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Nicole R. Smith

Nicole is the Executive Director of the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). She is a dynamic leader in volunteer, intern, and community engagement with over two decades of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including the performing arts, social services, sports, media and entertainment. As a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and recognized thought leader, Nicole has been at the forefront of creating scalable, impactful and capacity-building volunteer and internship programs that emphasize recruitment, engagement, retention, and mentorship. She has developed recognition programs that have strengthened organizational cultures and volunteer experiences. Her professional background brings a creative and innovative approach to her leadership in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors. 

4 min read

Book Bites August 2025: Don't Make Me Fundraise!: A Guide for Reluctant Fundraising Volunteers

This Month's Selection: I’ll Do Anything, Just…Don’t Make Me Fundraise: A Guide for Reluctant Fundraising Volunteers By Eloise Brice The twenty-seventh in a series of Better Impact Book Bites A taste of great books worth consuming.

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3 min read

What You Don't Know Is Holding You Back

Are you where you want to be in your career? Do you have the position you would like at your current organization? Does your volunteer strategy look...

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3 min read

Book Bites July 2025: Raving Fans – A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service

This Month's Selection: Raving Fans – A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service By Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles The twenty-sixth in a series...

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6 min read

Book Bites June 2025: No More Status Quo

This Month's Selection: No More Status Quo – A Proven Framework to Change the Way We Change the World By Heather Hiscox The twenty-fifth in a series...

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5 min read

Book Bites May 2025: Total Internship Management

This Month's Selection: Total Internship Management: The Employer’s Guide to Building and Sustaining the Ultimate Internship Program by Dr. Robert...

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6 min read

Book Bites April 2025: No Ego

This Month's Selection: No Ego – How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace/Drama, End Entitlement and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman The...

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4 min read

Book Bites March 2025: Atomic Habits

This Month's Selection: Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear The twenty-second in a series of Better Impact Book Bites A...

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5 min read

Book Bites December 2024: Traction

Why This Book: During my job search, many postings listed “has an entrepreneurial spirit” as a skill. Funny enough, when out at dinner with a group...

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4 min read

BETTER IMPACT BOOK BITES: Extreme Trust: Honesty as a Competitive Advantage

This Month's Selection: Extreme Trust: Honesty as a Competitive Advantage, by Don Peppers and Martha Rogers, Ph.D. The twentieth in a series of...

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6 min read

How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority

This Month's Selection: How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority, by Clay Scroggins (Author), Andy Stanley...

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