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Let’s face it. Life is complicated… and confusing. Which can make it difficult to do things like shop local, reduce your carbon footprint, vote, eat healthy, clean your house, and still remember to call your mom every once in a while. That’s where we come in. Look through our guides and how-to articles for practical advice on how to live your best Austin life! 

News Archives

News Archives

Every story we've ever written, sorted by topic. Perfect for students working on research projects or anyone who’s newly passionate about a topic (or just moved to town) and wants to familiarize themselves with the local scene.

The People's Dictionary of Austin

The People's Dictionary of Austin.

Your guide to all of the jargon-y terms you don't understand when you read the news, but have been too embarrassed to ask about. ---Coming soon!

Newcomers Guide

The Newcomer's Socially-Conscious Guide To Austin

Just moved to town? Lived here for a few years, but are just starting to get more civically engaged? Then this is the guide for you! ---- Coming soon!

How The Heck Do I? - Header
Phone Banking
Elections 101
Hayley Wood

Calling On A Stranger: Phone Banking 101

Summary Already voted? Looking for a way to help out this election season? In this post (written by Hayley Wood), you’ll learn all about phone banking & discover some last minute phone banking volunteer opportunities. Action Box Scroll down to the bottom of this post

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Let's Get Political
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Everything You Need To Know Before You Vote

Let’s face it. Not a lot of people vote in July primary runoff elections. And it’s understandable why. Keeping track of so many different races and understanding what a runoff election even is can be  extremely overwhelming. But it doesn’t mean that these elections aren’t

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How To Vote During A Pandemic
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: How To Vote During A Pandemic

Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn how to vote safely with our visual guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Feeling nervous about voting in the midst of a pandemic? Here’s our list of tips & info for

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State Senate Guide
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Our Guide To The State Senate Race

Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about the state senate race with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Care about health care? Affordability and property taxes? Education? These are all things that a state senator

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District Attorney
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Police Reform & The DA’s Race

Summary The Democratic primary runoff for the next Travis County District Attorney is on July 14th. Have no idea who’s even running? Check out our easy-to-read guide below. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. One of the biggest races in this election is for our next

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County Attorney Guide
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Our Guide To The County Attorney’s Race

Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about the County Attorney’s race with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. In 2019, 25 percent of the inmates booked in our county jail were Black. That’s despite the

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Guide To July Elections
civics
Amy Stansbury

Elections 101: Our Easy-To-Understand Voting Guide

Summary Austin is having a primary runoff and special election on July 14th. Learn about all the positions that are on the ballot (and what the heck they even mean) with our easy-to-read guide. Action Box Vote. Vote. Vote. Raise your hand if you’ve ever

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Council Meeting, Explained
A Functional Democracy
Amy Stansbury

How The Heck Do I Testify At A City Council Meeting?

Summary We’ve partnered with the team at A Functional Democracy to share some helpful tips for testifying and to help distribute their “A Beginner’s Guide To Local Government” book. Action Box Sign up to speak at the next Council meeting and get yourself a copy

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Library Bike Coral
Austin Public Library
Amy Stansbury

10 Ways To Enjoy The Library (From Home)

Summary Looking for a quarantine activity? The city’s virtual library provides free access to thousands of e-books, movies, and educational resources. Action Box Start learning, reading, and discovering today! Get your free e-library card here. Who else could use a little distraction right now?  

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Kale
COVID-19
Amy Stansbury

Gardening For Good: Introducing Austin1Farm

Summary The Austin Common has partnered up with The Grower’s Guild to support the Austin1Farm Initiative, which encourages Austinites to celebrate Earth Day by planting backyard gardens. Action Box Start a garden of your very own! Share your bounty with friends, family, and neighbors (in

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