Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
Channel your energy into giving back to the community.
If you’re searching for ways 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.
Counselors and crew needed for Girls Rock St. Pete
Girls Rock St. Pete’s mission is to empower women and girls through fearless expression, artistic experimentation and collaboration in order to build confidence and leadership skills.
Each summer, Girl’s Rock St. Pete holds a one-week camp for girls ages 8 to 17 to learn rock instruments, form bands and write original songs. Camp concludes with a performance at Jannus Live, where bands play their songs on stage for a live audience.
On Sunday, May 24 from noon until 2 p.m., Girls Rock St. Pete is holding a volunteer information session at Outcast Brewing to recruit camp counselors and event crew for its upcoming summer camp.
Members of the Vibe Tribe are women and non-binary adults, ages 18 and older, who serve as band coaches, instrument instructors and mental health counselors. A minimum of two full days is required during camp week, and a background check and training are required.
Roadies – event support and specialty crew – are volunteers of all genders, ages 14 and up. Roles include building props, handling merchandise, moving gear, photography and more.
Outcast Brewing is located at 1776 11th Avenue N., St. Petersburg.
The Packs of Love Foundation fundraiser
The Packs of Love Foundation, Inc. is a St. Petersburg nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope and creating lasting change for every child and young adult affected by the foster care system. Their mission is to support the emotional, mental and physical well-being of youth in foster care and young adults aging out of the system, and provide them the overall support they need to feel empowered and confident.
On Saturday, May 16, the foundation is hosting a happy hour and fundraiser at Wrigley’s Pizza, 11002 4th Street N., St. Petersburg from 5 until 8 p.m. Funds raised will help support care package programs, workshops and general operating expenses.
Tickets include one crafted drink and entry into one raffle. The event will feature music, a photo booth and networking with local community members and leaders.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Equality Florida St. Pete Gala
Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.
The organization’s 2026 St. Pete Gala takes place Saturday, May 16 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum from 5:30 until 10 p.m. This year’s event, with a “Rainbow Disco” theme, features a plated dinner, full open bars, a silent auction and dance party. It will also include an awards program honoring local individuals who have made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ equality.
The Coliseum is located at 535 4th Avenue N., St. Petersburg. Complimentary self-parking is available.
To view and register for the silent auction, click here.
Dune Restoration at Treasure Island
The City of Treasure Island and Treasure Island Adopt-A-Beach, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, are hosting a sea oat dune restoration project on Treasure Island, Friday May 29 from 10 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers will assist with planting native sea oats to protect dunes, reduce erosion, restore critical habitat and strengthen the shoreline against future storms.
All ages are welcome to participate. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian, and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.
Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, weather appropriate clothing and sun protection. All supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available.
Participants will meet at the St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island, 11260 Gulf Boulevard. Parking is available and will be free for the duration of the event. The planting area is approximately a half-mile walk from the parking lot.
Dunedin History Museum seeks volunteers
The Dunedin History Museum contains approximately 2,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs, and a library containing 200 volumes of local and Florida history. Also featured is an electronic archive of the Dunedin Times newspaper, from 1924 through 1965.
The museum is looking for volunteers to spend a few hours per week greeting and welcoming visitors, assisting with gift shop purchases, handling admission sales and providing general information.
Available shifts include Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m.
Volunteers must be 17 years or older to apply.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
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.
