Five ways to give back to the community

Everyone’s been paying a lot of attention to what’s happening nationally, but the place all of us can really make a difference is right here at home – and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, the time to give back is now. 

The Catalyst is dedicated to helping residents get involved in the community through our Impact Connector. Here are five ideas ways to give back:

• Become a Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Ambassador. Ambassadors provide an enthusiastic and warm welcome to visitors in town for the big game. Volunteers must attend a training session and be available to work a minimum of three 4-6 hour shifts during Super Bowl week Jan. 29 to Feb. 7, 2021 at locations around Tampa including the Tampa International Airport, Sparkman Wharf and various hotels. To register, click here. 
• Help restore a historic ship. The American Victory, a 74-year-old fully operational WWII ship which serves as a maritime museum and is docked outside the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, is looking for help with a variety of tasks including welding, plumbing, engineering and electrical work, and painting. To find out more, click here. 
• Be a mentor to a business owner. Through MicroMentor by Mercy Corps, business owners can connect with experts who can provide guidance and mentoring. To sign up as a mentor or a mentee, click here. 
• Speak up for a child in need. Volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program of Pinellas and Pasco advocate for the best interests and needs of abused or neglected children in court, as well as within social service agencies. The GAL follows the child’s progress throughout the duration of the case, monitors the child’s safety and advocates for a safe placement whether it be with the child’s birth family or in a permanent adoptive home. For more information, click here.
• Go shopping. Online marketplace LocalShops1 makes it easy to buy from local artists, makers and small businesses from across Tampa Bay while keeping more money in the community and cutting down on unemployment. To start shopping, click here. 

If your organization is looking for volunteers, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll be sure to share it with our readers.