Civics 101

Thursday 26

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: HISPANIC BUSINESS CONVENTION OF TEXAS Join the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce on Sept. 6-9, for three days of networking, speakers, workshops, receptions, and awards. Early bird registration ends Aug. 15. Embassy Suites Hotel Spa & Conference Center, 1001 E. McCarty, San Marcos, 512/392-6450. $25-$1500. www.tamacc.org.

LAKEWAY COURT: SUMMER SAFE HARBOR AMNESTY PROGRAM Lakeway Municipal Court will dismiss Failure to Appear and Violate Promise to Appear charges under certain conditions from now through Aug. 30. Those who voluntarily turn themselves in to court staff to pay fines will not be arrested. Call Warrant Clerk Martina Brazell for more information. June 26- Aug. 30, Mon.-Fri., 8am-4:30pm Lakeway Municipal Court, 104 Cross Creek, 512/314-7566. www.lakeway-tx.gov.

SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM Central Health Enterprise and the Central Texas Food Bank will provide Travis County low-income families a healthy, free lunch every weekday for 11 weeks, beginning June 4. A weekend take-home food bag will be available on Fridays. June 4-Aug. 24. Mon.-Fri., 11am-1pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. www.centralhealth.net.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BREAKTHROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM Spend two hours of your day helping students on their practice their communication skills. No preparation necessary. Training and lunch provided! 11:30am-1:30pm. Decker Middle School, 8104 Decker Ln., 512/278-4630. [email protected], www.breakthroughctx.org.

RALLY FOR FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER COALITION NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION Over a dozen groups are calling on Austin and Travis County to immediately end all contracts with Southwest Key – a local nonprofit that's also housed child detention centers at the boarder. For more details, see our coverage online. 12:30pm. Southwest Key Headquarters, 6002 Jain Ln..

Friday 27

[RE]MOVE & [RE]USE: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY As students move out of their apartments, let's help keep their reusable items from the landfill. Volunteers will work for two and a half hours delivering materials to one of three drop-off stations: 2102 Pearl; Poplar Street and San Gabriel Street; 806 W. 24th. If you're interested, sign-up online. July 27-Aug. 1 512/974-6028. Free. [email protected], www.moveoutatx.org/volunteer.

AAC SUMMER CAMP FOR SHELTER DOGS The Austin Animal Center needs foster parents for its summer camp program to give dogs a break from the shelter life. You don't have to have foster experience, but they do ask that you sign on for two weeks. Pickup is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 11am-7pm Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, 512/978-0500. Free. austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center.

SOCIAL JUSTICE WORK AND COMPASSION FATIGUE A workshop on defining and understanding the concepts of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, self-awareness, and self-care. Through an interactive process, participants will begin to establish goals toward managing fatigue. 9-11:30am. YWCA of Greater Austin, 2015 S. I-35 #110. $25-40.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM Spend two hours helping students hone their communication skills. No preparation necessary. Training and lunch provided. (Also happening at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, 1112 West 31st St.) 11:30am-1:30pm. University of Texas at Austin, 727 E. Dean Keeton, 512/471-3434. [email protected], www.breakthroughctx.org.

BEYOND THE LAW: LETTING COMPASSION LEAD Join YWCA for this month's dialogue on law. Discussion questions include: "When is the time to challenge the law and your beliefs?" "What are you willing to tolerate and how much are you willing to uphold?" Fri., July 27, noon-1:30pm YWCA of Greater Austin, 2015 S. I-35 #110, 512/326-1222. Free. www.ywcaaustin.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COLLEGE APPLICATION INSTITUTE Spend two hours of your day helping prepare students for college interviews. Counselors, college admission, scholarship program representatives, college application coaches or others with similar experience encouraged to participate. No preparation necessary. Training and lunch provided! Fri., July 27, noon-2pm St. Andrew's Episcopal School, 5901 SW Parkway. [email protected], www.breakthroughctx.org.

SAFE BABY ACADEMY (SPANISH) For expectant families, parents, and caregivers of kids under 12 months. Register online or call the EMS Safety Hotline. Class is conducted in Spanish. 5pm. CommUnityCare Clinic, 2901 Montopolis. Free. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/department/ems.

Saturday 28

SOUTH WINDMILL RUN NEIGHBORHOOD COMPOSTING INFORMATION POP-UP Austin Resource Recovery hosts a come-and-go info session on how to use your compost cart. Free kitchen countertop compost collector and compostable bags while supplies last. 9-11am. Windmill Run Neighborhood Park, Inside Dunkirk Cir., off of Scenic Brook Dr.. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

GIVENS DISTRICT PARK MASTER PLAN: COMMUNITY MEETING #2 Share your vision for the park, learn about the park's history, complete a survey, and go on project site tours. Can't attend? Complete the survey online available in Spanish and English. 10am-Noon. Givens Park Pavilion, 3811 E. 12th St.. www.austintexas.gov/givensparkMP.

TCDP MEET & GREET AND HEADQUARTERS OPENING You're invited to meet Liz McLeod, the new TCDP Coordinated Campaign Manager, and the rest of the team, while visiting the new campaign headquarters and store. 10am-1pm. Travis County Democtratic Party Headquarters, 6929 Airport #127. www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

DOGS FOR BETO PHOTO SHOOT Buy a mini-photo shoot for you and your dog at this fundraiser for Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke. See our interview with O'Rourke and follow our Elections page for more coverage. Sat., July 28, noon-4pm 6207 Shoalwood Ave.. $50-75.

PERIOD PACKING PARTY Join Period: A Documentary for making period packs. The documentary is about helping those who can't afford their period. Bring unused bras, underwear, and period supplies. Drinks and snacks available. 2-5pm. 19606 Mallard Pond Trail, Pflugerville. Free.

BETO FOR SENATE ORGANIZING RALLY: EAST AUSTIN Meet local supporters and leave with tangible plans on how to get Beto O'Rourke elected to the U.S. Senate. (O'Rourke will not be in attendance). See our interview with O'Rourke and follow our Elections page for more coverage. 3-5pm. Weather Up. www.betofortexas.com.

Sunday 29

Monday 30

Tuesday 31

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: A VISUAL HISTORY OF PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION IN AUSTIN The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion. Through Oct. 28 Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

SUMMER SAVINGS OUTREACH EVENT Austin Energy and Austin Water host a series of community events to help residents in high-use areas manage energy and water use, which lowers utilities bills. 5-8pm. Free. www.austintexas.gov/summersavings.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 11TH GRADE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM Spend two hours of your day helping 11th grade students with their presentation skills. No preparation necessary. Training and lunch provided! 5-7pm. Atlassian Austin, 303 Colorado #1600, 512/640-3000. [email protected], www.breakthroughctx.org.

TEXAS TRIBUNE SUMMER SALON: HOW LONG CAN YOU AFFORD TO LIVE HERE? A crash course for young Texans looking to put down roots in the Lone Star State. Speakers will discuss how rising property values and shrinking affordability affects access and diversity in Austin and across the state. 5:30-7:30pm. Eberly, 615 S. Lamar. Free. www.texastribune.org.

CENTRAL HEALTH COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: THE 2019 BUDGET Give feedback to help ensure Central Health's 2019 budget is aligned with the community's needs. Parking available. Email [email protected] for language preferences. 6-8pm. Central Health, 1111 E. Cesar Chavez. [email protected].

OPENING RECEPTION: TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Austin History Center celebrates the opening of their latest exhibit – highlighting local efforts to create change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements – with light refreshments. Attendees are invited to print out phone photos (of recent rallies and marches) to add to the exhibit or upload it online (see more info). The exhibit runs through October 28. 6:30pm. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe, 512/974-7480. Free. www.austinhistorycenter.org.

Wednesday 1

APD I.C.A.R.E. COMMUNITY CONFERENCE The Austin Police Department and the Austin Police Community Liaison Corporation will spend four days educating the community on how to best interact with law enforcement. Topics covered include: mental health first aid, civilian response to active shooter training, response to resistance training, and more. ACC Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Rd. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/police.

CENTRAL TEXAS SCHOOL SAFETY EVENT Continue the conversation on school safety to help prevent mass shootings. The Austin Regional Intelligence Center, the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security will be in attendance. APD Chief Brian Manley and Congressman Michael McCaul will welcome attendees. 8am-3:30pm. Hendrickson High School, 19201 Colorado Sand Dr., Pflugerville, 512/594-1100.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION It's that time of year again. See agenda for details. 9am. Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second, 512/974-2220. www.austintexas.gov.

COUNTERING STEREOTYPES USING THE MEDICINE WHEEL RACIAL HEALING CIRCLE Join YWCA Austin for a session on the medicine wheel, a sacred custom for problem solving through the Neshnabe (Native/original people) cultures. The medicine wheel will be used as a processing tool for reflection and sharing around how to counter stereotypes. 1-3pm. YWCA, 2015 S. I-35 #110, 512/326-1222. $10-40. www.ywcaaustin.org.

AFFORDABILITY ACCELERATOR PROGRAM 2018 KICKOFF Impact Hub Austin is once again looking for applicants interested in participating in this fall's Affordability Accelerator. The program kicks off with remarks from Mayor Steve Adler. 6:30-8:30pm. Impact Hub North, 5540 N. Lamar Blvd.. Free. www.impacthubaustin.com/affordability-accelerator-application.

BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE Join George Washington University's Wendy Ellis for a discussion on improving the health and life outcomes of children, families, and communities. 6:30-8pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/974-4926. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/imagine-austin.

Thursday 2

EL BUEN SAMARITANO MOBILE FOOD PANTRY A mobile food pantry providing emergency food assistance to families with financial limitations. Fresh produce, cooking help, and nutrition education available. No appointment is necessary. First and third Thursdays, 9am-noon. Del Valle Community Center, 3518 FM 973, Del Valle. www.elbuen.org/wellness/food-pantry.

CHANGES TO FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS STAKEHOLDER MEETING Attend to discuss amendments to Austin's floodplain regulations in response to a new rainfall study, called Atlas 14. 11:30am-1pm. Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd. www.austintexas.gov.

FY 19 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES APPLICATION WORKSHOP A workshops on how to complete each section of the online application for artists, unincorporated art groups, and arts nonprofits interested in applying for Community Initiatives Program funding. Thu., Aug. 2, noon Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. Second. Free. www.austintexas.gov/department/community-initiatives-program.

SOUTHEAST JOB FAIR Job seekers should bring a résumé and dress for success at this job fair featuring full- and part-time jobs, entry-level and professional positions, as well as training and education programs. Limited-English, re-entry, and disability-friendly. 1-4pm. Central Health Southeast Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis. 512/972-5173, www.austintexas.gov.

CONTROVERSY & CONVERSATION FILM SCREENING: VESSEL Vessel focuses on the work of Women on Waves, an organization, founded in 1999, which aims to provide medical abortions in international waters to women whose countries restrict or prohibit the procedure. Discussion to follow. This event is part of the “Controversy & Conversation” series, a collaboration between the Austin Public Library and UT Austin Humanities Institute’s Difficult Dialogues Program. 6:30-9pm. Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/974-3625. www.liberalarts.utexas.edu/humanitiesinstitute.

Ongoing

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS Swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, provided by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division. $57, residents; $66, nonresidents. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

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. [email protected], austinlrs.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.

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.

AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COMMITTEES APPLICATIONS Applications are now open to join the following committees: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction; Finance and Risk; and Planning, Sustainability, Equity, and DBE Advisory. The governing body of the agency created to build out Project Connect, ATP will oversee funding, designing, and implementing the $7.1 billion mass transit overhaul. Ongoing Online. atptx.org.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMER CAMP LOTTERY REGISTRATION Applicants can register for a random lottery drawing for limited in-person camps. In-person camp costs $120 per week with $20 due upon acceptance of lottery spot. April 19-May 16 Online. www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT Share your experiences and recommendations related to Winter Storm Uri, which will then be incorporated into a final report for City Council. Provide feedback online via the SpeakUp Austin website, or to speak remotely at the task force meetings, call (512/974-6339) or email no later than noon the day prior to the meetings on May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 23. Ongoing Remote. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/winter-storm-uri-community-feedback.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS NORTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from SH 45 N. to Hwy. 290 E. Through June 10 Online. capexnorth.mobility35openhouse.com.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY Share your feedback on ARR reaching its zero waste goals to help guide departmental efforts to measure Austin’s zero waste progress. Deadline: June 1 Online. www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-resource-recovery.

PALM DISTRICT PLANNING SURVEY Austin’s Palm District is located on the eastern edge of Downtown between I-35 and Trinity St., running from Rainey St. to 15th St. The city's Housing and Planning Department seeks public input on the future of the area as it develops the final Palm District Small Area Plan. Explore the area, take a survey, and ask questions on the city’s project website. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/palmdistrict.

SHOAL CREEK AUDIO WALKING TOUR SURVEY The Shoal Creek Conservancy is seeking public input to determine which stories to include in its free, self-guided tour along Shoal Creek. Deadline: June 7 Online. [email protected], www.shoalcreekconservancy.org.

TCSO VICTIM SERVICES VOLUNTEERS The Travis County Sheriff's Office Victim Services Unit needs volunteers to offer immediate assistance to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Those interested must complete a training program from July 31-Aug. 28 (Mondays, virtual, 6-9pm; Thursdays, virtual, 6-9pm; Saturdays, in-person, 9am-5pm). Ongoing Online. www.tcsheriff.org.

2021-22 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT The Budget Office’s website includes explanatory videos in English and Spanish about the city’s FY 2021-22 budgeting process, as well as a short survey for residents to share their thoughts on spending priorities. The mayor and City Council are scheduled to adopt Austin’s FY 2021-22 budget and tax rate between Aug. 11-13. Ongoing Online. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/budget.

DRIVE-UP HIV/STI TESTING No appointment necessary for free and confidential tests for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Through July 23. Fridays, 9am-noon Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2800 Webberville Rd.. Free. www.austintexas.gov/health.

APA! POURS FOR PETS Austin Pets Alive! puts the "fun" in "fundraiser" this month: For $40, you can purr-chase a passport to use participating locations throughout July, and at each stop, pick up a coffee, beer, glass of wine, or even a refreshing agua fresca. The nonprofit animal shelter is partnering with Austin favorites like Irene’s, Hank’s, Cosmic Coffee, Yard Bar, and more, and proceeds go to pets in need. July 1-31 Citywide. $40 donation. austinpetsalive.org.

SUMMER LUNCH FOR TEENS AND KIDS Central Health is providing children ages 18 and under with free weekly meal packs that include breakfast and lunch for the entire week. Through Aug. 12. Thursdays, noon-2pm Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr.. Free. fb.com/southeasthealthandwellnesscenter.

ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA WILDFLOWER PROGRAM In collaboration with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The Arc offers classes for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities focusing on social-emotional growth, vocational studies, life skills, active recreation, and Texas nature. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am-2pm Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse. $150-300 per month. arcaustin.org/wildflower.

ACA SPECIAL ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Sunday, Aug. 15, is the deadline to sign up for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Enroll online, via phone, or find local certified help in your area at localhelp.healthcare.gov. Deadline: Sun., Aug. 15 800/318-2596. healthcare.gov.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS CENTRAL PROJECT FEEDBACK Review the Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.9 billion project by Sept. 24. TxDOT proposes to add two HOV lanes in each direction along I-35 from U.S. 290 E. to Hwy. 71/Ben White Blvd. Extended Deadline: Sept. 24 Online. my35capex.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH 2022 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT Submit your questions or comments on Central Health’s proposed FY 2022 budget and a member of Central Health’s staff will get in touch. Ongoing Online. participate.centralhealth.net/2022budget.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY As part of the engagement process for the first-ever Zilker Park Vision Plan – the guiding framework for the park’s restoration and future development – community members are invited to share their thoughts on the park’s programming. Deadline: Sept. 30 Online. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

ACL ZILKER PARK ACCESS Beginning Sept. 20, the Parks and Recreation Department will close Zilker Park and select roads and street lanes in preparation for the Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 1-3 & 8-10). View the city’s interactive map for more details and a schedule of park and road closures. Sept. 20-Oct. 17 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov/page/pard-facilities-closures.

SOUTH PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SURVEY The city is gathering comments from residents about how they currently use South Pleasant Valley Road between St. Elmo Road and Onion Creek Park and how they would like to use the road to help guide future changes to the corridor. Deadline: Oct. 10 Online. data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/South-Pleasant-Valley-Road/b375-n8jt/.

DRIVE SAFE 2 SAVE COMPETITION Safe 2 Save, in partnership with Austin Transportation’s Vision Zero program, is hosting a competition to find Austin’s “safest driver” to discourage distracted driving and phone use. The competition features weekly cash prizes of $500, with the top three winners receiving prizes at the end. Through Oct. 15 safe2save.org/greater-austin-safe-driving-competition/.

TRANSPORTATION CRITERIA MANUAL UPDATE The TCM defines the rules, requirements, and technical guidelines for building mobility infrastructure in Austin. The city’s Transportation Department has worked to update the manual over the past two years; the current draft of the revised TCM is available for public review now through Nov. 1. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. austintexas.gov/street-design.

AUSTIN STRATEGIC MOBILITY PLAN SURVEY Austin Transportation Department seeks community members’ feedback on three new policy changes to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the city’s first comprehensive, multimodal transportation plan. Ongoing Online. austintexas.gov/asmp.

TPWD COMMUNITY OUTDOOR OUTREACH PROGRAM GRANT TPWD’s CO-OP grants provide funding to tax-exempt organizations for programming that engages under-served populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education activities. Deadline: Nov. 1 Online. tpwd.texas.gov.

FORD BUILD TO CONNECT This multiday outdoor event includes displays of Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning truck and Mustang Mach-E SUV models. Oct. 15-24. Mon.-Fri., noon-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 9am-8pm Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe, 512/381-1147. Free. fordautoshows.com/built-to-connect.

AUSTIN LGBT CHAMBER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Austin’s queer business chamber hosts its annual drive for new (and unwrapped) toys, clothing, and shoes for local children. Donations will go to children and families enrolled in LifeWorks programs and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County programs. See here for a list of drop-off locations and suggested donations. Through Dec. 10 Multiple locations. austinlgbtchamber.com/toydrive.

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.

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.

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