Civics 101

Thursday 17

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online, 512/322-9622. Free. austinymca.org.

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Items from Council include a resolution directing the city manager to develop the ATX Public Safety Vacancy Staffing Plan, a comprehensive staffing plan for Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Austin Fire Department, and Austin Police Department. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

TCDP GET OUT THE VOTE PHONEBANK Join the Travis County Democratic Party in calling registered Democratic voters ahead of the March 1 primary. This is a virtual phone bank and will operate from a website; you will not be able to use your phone. Thu., Feb. 17, 6-8pm; Tue., Feb. 22, 5:30-7:30pm; Thu., Feb. 24, 6-8pm; Sun., Feb. 27, 2-5pm Remote. Registration required. mobilize.us/traviscountydems.

AISD REPURPOSING: FORMER ROSEDALE SCHOOL Share your thoughts and ideas on how Austin ISD can use the former Rosedale School. Sat., Feb. 12, 10:30-11:30am; Thu., Feb. 17, 6-7pm Online. austinisd.org/repurposing.

Friday 18

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

Saturday 19

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

Sunday 20

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

Monday 21

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

Tuesday 22

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Travis County Commissioners Court, 700 Lavaca, 512/854-9020. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

TCDP GET OUT THE VOTE PHONEBANK Join the Travis County Democratic Party in calling registered Democratic voters ahead of the March 1 primary. This is a virtual phone bank and will operate from a website; you will not be able to use your phone. Thu., Feb. 17, 6-8pm; Tue., Feb. 22, 5:30-7:30pm; Thu., Feb. 24, 6-8pm; Sun., Feb. 27, 2-5pm Remote. Registration required. mobilize.us/traviscountydems.

AISD SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING The AISD SHAC is made up of parents, community members, students, and school staff working together to improve the health of students and families through coordinated school health programs. 6:30-8pm. Online. austinisd.org/advisory-bodies/shac.

Wednesday 23

DESPERATELY SEEKING LIFEGUARDS Maybe not desperately yet, but last year's shortage of lifeguards led to some limited hours and pool closures. To ensure summer fun for everyone, the city's Aquatic Division is hiring hundreds of lifeguards for its many pools, with positions starting at $15/hour and with ongoing training opportunities, including over spring break. Lifeguards must be 15 or older, and the city points out it can be a great start for a career in safety and public service. The city also recently announced a $500 bonus for those who complete the summer. Ongoing Apply online. lifeguardaustin.com.

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

REWRITING APD'S RULES & POLICIES The Office of Police Oversight seeks feedback from the community regarding body-worn and dashboard cameras used by the Austin Police Department. Attend a Zoom panel or provide feedback via speakupaustin.org/apdcameras. Wednesdays through March 16, 6pm Virtual. Free. opo.outreach@austintexas.gov, bit.ly/3GRBCcf.

Thursday 24

DESPERATELY SEEKING LIFEGUARDS Maybe not desperately yet, but last year's shortage of lifeguards led to some limited hours and pool closures. To ensure summer fun for everyone, the city's Aquatic Division is hiring hundreds of lifeguards for its many pools, with positions starting at $15/hour and with ongoing training opportunities, including over spring break. Lifeguards must be 15 or older, and the city points out it can be a great start for a career in safety and public service. The city also recently announced a $500 bonus for those who complete the summer. Ongoing Apply online. lifeguardaustin.com.

MARCH 2022 JOINT PRIMARY ELECTION Make a plan to get to the polls and find a polling site online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Follow the Chronicle’s election coverage here. Early voting through Feb. 25; election day is Tue., March 1 Anywhere you see a "Vote Here/Aquí" sign. countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR VOTING MEETING See agenda for details. 5:30pm. AISD Central Office, 4000 S. I-35. austinisd.org/board.

TCDP GET OUT THE VOTE PHONEBANK Join the Travis County Democratic Party in calling registered Democratic voters ahead of the March 1 primary. This is a virtual phone bank and will operate from a website; you will not be able to use your phone. Thu., Feb. 17, 6-8pm; Tue., Feb. 22, 5:30-7:30pm; Thu., Feb. 24, 6-8pm; Sun., Feb. 27, 2-5pm Remote. Registration required. mobilize.us/traviscountydems.

Ongoing

DRIVE-THROUGH VACCINE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS If you're interested in volunteering at Travis County's drive-through vaccine clinic at COTA, sign up here. Clinic open: Fridays-Sundays Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker. centraltxvaccs.org.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY WORKER Over 600 spots need to be filled at polling locations for the March 1 primaries; this is a paid position through Travis County. traviscountydemocrats.org.

YWCA GREATER AUSTIN WARMLINE Call 512/548-9922 for support amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-8pm; Fridays, 9-5pm; Saturdays, noon-4pm Citywide. ywcaaustin.org.

LEGALLINE Call 512/472-8303 for free legal advice concerning family law, criminal matters, traffic problems, consumer issues, landlord/tenant issues, and employment law. Attorneys who are bilingual (English/Spanish) are also available. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. referrals@austinlrs.org, austinlrs.org.

WIC MOBILE UNIT Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Check online for current schedule Various locations. Free. austintexas.gov/wic.