The backdrop of this year's Earth Day ATX theme - Reclaiming Power - is the contentious state of global and national political affairs. This has a LOT of people eager to learn how they can be effective change agents. Influencing policy is one key strategy, but how does one go about doing that?

Tap into the mindsets of four local leaders, working at different levels of government, state, county, city and citizen board, tasked with making and influencing decisions that shape the future of Austin and beyond.

Get the inside scoop on what it's really like to prepare for meetings and get ready for votes. Discover what has leaders sponsor, support or oppose issues. Find out what helps them build a coalition around a vote. Listen as they reveal what helps them make decisions. Get insights on their pet peeves and what advocates do that might be helping or hurting their causes.

Panel moderated by Evan Smith, CEO of The Texas Tribune and host of the weekly interview program "Overheard with Evan Smith"

Panelists:

• Celia Israel, Texas House of Representatives, 50th District

• Jeff Travillion, Travis County Commissioner, Place 1 and former President of the Austin Chapter of the NAACP

• Lesley Varghese, City of Austin Mayor’s Office, Chief of Staff

• Marisa Perales, Chair of the City of Austin Environmental Commission and Environmental Attorney

Q&A managed by Meme Styles, Founder & President of Measure Austin

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Logistical Notes:

• This event takes place in the Chapel at Earth Day ATX taking place at Huston-Tillotson University from noon-7pm on Saturday, April 12
• Science March will leave capital ~Noon and march to HT f you would like to participate and arrive at HT by foot. Shuttles will be running back to the Capitol.
• Otherwise, see www.EarthDayAustin.com website for transit and parking info. Allow AMPLE time to arrive, park at a remote parking lot and get to the Chapel and get seated on time.