Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 5:13
On Thursday evening, September 24, Woodlanders gathered at Woodland Community College for a special film night aimed at fostering unity and addressing local social challenges. The event featured the documentary We're All in This Together, sparking conversations about compassion and civic responsibility across the Yolo County region.
The featured film follows Daniel Troia as he embarks on a 7,000-mile cross-country bicycle trip without money or food. His goal is to test the true nature of American relationships amid growing political and social divisions. By experiencing life while unhoused and relying entirely on strangers, Troia demonstrates how empathy can bridge cultural gaps.
The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
Jenn Frandsen, housing director of the local non-profit Fourth and Hope, selected the documentary to inspire attendees. She opened the evening with a quote from poet Maya Angelou, emphasizing that the desire for a safe home exists within everyone. The audience responded enthusiastically, applauding after the film and a pre-recorded Q&A session with Troia.
Beyond entertainment, the gathering served a practical purpose for Woodland's vulnerable populations. Following Frandsen's remarks, a QR code appeared on screen to facilitate direct donations to Fourth and Hope, a shelter dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness. Additional local organizations, including the Woodland Food Closet, WEMM, and Empower Yolo, staffed tables to share information about volunteering and available resources.
Jamie Seibel, a Woodland Community College employee, helped coordinate the initiative. Inspired by a previous film screening about wage equality, Seibel formed a small group known as The Woodland Deciders. Their mission focuses on combating isolation and empowering locals to drive positive change rather than feeling powerless against national trends.
Community film screenings have become a popular method for grassroots organizing in California. These gatherings provide a neutral space where residents can discuss pressing issues while directly linking awareness to actionable support for regional charities. Such events reinforce the role of educational institutions like Woodland Community College as hubs for civic dialogue.
This successful evening proves that localized efforts can effectively counter broader societal fractures. As attendees leave with renewed motivation to engage, the focus remains on building a more connected and supportive Yolo County. Residents interested in continuing this work can reach out to the participating nonprofits for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
