Civics 101

Thursday 5

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-1pm 2600 W. Stassney Ln.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

2020 POINT IN TIME COUNT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ECHO is looking for 800 volunteers to make its annual count of everyone experiencing homelessness in Austin and Travis County a success. The 2020 count takes place Jan. 25. Anyone 18 or older can participate; volunteers will work in teams counting folks in their assigned area. Others can collect donations for the care packages distributed during the count. Online. pointintime@austinecho.org, www.austinecho.org/pit.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING TAX SEASON United Way of Williamson County is looking for volunteers to help with free tax prep services in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Taylor. Work includes tax prep, translating, and greeting. No prior experience necessary, as a free training is provided, complete with IRS certification.

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

LISTENING SESSION: CAMERON AND DESSAU ROADS Stop by whenever to help the Austin Transportation Department better understand the safety and mobility needs for people using Cameron Road and Dessau Road (51st Street to Parmer Lane). Your input will help identify improvement projects. For those who can’t attend, see the online survey, open Nov. 21 through Dec. 22. Online: Nov. 21-Dec. 22 512/974-7657. neil.quarles@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

STASSNEY LANE IMPROVEMENTS FEEDBACK ATD wants your input on how to improve transit options along Stassney from West Gate Blvd. to South Congress, so visit the link online and share your thoughts! Comments will be accepted from Dec. 5, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020 Online. carly.haithcock@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

COFFEE ON THE CORRIDOR: BURNET ROAD Stop by anytime for info on the Burnet Road Corridor construction phasing, which starts with the Braker/Burnet and Koenig/Burnet intersections. 8:30-10am. Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd., 512/974-7400. www.austintexas.gov/burnet.

LGBTQ LEGAL ISSUES IN CHANGING TIMES A day-long presentation for folks looking to gain MCLE Credit thanks to the TexasBarCLE and LGBT(q) Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. A live webcast will also be available online for the same price. 9am-4:30pm. Texas Law Center, 1414 Colorado, 512/463-1463. $122.50+. www.texasbarcle.com.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING A break from Land Use to discuss racism at APD. See agenda for more. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

CULTURE FUNDING FY 20 COMMUNITY INITIATIVES APPLICANT WORKSHOP Artists, unincorporated arts groups, and arts nonprofits are invited to learn how to complete the online application. Bring a laptop or tablet if possible. Noon. Cultural Arts Division Bluebonnet Training Room, 5202 E. Ben White #400. Free. annemarie.mckaskle@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

STASSNEY OPEN HOUSE ATD wants your input on how to improve transit options along Stassney from West Gate Blvd. to South Congress. Drop by anytime. A comment period will also be online from Dec. 5-Jan. 5. 7-8pm. ACC South Austin Campus, 1820 W. Stassney. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 6

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

CLIMATE STRIKE Join youth protestors across the globe in an effort to disrupt business as usual and demand clear commitments to action and a Green New Deal. #climatestrike. 10am-Noon. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.sunrisemovement.org.

RECYCLING & ORGANICS REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES Network with other Zero Waste businesses and learn what it takes to make your business zero waste. City staff will be on-site. 2:30pm. Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek, 512/912-9221. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

BUSINESS TRAINING ON RECYCLING AND ORGANICS DIVERSION Network with other business owners and property managers, and learn about zero-waste best practices for recycling and organics diversion. City staff will be on-site to answer questions and provide one-on-one assistance. 2:30-3:30pm. Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek, 512/912-9221. Free. www.buzzmillcoffee.com.

Saturday 7

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

COATS FOR KIDS The Junior League of Austin will distribute over 30,000 coats at the annual Coats for Kids Distribution Day event. If you've got a coat to donate, you can drop it off at any Jack Brown Dry Cleaners. Monetary donations can be made online at www.jlaustin.org. See website for volunteer registration. 8am-3pm. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.. www.jlaustin.org/coats.

AUSTIN ISD MIDDLE SCHOOL FAIR Families of current and future middle school students can explore the programs offered at each of AISD's 19 middle school campuses. Faculty will be there, along with student performances. 9am-Noon. Webb Middle School, 601 E. St. Johns, 512/414-4481. Free. www.austinisd.org.

GROWING CLOSER RALLY On the other hand, this group of urbanists are pushing Council to adopt the rewrite. You decide. 10am-2pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second.

LAST CHANCE TO STOP THE NEXT CODENEXT City Hall will be the temporary home of dueling land use arguments. This side is against the LDC rewrite (if you couldn't tell). It's also the same group that derailed CodeNEXT for better or worse. 10am-5pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second.

LDC: CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING An opportunity to share your feedback on the city's Land Development Code Revision and related amendments before Council takes a vote on Dec. 9. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov/ldc.

ART FROM THE STREETS ANNUAL SHOW Art From the Streets provides open studio four days a week to Austin's homeless and at-risk artists, giving them a place where they can create throughout the year – all of which culminates in this one big show. Note: 95% of all proceeds go directly to the artists! 11am-5pm. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/404-4000. $5. www.artfromthestreets.org.

STUDENT RIGHTS WORKSHOP FROM THE ACLU Students and youth activists are invited to this training on how to make change in their communities. 1-3pm. Central Library Demonstration Area, 710 W. César Chávez St.. Free. lila.mckmak@gmail.com.

FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US! A festive meet and greet with Heidi Sloan – running for Congress – and Dominic Selvera, a dem candidate running for Travis County Attorney. RSVP (via Facebook) to attend 5-9pm. 11124 Desert Willow Loop. www.dominicselvera.com.

Sunday 8

SJP MONTHLY GATHERING Join grassroots sexual assault survivor advocates for their monthly check-in. Second Sundays, 1pm Batch Craft Beer + Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd., 512/401-3025. www.fb.com/survivorjusticeproject.

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

LIZ FOR SHERIFF FUNDRAISER Your chance to hear what she's about. Noon-3pm. 20406 Sunset Ln, Lago Vista. www.lizforsheriff.com.

Monday 9

EAST AUSTIN NURSING SERVICES Nurses will be on-site to help navigate health concerns, provide check-ups, offer nutrition education, and help track down affordable health insurance coverage. Mondays, 8:30-11:30am East Austin Neighborhood Center, 211 Comal. www.austintexas.gov.

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

SOUTH AUSTIN NURSING SERVICES Nurses will be on-site to help navigate health concerns, provide check-ups, offer nutrition education, and help track down affordable health insurance coverage. Mondays, 8:30-11:30am South Austin Neighborhood Center, 2508 Durwood. www.austintexas.gov.

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AT NORTH AUSTIN YMCA A pilot program from the Austin Public Health Neighborhood Services Unit to help neighborhood residents access bus passes, rent and utility assistance, and social work and nursing services. Call for more info or to set up an appointment. 8:30am-12:30pm. YMCA North Austin, 1000 W. Rundberg, 512/972-5159 x4. www.austintexas.gov.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY CAR SEAT CHECK Learn how to properly install car seats and other passenger safety tips. Register online or by phone. 9am. CommUnity Care Clinic, 211 Comal Street. emspubed@austintexas.gov, www.austintexas.gov.

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING The dais is expected to vote on the city's Land Use Code rewrite. See agenda for details. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov/ldc.

PROGRESS TEXAS' NINTH ANNIVERSARY HOLIDAY PARTY Celebrate retiring State Senator José Rodríguez at the statewide nonprofit media org's yearly festive gathering. 6-8pm. South Congress Hotel, 1603 S. Congress, 512/730-0819. $25. into@progresstexas.org, www.progresstexas.org.

Tuesday 10

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

HOUSING AND PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING See agenda for details. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. www.austintexas.gov.

RECYCLING & ORGANICS REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESSES Network with other Zero Waste businesses and learn what it takes to make your business zero waste. City staff will be on-site. 2pm. HID Global, 611 Center Ridge Dr.. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

A CONVERSATION WITH COUNCIL MEMBER NATASHA HARPER-MADISON KOOP Radio hosts a live and lively convo with the D1 CM and Civil Rights & Wrongs host Bob Dailey. 6-7pm. Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale #122, 512/840-1804. Free. www.koop.org.

LONGHORN DAM BRIDGE MULTIMODAL IMPROVEMENT OPEN HOUSE Staff from Austin Public Works, Austin Transportation, and Austin Parks and Rec. invite you to stop in and learn about the project. 6-8pm. Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E 3rd St.. www.austintexas.gov/longhorndam.

BALLOT IS SET PARTY! It's a House flipping party with the Texas House Democrats and the Black Angels. 6-10pm. The Belmont, 305 W. Sixth, 512/476-2100. www.fb.com/texashdcc.

Wednesday 11

SEARCHLIGHT SERIES: JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND ACTION AROUND RAPE Join Survivor Justice Project and the Austin Justice Coalition for a five-part series on the intersections of sexual assault survivor justice, racial equity, and criminal justice to uncover ways to advance healing and community accountability for sexual violence in Austin. Wednesdays, Jan. 15, Feb. 19, 6:30-8:30pm Street-Jones Building, 1000 E. 11th. www.fb.com/survivorjusticeproject.

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

ROSEWOOD-ZARAGOSA NURSING SERVICES Nurses will be on-site to help navigate health concerns, provide check-ups, offer nutrition education, and help track down affordable health insurance coverage. Wednesdays, 8:30-11:30am Rosewood/Zaragosa Health Clinic, 2800 Webberville Rd., 512/404-1500. www.austintexas.gov.

WE THE PARTY A 101 on our local government. This group is itching to get 150 folks at City Hall to learn how to make their voices heard and who's on first. 5:30-9pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. Free. info@afunctionaldemocracy.com, www.afunctionaldemocracy.com.

GREATER AUSTIN ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY SOCIAL Meet and mingle with GAACC's board as well as members of its advisory council. 6-8pm. Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, 8001 Centre Park #160. Members, free with RSVP; nonmembers, $10; $20 (at the door). www.austinasianchamber.org.

Thursday 12

The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.

Apply online. ale@unitedway-wc.org, www.wilcofreetaxprep.org.

RAINEY SHARED STREETS PILOT This Austin Transportation and Austin Police pilot program will test the temporary closure of Rainey Street to motor vehicle traffic Thursdays-Saturdays, 9pm-2:30am, in the model of the long-running Sixth Street shutdowns. The pilot period runs through March 8, 2020. Through Mar. 8, 2020. Thu.-Sat., 9pm-2:30am Rainey Street. www.austintexas.gov/raineystudy.

MARKETPLACE HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT During open enrollment, Foundation Communities' Prosper Centers can help you get insurance coverage, switch plans, and track down financial assistance with their (pretty awesome) team of experts. Mon.-Thu., 9am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-4pm 5900 Airport Blvd.. Free. enroll@foundcom.org, www.insurecentraltexas.org.

CONFRONTING CONTEMPORARY ANTI-SEMITISM ADL Deputy National Director Kenneth Jacobson will speak at this collaborative event. Breakfast served. (Note: Registration for the December event is CLOSED.) 8-9am. Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart, 512/735-8400. Free (suggested donation $18). www.theaustinsynagogue.org.

BLACKLAND NURSING SERVICES Nurses will be on-site to help navigate health concerns, provide check-ups, offer nutrition education, and help track down affordable health insurance coverage. Thursdays, 8:30-11:30am Blackland Neighborhood Center, 2005 Salina. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

READY, SET, PLANT! Join TreeFolks to plant tree seedlings at Blunn Creek Greenbelt to improve wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and improve water quality! 10am-1pm. 512/443-5323. Free. www.treefolks.org.

FORT HOOD VETERANS JOB FAIR More than 45 (ready to hire) employers will be onsite to meet with vets, military spouses, transitioning military, National Guard members and Reservists looking for work! 11am-3pm. Club Hood, 33364Wainwright Dr., Fort Hood, TX. Free. www.recruitmilitary.com.

BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING See agenda for details. 6:30pm. City Hall, 301 W. Second. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

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.

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Civics 101

Thursday 5

Friday 6

Saturday 7

Sunday 8

Monday 9

Tuesday 10

Wednesday 11

Thursday 12

Ongoing

July 27, 2012

July 20, 2012