Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in St. Pete
If you’re searching for a way to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.
Host a foreign exchange student
Northwest Student Exchange is a nonprofit organization that partners with schools to give international students a chance to study abroad by staying with host families in the United States.
Host families are needed in St. Petersburg and can choose to host for just a few weeks as a short-term “welcome family” for a semester or for a year. Volunteers do not need to be a traditional family to host; couples without children, single adults, empty-nesters and seniors are all welcome to apply.
Learn more about the program and find links to sign up here.
Help museum visitors enjoy the Chihuly Collection
The Morean Arts Center in downtown St. Petersburg is recruiting friendly, outgoing and engaging volunteers to expand its docent program at the Chihuly Collection. As an integral part of visitors’ experience, docents facilitate tours for students and adults of diverse cultures, abilities, ages and interests.
Docents also receive benefits for volunteering their time: After completing 20 hours, docents are eligible for free Morean memberships and unlimited visits to the Chihuly Collection, daily glass-blowing demonstrations and discounts on art and retail purchases.
Get all the details about becoming a docent at this website.
Battle of the Minds
Tickets are on sale now for one of St. Pete Free Clinic’s largest and most popular fundraiser events of the year. Battle of the Minds began in 2003 as a unique trivia event where teams competed for the coveted Mastermind Cup. Today, it has grown to become the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser.
This year, the event will be held Saturday, March 22 from 6-10 p.m. at The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N.
Learn more and purchase tickets online at this link..
Volunteer during sensory hours at Great Explorations
Welcoming Wednesdays is a monthly program made for adults (15 years+) with special needs and their families. On the first Wednesday of the month, Great Explorations Children’s Museum will open its doors from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a special evening dedicated to adults with neurodiversities and memory loss.
Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the event and help guests with activity instructions, directions around the museum, answer any questions and interact with kids and adults during the event. Head to the Great Explorations website here to get connected.
Volunteer at Camp Mariposa
Camp Mariposa is an addiction prevention and mentoring program for children (ages 9-12) affected by a family member’s substance use.
Camp Mariposa is looking for energetic, positive adults (18 and up) for four to six weekends a year. The mentors/volunteers are onsite for the entire weekend and assigned up to three campers (ages 9-12). The primary responsibility of the mentor is to provide a positive, fun, supportive and energetic atmosphere for campers. Mentors will participate in and will facilitate activities. Volunteers will eat meals and share a cabin with their assigned campers.
For more information, follow this link.
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.
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