Res Publica

Hey, candidates! If you'd like your campaign events listed, send details to calendar@austinchronicle.com.

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Thursday03

CONCORDIA SPEAKER SERIES LUNCHEON Three Concordia faculty members discuss the realities of being an environmental steward. 11:30am. Concordia University Auditorium, 11400 Concordia University Dr. Free. www.concordia.edu/speakerseries.

JOIN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CITI­ZENS ADVISORY TASK FORCE Today is the last day you can apply to sit on this committee. You need a nominating City Council member and a completed application form. See www.cityofaustin.org/compplan.

KAREN SAGE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF Learn more about this candidate for the 147th district court. 5:30pm. Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones, 454-2666.

TERRY GALLOWAY delivers the goods and the goodies with her memoir, Mean Little deaf Queer. 7pm. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar, 472-5050.

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Friday04

LABOR DAY FISH FRY Join the Austin Central Labor Council for this annual celebration. Texas AFL-CIO parking lot, 1106 Lavaca.

PROJECT CHUMBO'S FIRST FRIDAY Join in this effort to support New Orleans culture right here in Austin. Project Chumbo (which stands for "chili in the gumbo," we're told) is raising funds for a new suit for Big Chief Kevin of the Flaming Arrow Mardi Gras Indians. Come out, enjoy the music, and donate a few bucks to the cause. 9pm. Ruta Maya, 3601 S. Congress Ste. D-200. $5.

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Saturday05

ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE Lisa Fithian discusses the building blocks of social and political change throughout history and how to use those strategies to make changes in your life. 9am-noon. Texas State Employees Union, 1700 S. First. Donations appreciated. www.thirdcoastactivist.org.

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Sunday06

PUBLIC AFFAIRS FORUM: SOLIDARITY RENEWED AFL-CIO Legislative Director René Lara discusses changing demographics of the labor movement. 11:30am. First Unitarian Universal­ist Church, 4700 Grover, 452-6168. www.austinuu.org.

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Monday07

LAST DAY: CHANGES TO GROUNDWATER DROUGHT MANAGEMENT RULES If you want to submit comments on changes to rules in the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer District, you must do so by noon today. Send written comments to bseacd@bseacd.org. See www.bseacd.org for details. 282-8441.

SCHOOL LUNCH POTLUCK Bring a dish to share (and eating and drinking accoutrements) and discuss the future of public-school lunches. E-mail to RSVP. 11am. Rain Lily Farm, 914 Shady Ln. info@slowfoodaustin.org, www.slowfoodaustin.org.

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Tuesday08

BRIDGE THE MINIMUM WAGE GAP Let rush-hour commuters know that you support a minimum wage that people can live on. Help draw attention to the banner over MoPac and to the cause. 7:30-9am & 4:30-6pm. Barton Skyway (over MoPac), 796-4366. www.universallivingwage.org.

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Wednesday09

INNER CITY OUTINGS MEETING This outreach program of the Sierra Club provides low-income youth with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. See what they'll be up to this fall and perhaps sign up to volunteer. 7pm. Waterloo Ice House, 1106 W. 38th, 924-5358. anncliftico@yahoo.com.

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Thursday10

ASIAN-AMERICAN DEMOCRATS host a reception for the Asian-American and Pacific Island­er Caucus of the Democratic National Com­mittee. Call to RSVP. 6pm. Chinatown, 3407 Greystone. 326-0222. Free. www.aadt.us.

WEATHERING THE ECONOMIC STORM A panel of creative-industry insiders talk about the economic downturn and its effect on Austin's arts scene. Get tips on surviving until Obama saves us all. 6pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second, 974-7860. Free. www.cityofaustin.org/nextlevel.

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Ongoing

JOIN AISD CALENDAR TASK FORCE AISD is looking for 24 parent volunteers to weigh in on next year's school calendar. Meetings take place Oct. 7, 21, and 28; Nov. 12; and Dec. 16. Call 414-0369 or download your application at www.austinisd.org. Deadline: Sept. 18.

LAND GRANTS OF THE TEXAS REVOLU­TION The latest Capitol Visitors Center exhibit, "A Hero's Reward," displays artifacts and historical documents that illuminate how soldiers of different races and backgrounds were compensated for their participation in Texas' struggle for independence. Capitol Visitors Center, 112 E. 11th, 305-8400. Free. www.texascapitolvisitorscenter.com.

PRESERVE THE WAREHOUSE DISTRICT If you're more impressed by historic buildings than fancy new condos, this is the petition for you. Put your e-signature on the line, and keep Austin old. www.savethewarehousedistrict.com.

SUMMER UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE Unrelenting summer temperatures making your electric bills unmanageable? The city of Austin is offering six-month payment plans if you apply before Oct. 1. Call or go online for more info and application forms. (The city can also help you pay your bills if you've lost your job, are receiving Medicaid, or find yourself in other tough economic situations.)494-9400. www.austinenergy.com.