Res Publica
Citizens' calendar for June 16-23
Fri., June 17, 2011
Thursday16
FILMS FOR THE FOREST BLOCK PARTY Do some rainforests a favor and watch the winning films of the Rainforest Partnership's 3-Minute Film Challenge. 6-10pm. Rainforest Partnership Headquarters, 505 Willow, 420-0101. Free. www.filmsfortheforest.org.
Friday17
GROUNDBREAKING: AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL AND HERITAGE FACILITY The launch of this historic renovation project doubles as a Juneteenth celebration that looks forward as much as it looks back. 9:30am. 912 E. 11th, 974-2240.
TEXAS EMANCIPATION DAY Join Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe and Precinct 1 Commissioner Ron Davis for a Juneteenth celebration in the park. 11am-2pm. Wooldridge Park Plaza, 10th & Guadalupe.
Saturday18
ELECTION DAY The perfect followup to Saturday morning cartoon-watching: Go vote. Check out our endorsement, campaign coverage ("Decisions, Decisions," "The Donors Behind the Dough," and "Nothing Funny Happened on the Way to the Forum"), and in-depth stories on the candidates (plus links to voting precinct info, in case you don't know where to go) at austinchronicle.com/elections.
MEN RALLY FOR CHANGE Take a stand against domestic violence, sexism, homophobia, and racism. Meet at City Hall to join the march to the Mexican American Cultural Center, where there will be music, speeches, and more. 4-9pm. MACC, 600 River. on.fb.me/MenRally.
HYDE PARK HISTORIC HOMES TOUR A little bit of local history is alive and well today. Sat., June 18, 10am-5pm; Sun., June 19, 1-5pm. Tour begins at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway, 627-0813. Sat., $15; Sun., $18; free for kids 10 and younger. www.hydeparkhomestour.org.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY begins with a naturalization ceremony, after which you can join Austin's newest citizens for a celebration with multicultural dance, fashion, and music performances. Noon-3pm. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress, 936-8746. Free. www.thestoryoftexas.com/education/adults.html.
Monday20
AISD REDISTRICTING PUBLIC HEARING Austin ISD is planning to rejigger the trustee districts to ensure that the population is equally divided. Visit archive.austinisd.org/inside/board for proposed maps, and share your input at today's meeting or through the online form. 6pm. 1111 W. Sixth.
KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL CONFERENCE Before Austin was keeping it weird, these folks were keeping it worth keeping weird. Join them in their 44th year for a day of rainwater harvesting and other delights. Mon.-Thu., June 20-23. AT&T Conference Center, 1900 University Ave. $145-325. www.ktb.org.
Tuesday21
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS meets to hash out a plan to line the commercial streets of North-Central Austin with 100 freshly planted trees. 6:30-8pm. Village Christian Apartments Activity Room, 7925 Rockwood.
BEYOND DIVERSITY: RETHINKING EQUALITY A talk by UT professor Robert Jensen is hosted by the Greater Austin Forum on Diversity. 11:30am-1pm. 5604 Manor Rd., 391-2305. Free. www.thirdcoastactivist.org.
Thursday23
TEXAS GREEN NETWORK This month's eco-friendly schmooze fest is hosted by Morsco Solar. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Morsco Solar, 8210 Springdale Rd. Let 'em know you're coming: rsvpaustin@texasgreennetwork.org.
Ongoing
ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH Some cats are free this month, others are discounted, and all are happy to go home with you and be your new best friend. 11:30am-7pm. Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez. www.austinanimalcenter.org.
AUSTIN WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME Nominate your favorite kickass lady. Call: City of Austin Commission for Women, 374-9723. Deadline: July 15. www.austintexas.gov/help/halloffame.htm.
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE See this city department's plans for 2012 and share your thoughts on needs and priorities for housing, community and economic development, and public services in Austin: www.cityofaustin.org/housing/publications.htm.
Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.