Civics 101

Wednesday 3

IMMIGRANT DETENTION PROTEST CAMP OUT Protest the horrifying conditions for children at the border during a sit-in on the Capitol grounds. Along with sleeping in dog kennels, attendees will also be writing postcards, calling their representatives, and making signs advocating for change. Noon. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.tspb.state.tx.us.

BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE Save local lives with a blood donation in exchange for a free T-shirt and an Alamo Drafthouse movie pass. Make your appointment online at We Are Blood. Eat a full meal before arriving, and don’t forget your photo ID! 1-5pm. APD Headquarters, 715 E. Eighth, 512/974-5072. jeff.greenwalt@austintexas.gov, www.weareblood.org.

Thursday 4

NO MORE CAGES RALLY Take to the streets to remind city leaders that the conditions at the border detention centers are unacceptable. Attendees are encouraged to wear white and bring their whole family. 10am-Noon. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress, 512/305-8400. www.tspb.state.tx.us.

Friday 5

WOOD RECLAMATION Join the Austin Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Unit as they provide large logs to anyone who needs them. 9am-3pm. PARD Wood Reclamation Yard, 2405 Stratford Dr.. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 6

FREE CHICKEN KEEPING CLASS Learn how to create healthy soil and keep food waste out of the landfill. Attend and qualify for a $75 rebate on any new chicken coop or home composting system. Noon. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd., 512/974-7400. www.austintexas.gov/chickenkeeping.

AISD TOWN HALL A community conversation on how the 2019 Legislative Session will impact Austin Independent School District and the AISD Police Department's plans for next year. 1:30-3pm. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave, 512/472-6932. tcsocommunityoutreach@traviscountytx.gov, www.austinisd.org.

Sunday 7

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST MEDITATION A community-centered meditation for empathic change makers with Amira Glickman, Chanelle Glover, Alec Brownridge, Chris Isom, and Jacob Fischer. Email to reserve a spot. First & third Sundays, 10-11:45am. Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey, 512/476-2535. $15 suggested donation. amira@sacredreststop.org, www.sacredreststop.org.

Monday 8

CHILD PASSENGER SEAT SAFETY CHECK Buckle up for a free course on car safety for kids. Email for more information. 9am. CommUnityCare East, 211 Comal St, 512/972-7233. Free. emspubed@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

CANDIDATE 101 Annie’s List hosts a networking event for women interested in running for local or statewide offices, or in building their political foundations. 6-8pm. The Riveter, 1145 W. Fifth. $15 (scholarships available). www.annieslist.com.

ZERO WASTE BLOCK LEADER ORIENTATION Learn how to get involved with Austin Resource Recovery programs and the city’s Zero Waste goals. 6-8pm. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. Fifth, 512/974-2744. block.leader@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/zerowasteblockleader.

Tuesday 9

BBASICS FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM FOR BUSINESS Learn about the pros and cons of putting your business on social media. 10-11am. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron, 512/407-8240. Free, but RSVP. dnguyen@austinasianchamber.org, www.austinasianchamber.org.

BURNET ROAD OFFICE HOURS Stop by anytime to meet with city officials and learn about the impending safety and mobility updates to Burnet Road between Koenig Lane and MoPac. 4-7pm. St. John's United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale, 512/452-5737. www.austintexas.gov/burnet.

BURNET ROAD PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE Stop by anytime to meet with city officials and learn about the impending safety and mobility updates to Burnet Road between Koenig Lane and MoPac. 4-7pm. St. John's United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale, 512/452-5737. www.austintexas.gov/burnet.

WICKERSHAM LANE OPEN HOUSE The Transportation Department discusses the project to enhance the safety and mobility of Wickersham Lane, including a proposal for an improved bikeway and pedestrian crossing islands. 6-7pm. Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove, 512/974-7400. www.austintexas.gov/wickershamlane.

BACKPACK FULL OF CASH A doc exploring the growing privatization of public schools in America and the resulting impact on school children. The screening benefits the League of Women Voters of Hays County. 6:30pm. Evo Cinemas Belterra, 166 Hargraves Ste. A-100. www.lwvhaysco.com.

Wednesday 10

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS WEBINAR Log on for an overview of the city’s development process to help you identify which processes are relevant to your business’ development and how to efficiently navigate the system. 9-10am. Remote. Free. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

BIZOPEN: COMMERCIAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS An overview of the city’s development process to help you identify which processes are relevant to your business’ development and how to efficiently navigate the system. 10-11am. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

AIRPORT OPPORTUNITIES OUTREACH SESSION Learn how to prepare a contract and bid for upcoming opportunities with other business owners, the city’s Small & Minority Business Resources Department, and the Aviation Department. 10am-Noon. City Hall, 301 W. Second. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

SBA ALTERNATIVE FINANCING Learn about the Small Business Administration’s alternative business loan programs. Noon-1:30pm. Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 Capital of TX Hwy. S. #110, 512/974-7800. Free. smallbiz@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

THE STATE OF REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM WITH THE ACLU OF TEXAS Join members of the ACLU of Texas for a discussion on the changing landscape of reproductive rights and how you can participate in securing a better future. 6-8pm. The Riveter, 1145 W. Fifth. www.aclutx.org.

Ongoing

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.

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. WinterStormTaskForce@austintexas.gov, 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. palmdistrictplanning@austintexas.gov, 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. info@shoalcreekconservancy.org, 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. budgetqa@austintexas.gov, 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.