Civics 101

Thursday15

TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY joins Organizing for Amer­ica and Dem legislators for a holiday party to benefit the Trinity Center and its services for the homeless. 6-8pm. 1403 E. Sec­ond. See donation wish list at www.traviscountydemocrats.org.

LAST DAY FOR INPUT ON IMAGINE AUS­TIN Review the document, comment on the plan, or take a priorities survey online at www.imagineaustin.net.

AUSTIN GREEN HOLIDAY PARTY Texas Green Network, Austin Eco Network, Public Citizen, and more local enviros celebrate the year with cheer. 6-8pm. Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle. $25. Register at www.texasgreennetwork.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY GREEN PARTY meets to discuss the 2012 elections and the Occupy movement. 6:30-8:30pm. Carver Library, 1161 Angelina. www.tcgp.org.

Saturday17

CHRISTMAS CHANGE PARTY Austinites for Geographic Representation invite you to eat, drink, and wish for a geographically representative governing body. 2:30-4:30pm. Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto. Free with 10 signatures to the petition, available at www.austingeorep.org.

HOLIDAY MUTT MATCH The Austin Animal Center is promoting 25-plus adult dogs who need homes for the holidays. All-inclusive adoptions for just $25. 10am-2pm. Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, 978-0500. www.austinanimalcenter.org.

Wednesday21

SOLAR AUSTIN FORUM Austin Energy's Larry Weis, Pecan Street Project's Brewster McCracken, and others talk about AE's proposed rate increases and the role of solar power. Happy hour: 5:30pm. Forum: 6:30pm. 29th Street Ballroom, 2908 Fruth. www.solaraustin.org.

BLOOD DRIVE The Travis County Sheriff's Office hosts a blood drive for those choosing to give a different kind of gift this season. See website for times and locations. www.inyourhands.org.

Thursday22

BLOOD DRIVE See Wednesday.

Ongoing

FOUNDATION COMMUNITIES is recruiting volunteers to help low-income residents with income tax preparation in partnership with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and the city of Aus­tin. Apply at www.foundcom.org.