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.
Surfers for Autism St. Pete Beach Surf Festival
Surfers for Autism is hosting its 13th annual St. Pete Beach Surf Festival – Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The organization’s mission is to unlock the potential of children and adults with autism, building awareness and uniting communities through volunteerism.
Volunteers are needed for various roles. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the registration tent at the 8th Avenue entrance to St. Pete Beach. Volunteers ages 12 through 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Click here to register and learn more.
St. Pete Beach Dune Savers
St. Pete Beach Dune Savers and the City of St. Pete Beach are seeking volunteers to help to remove and prevent invasive plants, such as Brazilian pepper, Mother-of-Millions and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, from crowding out native plans on our area’s coastal dunes.
Volunteers can sign up for any Friday between now and Oct. 24 – arriving at 7:30 a.m.
Closed-toed shoes, gloves and a refillable water bottle are recommended.
Volunteers meet at 23rd Avenue and Sunset Way at the public access walkover on St. Pete Beach. More information about parking and available dates can be found here.
Volunteer at the Farm
15th Street Farm is a non-profit urban educational farm that facilitates learning and community building around health food from soil to fork. The farm welcomes volunteers every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. to help with tending the soil, assisting guests and other activities. Volunteers help in the fields to plant, weed and harvest; serve as docents on farm tours; or represent the farm in the community.
No special experience is needed. Skills such as carpentry, plumbing or repairs are always appreciated.
The farm also hosts designated volunteer days and events specifically for kids.
The 15th Street Farm is located at 342 15th Street N., St. Petersburg. Parking is available in the back of the farm between 15th and 16th Streets N.
Click here to register.
Weedon Island Preserve seeks volunteers
The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is seeking volunteers to join their team. The Preserve is a 3,195-acre natural area coastal system that is home to numerous varieties of native plants and animals, along with an educational facility.
Opportunities include greeting visitors to the Center, answering questions about exhibits and educational programs, leading tours and operating the Center’s welcome desk.
This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy meeting new people, learning about the environment and spending time outdoors.
To learn more, click here.
S.T.O.R.Y 727 Gala volunteers needed
S.T.O.R.Y. 727 is seeking volunteers for its “We Are the Villages Gala” at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, Saturday, Sept. 13 from 3 to 11 p.m.
The organization’s mission is to improve the lives and futures of the youth in historically excluded communities through personal awareness, literacy development, financial teachings, social activities and travel.
The gala will raise funds for a central space to house programs and create sustainable solutions for families in need.
Volunteers are needed for general support staff, security and capturing the event through photography and videography.
The James Museum is located at 150 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 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.
