LOOGOOTEE — The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth has announced its next Non-Profit Roundtable, focusing on a unique tool for organizational success: the art of storytelling.
The event will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bowling Manufacturing, located at 99 W Washington St. in Loogootee.
This month’s featured guest is Sara Marshall, a recognized expert in place-based narratives and community engagement. Marshall currently serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Transportation.
Local residents may recognize Marshall from her extensive work with the IU Center for Rural Engagement, where she served as a Project Coordinator. In 2024, she was a pivotal figure in the IU Rural Placemaking Studio, collaborating directly with Martin County on projects like the Shoals riverfront splash pad design and downtown branding initiatives. Marshall is also the author of Creating the Crossroads: 100 Years of Civil Construction in Indiana, a book that chronicles the history of the state’s infrastructure through the stories of its people.
During the roundtable, Marshall will discuss how storytelling can serve as a catalyst for non-profit growth. Key topics will include:
- Building Impact: How to articulate a non-profit’s mission to attract donors and volunteers.
- Shared Identity: Using local history and “shared memories” to foster community pride and engagement.
- Organizational Success: Crafting narratives that turn abstract goals into tangible results for rural communities.
The Non-Profit Roundtable is designed for local leaders, board members, and volunteers interested in strengthening their community impact.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP via email to assistant@martinalliance.org.
