Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your 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.
Morean Arts Center Seeks Chihuly Collection Docents
The Morean Arts Center is expanding its Chihuly Collection docent program and seeking volunteers to facilitate tours for students and adults.
Volunteers must agree to participate in both in-person and online training sessions, which includes interactive sessions with Morean staff, studying online resources and learning about permanent and new exhibitions from the museum’s curator.
Experience in education and/or art is appreciated, but not necessary. Benefits include free Morean membership upon completing 20 docent hours, unlimited visits to the Chihuly Collection and retail discounts.
The Chihuly Collection is located at 720 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
Volunteer for the Pinellas Trail Challenge – Aug. 30
The Pinellas Trail Challenge, taking place Saturday, Aug. 30, is a 46-mile marathon race that runs the entire span of the Pinellas Trail – beginning in St. Petersburg and continuing north through Seminole, Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and back to Dunedin for the finish line.
Volunteers are needed throughout the day at various mile markers and stretches along the trail, beginning at 5:30 a.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. Tasks include checking in runners, delivering and picking up drop bags from aid stations, biking the trail to keep track of last few runners, calling out numbers and recording times at aid stations, assisting with finish line setup and tear down, grilling food for runners and crew and general help wherever it’s needed the most.
You can choose the time and location that works best for you.
A list with all of the opportunities and locations can be found here.
SOUL Meadowlawn Community Cleanup
Stewards of Our Urban Lakes, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of St. Petersburg and Meadowlawn Neighborhood Association, are hosting their next cleanup of Meadowlawn Park Aug. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Cleanup supplies, including gloves, pickers, trash bags, bug spray and safety vests will be provided. A water refill station will be available.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The location is 73rd Avenue and 14th Street N., St. Petersburg. There is no parking lot on site; only street parking is available. Carpooling is encouraged.
Sign-up here.
Aug. 31 Deadline for James Museum School Tour Docent
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg is seeking volunteers to lead school tours for second-graders. Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31. No prior experience in art history or teaching is required – just a passion for art.
School tour docents must live in the Tampa Bay area and undergo a Level 2 Background Screening. An eight-week training session will be held Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings in September and October. Once training is complete, docents will give one tour a week between November 2025 and May 2026.
Click here to apply.
Hope Villages of America
Hope Villages of America, based in Clearwater, supports people facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence or lack of basic needs.
Volunteers are needed to serve individuals and families with support and compassion. Areas include food distribution services, such as checking in clients, assisting in the warehouse and picking up food donations; abuse services to include administrative and office assistance, light cleaning and organization and helping with children’s activities; and housing stability services like gardening and landscaping, painting, minor repairs or general maintenance and beautification projects.
Additional long-term opportunities are also available which require CORE training as mandated by law.
Click here to apply.
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.
