Civics 101

Thursday 29

CITY OF AUSTIN "HOW TO HELP" PORTAL Looking for the right way to help your community during the pandemic? Or do you have a volunteer opportunity that you want to list? Visit the city's "How to Help" portal to make a match. The portal includes ways to help from home, donation drives, and active community engagement opportunities. Ongoing Online. howtohelpaustin.givepulse.com.

CENTRAL HEALTH BOARD OF MANAGERS APPLICATIONS The Travis County Commissioners Court is seeking applications from qualified individuals to serve on the Central Health Board of Managers. Further info and the packet available here. Deadline: Oct. 30, 5pm Online. www.traviscountytx.gov.

SUFFRAGE NOW: A 19TH AMENDMENT CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION Contemporary Texas women photographers share photos commenting on the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Online. www.elisabetneymuseum.org.

YMCA EARLY LEARNING READINESS PROGRAM A free community program for qualifying low-income families that focuses on preparing children ages 2-4 for school, while providing their caregivers with the tools to facilitate their child’s development. Classes are offered twice a week in English and Spanish and last one hour. English: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am. Spanish: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am. Online. Free. austinymca.org.

EARLY VOTING FOR THE NOV. 3 ELECTION Make your voice heard! Find a polling place online or by calling 512/238-VOTE (8683). Make a plan to get to the polls and learn about all the local races on our election page. Tue. Oct. 13-Fri., Oct. 30 Citywide. www.votetravis.com.

PROJECT VOTE SAFE Volunteer to help hand out bottled waters and snacks to voters lined up at the polls. Through Oct. 30. Daily, times vary www.blueactiondems.com.

ATXELERATOR 2021 APPLICATION The ATXelerator aims to provide aspiring public officials with an experiential education on how Austin city government functions. This year's program will incorporate a hybrid learning model offering socially distanced, in-person activities as well as having all activities be available virtually. Deadline: Dec. 7 Online. Application, free; tuition (if admitted), $195. ward.tisdale@atxelerator.org, www.atxelerator.org.

FINAL CALL FOR RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS This program through the city of Austin provides full rent payment for income-eligible renters financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the details on their FAQ and apply online. Applications due Tue., Dec. 8, noon Online. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council's agenda spans COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, affordable housing projects, and rezoning requests. 10am. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 30

PROJECT VOTE SAFE Volunteer to help hand out bottled waters and snacks to voters lined up at the polls. Through Oct. 30. Daily, times vary www.blueactiondems.com.

BOUNCING BACK: WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED Austin's Small Business Program hosts a virtual conversation with Melinda Garvey, founder of Austin Woman magazine and the software platform On the Dot. 11:30am-12:30pm. Online. Free. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

Saturday 31

BOO THE FLU Flu shots will be distributed to uninsured community members at this a drive-thru event. Community resources will also be available, and there will be a raffle with prizes. Noon-3pm. Travis Early College High School, 1211 E. Oltorf. www.austinisd.org.

Sunday 1

TWILIGHT ON THE TRAIL GALA The Trail Foundation largest fundraiser of the year will take place in three separate sessions on the Four Seasons lawn with socially distanced tables and guests will be required to wear masks while not seated. There's also another option for Austin supporters to have food and drinks delivered the same evening. Sun., Nov. 1, 3-4, 4:30-5:30, or 6-7pm Online. $500+. www.thetrailfoundation.org.

BLUE ACTION DEMOCRATS SWATX MEETING Join the Blue Action Dems (SW Austin) for monthly meetings. This month's meeting will cover the latest info on voting by mail and Austin ISD Board of Trustees candidates on the ballot this November. First Sundays, 2-4pm Online. www.fb.com/blueactionswatx.

Monday 2

CITY ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO RENT RELIEF PROGRAM The city of Austin is announcing changes to expand the Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) assistance program for income-eligible Austin renters who have experienced a COVID-19-related income loss. The RENT program will provide up to six months' rent, including current, future, and/or overdue rent; conduct a random drawing weekly until year's end or funds are expended; and allow a one-time certification of eligibility, rather than monthly. Find out more and apply online. Ongoing Online. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

EMANCIPET VETERANS DAY DISCOUNTED EXAMS Emancipet is offering military service members, active or veteran, discounted pet wellness exams for $5 with proof of military service for the entire month of November. Through Nov. 30 Austin-area Emancipet clinics. $5. www.emancipet.org.

CAPITAL AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION TRANSPORTATION POLICY BOARD MEETING See agenda for details. 2pm. Livestream. www.campotexas.org.

AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES INFORMATION SESSION See agenda for details. 5:30pm. AISD.TV; AISD FB page. www.austinisd.org/board.

Tuesday 3

ELECTION DAY Cast your ballot in the Nov. 3 general election. Find polling locations here. For more on the key races on your ballot and how to return a mail-in ballot, visit austinchronicle.com/elections. 7am-7pm. Citywide. www.votetravis.com.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION Check website for agenda posting. 9am. Online. www.traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

SMALL BUSINESS RECORDKEEPING WEBINAR Learn the basics of what records to create, how long to keep them, and how to use this information to grow your business. Tue.-Wed., Nov. 3-4, 1-4pm Online. Free. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

LEGALLINE On the first Tuesday of every month, obtaining good, simple legal advice is easy. Just call 512/472-8303 for LegalLine, the free legal advice hotline sponsored by Austin Lawyer Referral Service. Attorney volunteers can answer questions and give brief legal advice concerning many areas of law. First Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm 512/472-8303. Free. austinlrs.com.

Wednesday 4

THE DAY AFTER ELECTION DAY: THE WORK CONTINUES Election Day has passed, but another battleground lies ahead with Texas' upcoming 87th Legislative Session. Join Austin Justice Coalition and other community members to hear more about to expect at the Lege and how you can stay civically involved. 5pm. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe, 512/477-1566. www.austinjustice.org.

ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION Among the agenda items includes discussion and possible action regarding matters related to any proposed revisions to the Land Development Code. 6pm. Online. www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live.

Thursday 5

HELP CLIFFORD HELP KIDS The 20th annual event features a weeklong online auction with a musical performance by Bob Schneider on Nov. 12. Proceeds benefit American YouthWorks, an Austin-based nonprofit connecting youth and young adults with education, job skills training, and supportive services. Online. www.helpcliffordhelpkids.com.

SUPERVISORY EXCELLENCE WEBINAR Learn about the full range of management responsibilities. This class is taught by an UT instructor and counts toward the six-course requirement needed to earn your Business Skills Certification. 9am-Noon. Online. Free. www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz.

ART & BUSINESS CONVERSATION SERIES VOL. 1 This series seeks to provide professional development opportunities for early-mid career artists of color. Lise Ragbir, director of the Christian-Green Gallery and the Idea Lab at UT-Austin, and Andrea Mellard, director of Public Programs and Community Engagement for the Contemporary Austin and founder of Crit Group, discuss how to develop a competitive arts application for funding and exhibition. 11:30am-1pm. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov.

MBE/WBE AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING See agenda for details. 5:30pm. Videoconference. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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