Civics 101

Thursday 13

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.

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.

RENT: RELIEF OF EMERGENCY NEEDS FOR TENANTS The RENT Assistance Program application portal is now open, and provides $25 million of direct support for income-eligible Austin renters who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Get all the eligibility details and apply online, or call 512/488-1397. www.austintexas.gov/rent.

I-35 CAPITAL EXPRESS SOUTH PUBLIC HEARING Review the draft environmental assessment and the recommended alternative for improvements to I-35 from Hwy. 290 W./SH 71/Ben White Blvd. to SH 45 Southeast. Through May 26 Online. capexsouth.mobility35openhouse.com.

COVID-19 DRIVE-UP VACCINATION CLINIC Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. Thu.-Fri., May 13-14, 9am-2:30pm Toney Burger Activity Center, 3200 Jones. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

AUSTIN WATER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING Briefings address the systems testing pilot for Austin's new smart water meter system dubbed My ATX Water, among other items. The pilot began in September 2020 and includes nearly 5,000 meters from the River Place/Glenlake, Long Canyon, and Windsor Park/Mueller neighborhoods. 1:30pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: SE BRANCH LIBRARY Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. Thu.-Fri., May 13-14, 2-7:30pm Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: DELCO CENTER Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. May 13-15. Thu.-Fri., 3-7:30pm; Sat., 10am-2:30pm Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

BUILDING COMMUNITY POWER Join Asian Family Support Services of Austin's for its monthlong virtual conversation series on building power within and beyond Asian American Pacific Islander communities. Through May 27. Thursdays, 5pm Online. Free (registration required). www.afssaustin.org.

ULLRICH WATER TREATMENT PLANT COMMUNITY MEETING Austin Water invites neighbors to an online community meeting to discuss upcoming projects at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant. Staff will discuss plans and address any questions prior to cleaning Basin 5 at the plant. 6-7pm. Online. www.austintexas.gov.

Friday 14

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: LITTLE WALNUT CREEK LIBRARY Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. May 14-15. Fri., 2-5:30pm; Sat., 10am-1:30pm Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE MEETING Community testimony will be summarized in a report and submitted to City Council by the end of this July. To share your experiences during and in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, click here. 6-8pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

Saturday 15

BLACK 365 COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR The Austin Area Urban League's first-ever community health fair features live music, kids zone, fitness demos, and more. Face masks are required. There's also a virtual option available when registering. 10am-4pm. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon. Free (registration required). www.aaul.org.

ACC VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION Austin Community College honors more than 2,800 graduates who have earned an associate degree, workforce certification, or high school equivalency program this spring. 11am. Online. www.austincc.edu.

ELECTION PANEL DISCUSSION Common Ground for Texans and the League of Women Voters Austin Area invites you to join via Zoom for a panel presentation, followed by audience dialogue, regarding likely impacts of the May 1 election. Panelists include Ranked Choice Voting for Texas VP Joanne Richards and KUT reporters Andrew Weber and Audrey McGlinchy. 2pm. Virtual. Free. www.cg4tx.org.

COVID-19 POP-UP VACCINATION CLINIC Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines. 2-5:30pm. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1206 E. Ninth. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

JUSTICE FOR RODNEY REED RALLY AND CAR CARAVAN Family and supporters of Rodney Reed – the Bastrop man convicted of the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites and who maintains his innocence – gather at the Bastrop County Courthouse before leading a car caravan through Bastrop. A new appeal hearing for Reed, who maintains his innocence, is scheduled to begin on July 19. 3-7pm. Bastrop County Courthouse, 804 Pecan St., Bastrop. www.fb.com/reedjusticeinitiative.

MEMORIAL FOR INDIANAPOLIS VICTIMS & COMMUNITY DISCUSSION Asian Family Support Services of Austin and Indian American Coalition of Texas IACT hold a memorial for the victims of last month's mass shooting at an Indianapolis FedEx site, followed by a community discussion on stopping anti-Asian American hate in our Texas communities. 4pm. Online. www.fb.com/afssaustin.

Sunday 16

Monday 17

AUSTIN'S NEXT POLICE CHIEF COMMUNITY MEETING City Manager Spencer Cronk has brought in executive recruiters Ralph Andersen & Associates to help the city find candidates for Austin Police's next chief. Community members will have the opportunity to provide the consultants from Ralph Andersen & Associates with feedback during these virtual meetings. Those unable to attend may still submit feedback via the SpeakUp Austin website or by sending an email. Meetings: Mon., May 17, noon-1pm & 6:30-7:30pm; Thu., May 20, 9-10am; Fri., May 21, 10-11am & 2-3pm Online. [email protected], www.speakupaustin.org/yournextpolicechief.

Tuesday 18

KITCHEN COMPOST COLLECTOR PICK-UP: WALNUT CREEK PARK Austin Resource Recovery customers who were part of the most recent curbside composting service expansion may pick up a free kitchen compost collector and compostable bags. 6-7:30pm. Walnut Creek Park, 12138 N. Lamar. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

FIX-IT AT HOME! FIX YOUR FAVORITE T-SHIRT Learn basic hand stitches and easy techniques to give your shirt a new life. No sewing experience needed! The class will be taught in English and Spanish. 6:30-7:30pm. Online. Free (registration required). www.austintexas.gov/fixit.

Wednesday 19

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: SE BRANCH LIBRARY Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. Wed.-Fri., May 19-21, 2-7:30pm Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: DELCO CENTER Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. May 19-22. Wed.-Fri., 3-7:30pm; Sat., 10am-2:30pm Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING The commission will receive briefings on homelessness in Downtown Austin from representatives from the city, Austin Downtown Alliance, Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO), and Austin Police Department. 5:30pm. Videoconference. www.austintexas.gov.

REIMAGINING COMMUNITY SAFETY POLICIES The Office of Police Oversight is hosting virtual conversations to get community feedback on the Austin Police Department’s use-of-force policies. Through May 26. Wednesdays, 6pm Online. www.atxpoliceoversight.org.

Thursday 20

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: SE BRANCH LIBRARY Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. Wed.-Fri., May 19-21, 2-7:30pm Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

AUSTIN ISD COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC: ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL Appointments are preferred but not required for this clinic open to AISD community members ages 12 and older. See here for how to schedule an appointment. 3-7pm. Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa. Free. www.austinisd.org.

COVID-19 WALK-UP VACCINE CLINIC: DELCO CENTER Residents 18 years of age and older can arrive without an appointment. Pre-registering online is not required but highly encouraged to help save time. This is for first dose Moderna vaccines, however, if you are more than 28 days past your Moderna first dose and have not received your second dose, you can also walk up and present your CDC vaccination card. May 19-22. Wed.-Fri., 3-7:30pm; Sat., 10am-2:30pm Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook. Pre-registration encouraged. www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines.

KITCHEN COMPOST COLLECTOR PICK-UP: DICK NICHOLS PARK Austin Resource Recovery customers who were part of the most recent curbside composting service expansion may pick up a free kitchen compost collector and compostable bags. 6-7:30pm. Dick Nichols Park, 8701 Beckett. Free. www.austintexas.gov.

BLACK AUSTIN DEMOCRATS GENERAL BODY MEETING Cliff Albright of Black Voters Matter and Charlie Bonner of MOVE Texas talk about the state of voting rights in Texas. 6pm. Facebook Live. www.fb.com/blackaustindemocrats.

AISD SALUTE 2021 AWARDS Austin ISD recognizes teachers of the year and teachers of promise from each campus, among other recognitions for district staff and campus members. 6:30pm. Online. www.austinisd.org.

Ongoing

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 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.

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.

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. [email protected], 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.

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.

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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], 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. [email protected], www.austintexas.gov/budget.

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. [email protected], austinlrs.org.

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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