Fall Guide 2012: Civics

By now you're aware that's it's a pretty contentious election year in Central Florida – and everywhere else, too. Chances are, all of those political mailers and television ads and debates have jammed their way so far into your nightmares that you've got little room left to think about getting involved in anything meaningful in the community. But the Obama-Romney purpling of all things red and blue won't last forever, and there are plenty of ways to be engaged with your world that don't involve ballot boxes and "I Voted" stickers. Ruminate on some issues challenging your fellow man – the global economy, education, the environment – then find an event in the list below that corresponds with the one that moves you most. Then, snap out of it and get out and vote. It matters, you know, even if you're sick of hearing about it.

Sept. 27
CoffeeTalk With Winter Park Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel Meet with the commissioner in an informal environment and network with other residents. 8 am Thursday; Winter Park Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Ave., Winter Park; free; 407-599-3428; winterpark.org.

Sept. 29
Bear Gully Lake Restoration Project Volunteer with Seminole County Lake Management Program biologists to remove invasive plants around the lake. 9 am-12:30 pm Saturday; 4305 Bear Gully Road, 4305 Bear Gully Road, Winter Park; free, to register email serv@seminolecountyfl.gov; 407-665-2457.
National Public Lands Day 2012 Get outside for a day in the park and visit an animal farm, play beach tennis and sand volleyball, and do some fishing, biking and hiking. 8 am-7 pm Saturday; Bill Frederick Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road; free; 407-246-4486; cityoforlando.net/billfrederick.

Sept. 29-Sept. 30
Pack the Park Volunteer to help package meals for hungry children. 8:15 am-6 pm Saturday-Sunday; Orlando Festival Park, East Robinson Street and North Primrose Drive; $12 donation; 888-891-6447.

Oct. 1
Light Up the Night UCF Victim Services hosts support and community resource event to raise awareness and promote involvement with victims and survivors of intimate partner violence. 6-8 pm Monday; UCF Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom; free; 407-823-6332.

Oct. 2
Sustainable Development for 3 Billion Open forum featuring former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam of India, author of Target 3 Billion, discussing the empowerment of residents of the world's rural and underdeveloped regions. 10 am Tuesday; UCF Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom; free; 407-823-0688; ucfglobalperspectives.org.

Oct. 4
Corruption, Political Violence and Prospects in the Global Economy UCF Global Perspectives hosts an open forum on an issue seemingly ripped from the current headlines. 7-9 pm Thursday; Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park; free; 407-823-0688;
ucfglobalperspectives.org.