SESSION DESCRIPTION

The hardest part of storytelling isn’t telling the story. It’s recognizing the moments that resonate and knowing how to use them. One authentic story can strengthen a grant application, inspire a donor, help recruit a volunteer, and deepen community support.

Designed for nonprofit leaders and development professionals, this interactive workshop introduces a practical approach to identifying meaningful moments, capturing them consistently and adapting them to demonstrate organizational impact in a human way. Through participant examples, guided exercises and a customized workbook, attendees will begin building a storytelling practice that fits the realities of lean nonprofit teams and can be put to work immediately. Participants will leave with new tools, fresh ideas, and greater confidence in using authentic stories to strengthen long-term sustainability of their concert series.

 

REGISTER 

 

OPTIONAL PRE-WORKSHOP REFLECTION

To help you get the most out of the workshop, you are invited to spend 5–10 minutes reflecting on one recent moment that speaks to the impact of your free Levitt concerts. It might be a conversation with a volunteer, a comment from an audience member, a thank-you email, or a quiet interaction that stayed with you. As you reflect, consider:

  • What happened?
  • Why did this moment stay with you?
  • Do you have a photo, quote, email, social media post, or another piece of content connected to it?

We’ll use a few of these real-world examples throughout the workshop as we practice recognizing meaningful moments and turning them into compelling stories that demonstrate the value of your free Levitt concerts to strengthen community support.

PRESENTER

Sara Shookman believes stories make us human. She loves to tell them and see how they inspire change. Sara is the founder of Storyglow Studio, providing storytelling strategy and content creation for organizations on a mission. Her story-first creative approach helps organizations demonstrate their impact in a human way, supporting long-term sustainability.

Before launching Storyglow in 2023, Sara spent more than 20 years in journalism, including a decade on Cleveland’s WKYC 3 News evening anchor team. She covered local, national and international news, including two Olympic Games. Her work has earned nine Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award and recognition from the Associated Press and other national organizations.

A journalist at heart, Sara is always seeking out stories that raise the voices of women and advocate for the underdog. Often, the most powerful stories are the ones people almost overlook. Today, she helps nonprofit leaders recognize those moments, capture them with intention and use them to build stronger relationships with the communities they serve.