Today's picks for civic nerds.

For Thursday

Agree to Disagree

Frustrated by divisive political debate online (sigh), at the bar, or the media?

City Club is hosting a panel on how to manage the stressed out political divide and conduct civil, constructive conversations with people you want to strangle. The lunch event will look political incivility in light of the upcoming election. The audience is encouraged to bring questions about their own experiences, and be civil.

The panel includes Cathy Allen, president and owner of The Connections Group. (and Peter Steinbrueck's consultant) ... Steinbrueck, of course, lashed out at rival Ed Murray in the press yesterday; David Domke, Professor and Acting Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Washington; Parker J. Palmer, founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal and author of Healing the Heart of Democracy; and State Rep. Hans Zeiger (R-25, Puyallup), who was attacked as a kooky right winger during his first election, but has emerged as a moderate in the legislature—a go to for activists on higher ed funding and the lone Republican vote on this year's transportation package.

City Club: Civil Discourse, Thurs, July 18, 12-1:30pm, Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, $12-$30

For Wednesday

Compost in the City

Learn how to compost in a cramped—read urban—space by attending the free Seattle Tilth class at Victor Steinbrueck Park.

Composting for Apartment Dwellers will feature lessons and demos on how to recycle food waste into compost, even if you're working with limited space and ventilation.

The class will also show attendees how to build a worm bin from simple materials that will work well indoors.

Composting for Apartment Dwellers, Wed, July 17, 5:30-7pm, Victor Steinbrueck Park, 2001 Western Ave, free.

For Tuesday

Mayoral Candidate Debate

Don't miss the next Seattle mayoral candidate debate, hosted by City Club. The citizen-led debate will be moderated by the Seattle Times’ Joni Balter, and feature audience questions. Audience members will also join cadidates in the traditional "lightning round" of Yes No questions.

And for insta-analysis, a journalist roundtable, featuring our very own Erica C. Barnett, will break it all down immediately afterward.

Seattle Mayoral Debate, Tues, July 16, doors at 5pm, event from 5:30-7pm, The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 4th Avenue, free

Candidate Survivor

If the CityClub is too stuffy for you, head over to 1st & Pike just an hour later and get to know the nine candidates up close at personal at the Washington's Bus' Candidate Survivor.

The all-ages event will combine policy questions and debate, alongside a circus of haikus, a talent show, and a possible dance-off.

Candidates will be at the mercy of the audience, as they decide who stays and who goes by voting via text. Still not convinced local politics can be this fun? Check out 2011's Candidate Survivor. 

Washington Bus' Candidate Survivor, Tues, July 16th, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm, Showbox and the Market, 1426 1st Ave, $5-$50

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Carryn at [email protected]