unique and successful model for flipping the script on how everyday American issues are viewed. By sharing our stories in creative ways, we create opportunities to make connections and inspire change.

New America CA thanks the stand-up comedians whose performances and insights made the show so memorable:

• Doug Alvarado
• PT Bratton
• Demi Chang
• Jeff King
• Nikkie Knowles
• Sherri Priester
• Clyde Thompson
• Dewayne White