Civics 101

Thursday 29

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, 512/322-9622. Free. austinymca.org.

MOVEOUTATX UT students can drop off their unwanted furniture, household appliances, and other gently used items for donation at six stations located throughout West Campus (see online for locations). Thu.-Sat., July 29-31, noon-7pm Multiple locations. moveoutatx.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING Council tackles a hefty 182-Item agenda, including two contracts for increasing shelter space for unhoused Austinites; tenant support; and more. Also worth noting: City staff will recommend a plan to build a 560-unit housing complex at the former Home Depot off I-35 and St. Johns. 10am. City Hall, 301 W. Second. austintexas.gov.

ZERO WASTE BLOCK LEADER ORIENTATION The program connects green-minded community advocates and neighbors to help educate and increase participation in the city’s recycling, composting, and other programs. 7-8pm. Online. Free (registration required). austintexas.gov/zwbl.

Friday 30

MOVEOUTATX UT students can drop off their unwanted furniture, household appliances, and other gently used items for donation at six stations located throughout West Campus (see online for locations). Thu.-Sat., July 29-31, noon-7pm Multiple locations. moveoutatx.org.

Saturday 31

MOVEOUTATX UT students can drop off their unwanted furniture, household appliances, and other gently used items for donation at six stations located throughout West Campus (see online for locations). Thu.-Sat., July 29-31, noon-7pm Multiple locations. moveoutatx.org.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING PUBLIC FORUMS The Austin Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will soon redraw the 10 City Council districts, and are holding public forums to gather input from each current district. Due to COVID-19, previously scheduled in-person forums will now be held online. Tuesdays & Saturdays through Aug. 17 Online via Zoom. redistrictatx.org.

MORAL MARCH FOR DEMOCRACY Organized by the Poor People’s Campaign, Beto O’Rourke, the Rev. Dr, William J. Barber II, and other leaders, the four-day, 27-mile march in support of voting rights culminates in a rally at the Capitol. 10am. Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress. poorpeoplescampaign.org.

ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN POP-UP SERIES Learn more about the plan that will establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of one of Austin’s most-loved parks. 10am-1pm. Ramsey Park, 4301 N. Rosedale, 43rd & Burnet Rd. austintexas.gov/zilkervision.

INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETING Provide public comment and feedback on Austin’s current City Council district map with the commission that’s tasked with redrawing the city’s 10 Council district boundaries. This meeting focuses specifically on District 4. 2-4pm. Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E. Rundberg. austintexas.gov.

Monday 2

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.

AUSTIN ISD REGISTRATION CLINICS Campuses will be open for students new to Austin ISD and current students who have either yet to register, moved, or transferred during the summer. Mon.-Thu., Aug. 2-5 Multiple locations. austinisd.org/enroll.

Tuesday 3

AJC GENERAL BODY MEETING Learn about the work Austin Justice Coalition is doing and how you can get involved. Join in person or on Zoom. Tue., Nov. 8, 6:30pm 1605 38 1/2 St. and on Zoom. austinjustice.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.

AUSTIN ISD REGISTRATION CLINICS Campuses will be open for students new to Austin ISD and current students who have either yet to register, moved, or transferred during the summer. Mon.-Thu., Aug. 2-5 Multiple locations. austinisd.org/enroll.

AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL REDISTRICTING PUBLIC FORUMS The Austin Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will soon redraw the 10 City Council districts, and are holding public forums to gather input from each current district. Due to COVID-19, previously scheduled in-person forums will now be held online. Tuesdays & Saturdays through Aug. 17 Online via Zoom. redistrictatx.org.

TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTING SESSION See agenda for details. 9am. Online. traviscountytx.gov/commissioners-court.

FIRST TUESDAYS WITH GABC Join the Greater Austin Black Chamber for conversations full of tools and resources to grow and expand black businesses, led by business experts and real entrepreneurs. First Tuesdays, noon-1pm Virtual. Free. membership@austinbcc.org, austinbcc.org.

CIRCULAR MEET-UPS: LET'S CLOSE THE LOOP An opportunity for local business owners, start-ups, and sustainability professionals to connect and learn more about Austin’s circular economy. Noon-1pm. Online. Free. austintexas.gov/department/circular-economy-program.

AUSTIN ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT This is an opportunity to meet your neighbors and the first responders who serve your area. 5-8pm. Nelson Field, 7400 Berkman, 512/414-1048. Free. austinisd.org.

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.

EASTSIDE ECHS AT L.C. ANDERSON CAMPUS COMMUNITY MEETING Learn more about the educational options Eastside Early College High School has to offer. Spanish Interpretation services will be provided. 6-7:30pm. Campbell Elementary, 2613 Rogers, 512/414-2056. austinisd.org.

INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION MEETING Provide public comment and feedback on Austin’s current City Council district map with the commission that’s tasked with redrawing the city’s 10 Council district boundaries. This meeting focuses specifically on District 6. 6-8pm. Spicewood Springs Library, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.. austintexas.gov.

Wednesday 4

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.

AUSTIN ISD REGISTRATION CLINICS Campuses will be open for students new to Austin ISD and current students who have either yet to register, moved, or transferred during the summer. Mon.-Thu., Aug. 2-5 Multiple locations. austinisd.org/enroll.

AISD COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC Vaccines are available for available all members of AISD families 12 years of age and older. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred (see info link for how to register). 3-7pm. Crockett High School, 5601 Menchaca Rd., 512/414-2532. Free. austinisd.org.

LIBERAL AUSTIN DEMOCRATS MEETING A discussion of criminal justice reform and the proposed Diversion Center with Travis County Judge Andy Brown, District Attorney Jose Garza, and District Judge Tamara Needles. 6-7:30pm. Virtual. Free. fb.com/liberalaustindemocrats.

Thursday 5

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.

AUSTIN ISD REGISTRATION CLINICS Campuses will be open for students new to Austin ISD and current students who have either yet to register, moved, or transferred during the summer. Mon.-Thu., Aug. 2-5 Multiple locations. austinisd.org/enroll.

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET WORK SESSION Council members discuss the FY 2021-22 proposed budget and tax rate. 9am. City Hall, 301 W. Second; videoconference. austintexas.gov.

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING The PARD Board gets down to some headline-worthy business, including the proposed 305 S. Congress Ave. “Statesman” PUD; the results of the Hancock Golf Survey; and more. 6pm. Videoconference. austintexas.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.