From The Suggestion Box with Nicole Smith

Title: Is Everyone Welcome? Description: Faiza Venzant, CVA and Mark Hager return to share updates and insights regarding their recent research study funded by AmeriCorps surrounding inclusivity. They encourage us to imagine what an environment would feel like if no one was left out and provide tools to help you bring that dream to a reality. They share advice about why you shouldn’t let fear of making a mistake keep you from starting, and RESOURCES: https://cvacert.org/adevi/https://learn.volunteermatch.org/is-everyone-welcome More About Faiza, Connect with Faiza Venzant, CVA  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizavenzant/  From a young age, Faiza Venzant's parents instilled a strong sense of volunteerism in herself and her two older brothers. They, as immigrants to Canada from Uganda in the early 70s made a successful transition into Canadian life with the help of many generous volunteers. A volunteer herself from a very young age, she has been an advocate for volunteer engagement and excellence in volunteer management for over 20 years.  As a facilitator for the Community Action Poverty Simulation, Faiza is passionate about equity and access amongst volunteers and leaders of volunteers. Faiza immigrated to the United States with her family in 2021.  Faiza immigrated to the United States in 2021 and now serves as the Executive Director with the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and an active member and volunteer with Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE.) She has been a CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration) since 2016.  In 2018, Faiza published her first children’s book entitled, My Mamma Wants to Eat Me Up!  As a mother of two young boys, she has not actually eaten any of her children.  Learn more about the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration at www.cvacert.org   More About Mark Connect with Mark Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhager/  Mark Hager has been studying and writing about the nonprofit sector for 30 years. His doctoral dissertation centered on the reasons why nonprofit organizations closed. His years at the Urban Institute focused on studies of finance and volunteer administration. He spent 14 years as a faculty member anchoring the graduate program in nonprofit leadership and management at Arizona State University. He has stepped out of his teaching slot and is now working on research and fieldbuilding full time.  Most of his attention is back on volunteer administration, including his current leadership on Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion, a three-year project funded by AmeriCorps.

An invigorating conversation, Dr. Helen Timbrel, Rob Jackson and Chris Wade share various perspectives on the idea that “volunteer engagement professionals are just HR for volunteers”. We tackle topics such as why you rarely hear of the position of VP of Volunteer Engagement, career trajectories for Volunteer Engagement Professionals, and the age-old question, if we don’t ask HR to manage 200 people by themselves, why do we ask Volunteer Engagement professionals to do it?Resources and Contact Info:Time for Impact Podcast Episode featuring Helen, Rob and Chris www.TimeForImpact.co.uk www.helentimbrell.com  Contact Helenhttp://www.robjacksonconsulting.com    Rob Jackson LinkedinBios:Dr Helen Timbrell - People and Organisational Development Consultant www.helentimbrell.com  helen@helentimbrell.com Helen works as a Consultant, Researcher and Coach supporting individuals and organisations to develop successful volunteer and employee experiences, and to work through change. Past clients including Guide Dogs, Stroke Association, RVS, Scouts and SSAFA. Helen previously held the roles of Director of People and Organisational Development at Samaritans and Versus Arthritis. Prior to this she was Director of Volunteering and Participation at the National Trust, where she appointed the organisation’s first Head of Diversity and Inclusion. Helen’s PhD explored geographical variations in volunteering. She has an MBA, is a chartered member of the CIPD and holds an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change. Rob Jackson – Consultanthttp://www.robjacksonconsulting.com    LinkedinRob Jackson has worked in the volunteering movement for over 30 years, during which time he has led and managed volunteers and volunteering in education, advice, fundraising and children’s services settings at local, regional and national levels.Rob worked for Volunteering England for six years, most of which he spent as Director of Development and Innovation. Rob successfully generated over £3million of income, led a merger with Student Volunteering England and oversaw the delivery of a number of strategic development projects in the volunteering field. He spent six years as a member of the Institute of Fundraising’s Standards Committee and chaired the Institute’s working party which developed the UK’s first code of good practice on volunteer fundraising. Chris Wade, Lead Volunteering ConsultantPodcast Episode www.TimeForImpact.co.uk Chris Wade, runs a volunteerism consultancy business called [www.TimeForImpact.co.uk]Time for Impact. He has an extensive career in the charity sector that spans 28 years. He has held director, CEO and trustee positions in UK national and local charities and infrastructure bodies. He is a consultant, keynote speaker, trainer and podcaster, helping volunteering organisations large and small, in the UK and overseas. Do check out Chris's own podcast the Time For Impact Podcast. Time for Impact’s mission is to disrupt traditional assumptions about volunteering; helping organisations tap into the latent goodwill in good causes. They drive innovative, lateral and strategic thinking to widen participation. As the name suggests, Time for Impact particularly specialises in helping organisations demonstrate and leverage the impact of volunteering. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Pang-Parks to dive into the challenges nonprofits face with the scarcity mindset and some uncomfortable truths about the sector. We explore how the fear of competition often holds organizations back and why embracing collaboration and partnership is the key to driving impact. Jessica shares her insights on how we can shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance, highlighting that there is enough success for everyone. We also discuss what to do when you start feeling jaded by the profession, and lastly, we cover the critical topic of setting boundaries—how protecting your time and energy can lead to better outcomes for both you and the communities you serve. Whether you're feeling a bit disillusioned or just looking for ways to strengthen your nonprofit’s approach, this conversation offers both reflection and actionable advice geared toward managing expectations of working in nonprofit. Connect with Jessica Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-pang-parks-mes-cva-31888243/  Website: https://www.learnwithjpp.com Resources from Session Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement Job Leveling Document https://www.volunteeralive.org/docs/AL!VE_Career_Pathways_for_the_VEP-Job_Leveling_Document.pdf  Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement: https://www.volunteeralive.org  Community-Centric Fundraising - https://communitycentricfundraising.org Ontario Nonprofit Network: https://theonn.ca  How to Create Effective Advisory Teams - https://nicole-r-smith-s-school.teachable.com/p/create-advisory-teams-that-move-the-mark  Effective Advisory Team Toolkit ($25.00) https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/CDCCXKFZJ8USE  Connecting the Cause: https://www.connectingthecause.com/    About Jessica Pang-Parks Jessica is highly skilled at and incredibly passionate about stewarding relationships, coaching and mentoring others and developing and improving processes. She is the recipient of the 2021 Alison Caird Young Leader Award in recognition of her leadership and excellence in volunteer engagement and the recipient of the 2023 VMPC Exemplary Leader Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to the field as a mentor, leader, trainer, and advocate.  Jessica earned her CVA credential in April 2023 and has facilitated Fleming College’s Volunteer Management: Spectrum of Engagement course since May 2022. She has held professional volunteer engagement roles at Crohn's and Colitis Canada, Pathways to Education Canada, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Volunteer Toronto, and WWF-Canada.  ​ Jessica is privileged to work on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Learn more about Jessica at www.learnwithjpp.com. 

Podcast Episode Description:    Anshul, Blood Bank of Delmarva Volunteer, joins Angela Williamson, CVA and I to share how his views on volunteerism have drastically changed after volunteering. He discusses how he didn’t truly understand the value of volunteers and was skeptical that they could be reliable or dedicated, and had doubts that a team of volunteers could actually make an impact. He has seen the light and drops incredible gems such as, “just because I am a volunteer doesn’t mean I can’t be excellent and what I do”, and has sage advice for leaders of volunteers regarding obtaining buy-in at your organization. I promise, we did not pay him to say all that he did! Take a listen and you’ll understand what I mean!  Connect with Angela:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva/  https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com  Bio:  Angela Williamson, CVA, appreciates the many people who have shared information, wisdom, and encouragement with her and loves to pay it forward to others.  She is the Volunteer and Community Relations Specialist at the Blood Bank of Delmarva where she’s increased volunteer engagement from around 70 volunteers to over 300 in four years expanding the variety of roles and departments with volunteer engagement.  She uses her decade of experience as well as her 2022 AL!VE Impact Award to springboard her Volunteer Engagement Acceleration Consulting Business. She wants you to know you too are amazing and we are all in a journey together making the world a better place.     Connect with Anshul:  YouTube   TikTok, Facebook   Bio:  Anshul Gupta worked at Fortune 500 companies in various roles delivering customer service, technology program management, Agile transformation, and product coaching for 36 years, working with global teams, most recently at Comcast, Guardian Life Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and S&P Global. In addition to his career, he has two children, is married and lives with his spouse Sajani, and enjoys hobbies such as investment planning, weight training, cooking, swimming, traveling, and learning to play the dhol (Indian drum).  After leaving the professional life, Anshul decided to become a social media influencer in health and fitness; he has a presence on YouTube and TikTok, and moderates a Facebook group with 300K members on the subject of physical fitness and nutrition.  Anshul recently became a volunteer for Blood Bank of Delmarva; he decided to do so after donating blood at the Newark Center where he savored the user experience and learned more about the invaluable contributions to public health that BBD represents in saving lives.  Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Title: Let Go of Perfection: How to Be an Accessibility AssetDescription: In this episode, Alec Lawson and I are talking about all things accessibility and acknowledging the fact that if you aren’t talking about accessibility you aren’t doing DEAI at all. Alec discusses how working with people with disabilities has enhanced his programs, what audio description is, and why cost isn’t a viable excuse to not implement better accessibility practices in your organization. He offers, “if you want to learn, come to me; say the wrong thing, ask the uncomfortable question, I am here to help.”Connect with AlecLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-lawson-3a464680/ Email: volunteerinclusionaccess@gmail.comResources from SessionLEAD Conference:Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Crip Camp on NetflixAtomic HabitsJames ClearI’m Glad My Mom DiedJennette McCurdyDemystifying DisabilityEmily LadauMore About AlecAlec Lawson is a professional consultant in volunteerism, accessibility, front-of-house operations, and inclusivity.  With more than a decade of experience guiding and mentoring non-profit and volunteer professionals into a more human-centered, inclusive, accessible mindset, Alec continues to work with non-profits, private, and corporate businesses to strengthen engagement with all people.  He offers coaching, and access services including Audio Description, developing branding, and storytelling for access programs. and writing handbooks and policies. He works with a close team of access champions with a combined experience of over 50 years.  He is very passionate about creating welcoming environments and a sense of belonging for all. Need help with volunteerism, accessibility, or anything customer/audience-facing? Find Alec on LinkedIn or email VolunteersInclusionAccess@gmail.com.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Severina Ware, CVA shares her incredible background that led her into the field of Volunteer Engagement. She discusses imposter syndrome, how she overcame it and the importance of always showing up into any room as a student ready to learn something new (even about a topic you are already familiar with). She shares how she overcame the “you are new here so you don’t know how things work” when her being new didn’t mean she wasn’t right dilemma. Lastly, she shares about protecting your peace and her contribution to the new book “I Said What I Said: An Anthology of Black Women in Nonprofit” aimed to amplify and shed a positive light on Black women and their stories of thriving in spite of a society dominated by negative views of Black women.Connect with Severinahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/severinaware/Purchase a copy of “I Said What I Said” hereBio:Severina Ware, CVA is the Volunteer Program Manager for National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. with over a decade of experience developing community resources and mobilizing volunteers. She is best described as an action-oriented and dynamic professional with a knack for relationship building, inspiring the growth and potential in others, and effectively engaging individuals. As a tenured nonprofit professional, she continues to be committed to growing strategic partnerships and implementing a culture of inclusion, growth, and dynamic leadership. Severina is a Public Voices Fellowship Alumni of The OpEd Project and her writing has been featured in VISIBLE Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Thrive Global, TRT World, and Blavity.  She is also an alumna of the inaugural cohort of Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership, sponsored by Dallas Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. In May 2023, the BWPNL cohort published I Said What I Said: An Anthology of Black Women in Nonprofit which Severina is a featured author in sharing the stories of Black women thriving in spite of a society dominated by negative views of Black women leaders and future leaders.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Faiza Venzant, CVA, and Mark Hager share fascinating insights regarding their recent research study funded by AmeriCorps surrounding Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion We chat about whether DEAI is really still even relevant, DEAI initiatives disappearing from certain industries, the lack of adequate DEAI training opportunities and the “adversity of diversity”. We discuss the continued importance of creating spaces where every person’s opinion is actually welcome, and the next steps are now that they have this newfound groundbreaking information.RESOURCES:ADEVI Survey Results and Focus Group Emerging ThemesADEVI Infographic On the Personal Identities of CVAsThe Adversity of Diversity – Carol M. Swain, Ph.D. and Mike TowleMore About Faiza,Connect with Faiza Venzant, CVA  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizavenzant/ From a young age, Faiza Venzant's parents instilled a strong sense of volunteerism in her and her two older brothers. They, as immigrants to Canada from Uganda in the early 70s made a successful transition into Canadian life with the help of many generous volunteers. A volunteer herself from a very young age, she has been an advocate for volunteer engagement and excellence in volunteer management for over 20 years.  As a facilitator for the Community Action Poverty Simulation, Faiza is passionate about equity and access amongst volunteers and leaders of volunteers. Faiza immigrated to the United States with her family in 2021.Faiza immigrated to the United States in 2021 and now serves as the Executive Director of the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and an active member and volunteer with the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE.) She has been a CVA (Certified in Volunteer Administration) since 2016.In 2018, Faiza published her first children’s book entitled, My Mamma Wants to Eat Me Up!  As a mother of two young boys, she has not actually eaten any of her children.Learn more about the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration atwww.cvacert.orgMore About MarkConnect with Mark Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhager/ Mark Hager has been studying and writing about the nonprofit sector for 30 years. His doctoral dissertation centered on the reasons why nonprofit organizations closed. His years at the Urban Institute focused on studies of finance and volunteer administration. He spent 14 years as a faculty member anchoring the graduate program in nonprofit leadership and management at Arizona State University. He has stepped out of his teaching slot and is now working on research and field-building full-time.  Most of his attention is back on volunteer administration, including his current leadership on Assessing Diversity and Equity in Volunteer Inclusion, a three-year project funded by AmeriCorps.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Publication date: 9/15Description: Jerome shares the content and logistics of the new project he is a part of and why this book isn’t just for volunteer engagement managers, but nonprofit CEOs, those who work in academia, those who work in for-profit CSR, or even the HR director. He speaks candidly about being a person of color in the profession of Social Impact and Volunteer Engagement, the value of succession planning, and its connection to knowing when it is time to take the next step in your career. Lastly, shares about the importance of storytelling and why communication is the new power tie.Connect with Jeromehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jdtennille/  https://www.jerometennille.com ResourcesClick here to purchase Transforming Disruption to ImpactMore About JeromeJerome is the Director of Social Impact & ESG at The Uplift Agency where he is responsible for leading the social impact-focused work for Uplift's corporate clients. In his role, he's led clients through social impact and ESG strategy design and implementation to address their unique challenges. Prior to joining Uplift, he led Marriott International’s global volunteer program on their social impact team where he managed national partnerships and designed the strategies, guidelines, and toolkits that empowered and equipped associates to serve their communities across the globe. He has over a decade of social impact experience and is the co-author and co-editor of the book Transforming Disruption to Impact: Rethinking Volunteer Engagement for a Rapidly Changing World. Jerome is also a veteran of the United States Navy.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: Breauna Dorelusdrops some knowledge in ways you may not have heard before. We address what to do when accused of white saviorism, what to do if you are made to feel unwelcome as a white volunteer, why pity will never take you to the next level of impact, and why context is king. Sit down and buckle up buttercup, you are in for a ride.Connect with BreaunaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breaunadorelus/Website: https://www.connectingthecause.com Instagram@connectingthecause Next Heart Work Session – August 17, 2023More About BreaunaBreauna Dorelus is the Founder and Chief Cause Consultant at Connecting the Cause, a consultancy dedicated to dismantling harmful volunteer practices implemented by nonprofits and volunteers toward Black and brown communities. Breauna started her career as an AmeriCorps member and spent 10+ years in various volunteer management roles in humanitarian aid efforts, refugee resettlement, and ministry. Breauna believes in community inclusion in all aspects of the volunteer process, and has dedicated her work to ensuring that service is centered around co-dreaming and not harmful charity. She believes that best practices may not be the best for all and that we must look at service through the lens of community-centered support in order to create a more just future.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

2022 AL!VE Impact Award Winners Angela Williamson, CVA, and Susan Sanow CVA share about their Impact Award Winning Experience.Resources from the episode:Engage Journal - https://engagejournal.org Transforming Disruption to Impact: Rethinking Volunteer Engagement for a Rapidly Changing WorldBrag Better - More About AngelaAngela Williamson, CVA, appreciates the many people who have shared information, wisdom, and encouragement with her and loves to pay it forward to others.  She is the Volunteer and Community Relations Specialist at the Blood Bank of Delmarva where she’s redeveloped the volunteer engagement from around 70 volunteers to over 300 in four years increasing the variety of roles and departments with volunteer engagement.   As a 2022 Al!ve Impact Award Recipient, she battles the “imposter” syndrome and wants you to know you too are amazing and we are all on a journey together to make the world a better place.  Connect with Angelahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva/  More About SusanSusan Sanow, CVA, is the Senior Manager, of Volunteer Management Education at Volunteer Fairfax (Fairfax, Virginia). She leads the volunteer management educational programming including webinars, roundtables, book clubs, and the area’s Civic Circle Cohort. Susan is an experienced meeting facilitator and trainer in nonprofit management and volunteer management. She has presented educational programs in the local area, at statewide conferences, and at national meetings. Susan holds a B.S. in Consumer-Community Services from Michigan State University. She became a Certified Volunteer Administrator in 2020 and joined the board of the Northern Virginia Association of Volunteer Administrators in 2021. In 2022, Susan was named an Exemplary Leader in Volunteer Engagement by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE).Connect with Susan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansanow/ Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: The only thing constant in life is change. Adriane and Eric share how to not only navigate that change but practically predict it so you can prepare and respond to it; not react to it. They talk about current trends in our sector…and outside of it…. because they all matter. It’s amazing what you can see when you look at something differently. I encourage you to give it a try. You are worth it.ResourcesErin Spink’s E-Book New Voices & New Perspectives in Volunteer Engagement. Connect with Adrianehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianebeaudry/ More About AdrianeWith close to 25 years of experience as a leader of volunteers and a recent recipient of the Linda Buchanan Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Volunteer Engagement, Adriane has dedicated her career to volunteer engagement. As a Past President of PAVRO (Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders Ontario), Committee member with Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC), and Past Chair of her local Association for Volunteer Administrators she has provided informal coaching and support along with formal training to other leaders of volunteers both locally as well as provincially and nationally. Lifelong learning is vital to growth and Adriane takes the opportunity to continue learning and growing wherever she canConnect with Eric:Website: https://www.ericleoblais.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericleoblais/More About EricEric brings over 25 years of academic knowledge and practical experience leading innovation within various industries including broadcast and digital media, non-profit organizations, health and fitness, human resource, and various start-ups. Enamored with what's new, Eric believes that a strong vision sets the strategy while design thinking makes the impossible happen. Able to see infinite possibilities, he loves making the complex understandable and the future plausible. Wrapped in humor and unconventional wisdom, Eric customizes each innovation and strategic foresight process using proven methodology. Borrowing from Buddhist philosophy: change is inevitable, and suffering is optional!Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Title: Welcoming Neurodivergent Volunteers: Easier Than You May ThinkDescription: Sarah discusses the magic of Chat GBT, helps us to understand the difference between Neurodiverse and Neurodivergent and how, through universal design, your program can not only be welcome to Neurodivergent volunteers, but ALL volunteers. We talk about why there is no growth in your safety zone, safe spaces vs brave spaces, the importance of asking to understand and she shares a plethora of resources for certifications that you can earn especially if working with people with disabilities is a focus you have. Click here to download the e-book! ResourcesErin Spink’s E-Book New Voices & New Perspectives in Volunteer Engagement. You will find a plethora of resources at the bottom of the article!!!!Temple Grandin –·        The World Needs All Kinds of Minds  ·       Educating Different Types of MindsMary-Frances Winters – Inclusive ConversationsBarry Altland – Difficult vs Meaningful Conversations·       Youtube: https://youtu.be/c6BIjFEcANE ·       Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-suggestion-box-with-nicole-smith/id1538068098?i=1000508271987 ·       Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7G0Fiku1bSVVeDhvXVDrwx?si=QPFDRD-xQZuZsgWFYgK_SgEngage Article on Chat GBTConnect with Sarahhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahphilippe/sarah.philippe@allina.comPhone: 651-241-4999More About SarahSarah Philippe CVA (she/her) is passionate about volunteerism, accessibility, history, and ice cream. With her infectious energy and dedication, she is committed to inspiring and empowering others to believe in their capacity to create great change.With over eight years of experience in volunteerism, Sarah took her game to the next level in 2021 by earning her Certification in Volunteer Administration. In addition, she completed certificates in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, Ethical and Inclusive Leadership, and Exploring AI and ChatGBT: Impact and Possibilities from the University of South Florida. She's presented on Neurodiversity in Volunteerism at various state conferences and professional development webinars across the country. Her work has been published in "New Voices and Perspectives in Volunteer Engagement 2023," edited by Erin Spink.When she's not advocating for diversity and inclusivity in volunteerism, Sarah can be snuggled up with her cat, trying out new ice cream flavors, or reading the Magic Treehouse series to her nieces and nephews.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: Traci and Kayla stop by to talk about the Supportive Environment for Effectiveness (S.E.E. ) model.  They also chat about the importance of professional development, building infrastructure within volunteer engagement, what they love (and hate) about collaboration, presenting at Points of Light, being ambassadors for REDIRECT and how to choose worthy group project partners.Connect with TraciTraci Lato-Smith, CVAOwner / Consultant720.446.6VMC  (720.446.6862)www.volunteermanagementconsulting.comTraci Lato-Smith, CVA BIOFounder, Owner, & Principal ConsultantVolunteer Management ConsultingTraci Lato-Smith, a Certified Volunteer Administrator, comes to VMC with a rich background in the nonprofit world and a deep passion for volunteerism and service.  Raised in Phoenix and educated at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Traci has lived and worked in Chicago, San Francisco, St. Louis and Denver.  Traci has spent her career working with volunteers in the non-profit sector and has worked for The Denver Hospice, Denver Scholarship Foundation, St. Louis Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, A Miner Miracle, The National Conference for Community and Justice, the Anti-Defamation League of Greater Chicago, and the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix. Since starting her consulting business, Traci has been proud to work with nonprofits around the country, including Points of Light, the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), and the reDirect Foundation. Traci has worked extensively with the Service Enterprise Program as a consultant, trainer, and coach, certifying organizations that fundamentally leverage volunteers and their skills to achieve their social missions.In addition to her professional work in the field of volunteer engagement, Traci volunteers her own time in a variety of ways.  She is a former member of the Board of Directors for Denver DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers In Agencies), has presented multiple times at the Colorado Nonprofit Association Fall Conference, the Colorado Conference on Volunteerism, and Rural Philanthropy Days, and volunteers at a skilled nursing facility with her two young children. She is also an active PTA member and a lover of horses, yoga, and hiking with her Labrador Retriever, Sunshine Daydream.Volunteer Management ConsultingSupporting Agencies for Effective Volunteer EngagementA little more about KaylaExperienced human capital engagement professional and trainer with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit organization change management, volunteer engagement, training, marketing, business-to-business sales, program management, strategic planning, and facilitation.Always looking for ways to empower organizations to fully harness the capabilities of their human capital (both paid and unpaid) to achieve their mission.Connect with Kayla:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylampaulson/Kayla@KaylaPaulson.comambassador@redirect.org 319.310.0901Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

When someone asks you to interview you on your podcast, what do you say? No! Well, I didn’t and so here we are. Angela Williamson, CVA, and Carrie Hart, CVA interview me for my own podcast. It was weird. They asked hard questions and I edited those answers out, but what was left was really good too! I mean it was over an hour and who wants to hear all of that? Carrie said there were multiple truth bombs lol. Listen in to how your No’s make way for your Yes’s, why boundaries are so important, self-care vs selfishness…and watch me squirm to answer their questions. It was a good time! Thank you, ladies! Let’s do it again sometime, but not on camera lolol! Oh yes, and here is the lyric I couldn't remember: "Sometimes the thrill of soaring had to begin with the fear of falling."Info from the episode: TuPractice: https://youtu.be/Yv8AmiIF4C4  Crystal Lewis Song: For Such A Time of This https://youtu.be/ODmY96Pd3P4 Sometimes the thrill of soaring had to begin with the fear of falling  My hype songs:Anything 90’s hip hop and R&B Expect to Win – Carla Harrishttps://www.amazon.com/Expect-Win-Strategies-Thriving-Workplace/dp/B09XWSWK7P/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580696542421&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9053023&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13960303653595213705&hvtargid=kwd-12442739609&hydadcr=22566_13493360&keywords=carla+harris+expect+to+win&qid=1679488028&sr=8-1  Selfishness is Not Self-Carehttps://medium.com/@nicolersmith/selfishness-is-not-self-care-ad9431397302  Bio:Angela Williamson, CVA, appreciates the many people who have shared information, wisdom, and encouragement with her and loves to pay it forward to others.  She is the Volunteer and Community Relations Specialist at the Blood Bank of Delmarva where she’s redeveloped the volunteer engagement from around 70 volunteers to over 300 in four years increasing the variety of roles and departments with volunteer engagement.   As a 2022 Al!ve Impact Award Recipient, she battles the “imposter” syndrome and wants you to know you too are amazing and we are all in a journey together to make the world a better place.  Connect with Angelahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva/      Carrie Hart, CVA, FPCC has 20 years in Volunteer Administration.  She found her passion for helping others as the Educator for the Biggs Museum and then the State Office of Volunteerism.  Now as the Manager of Volunteer Services at Bayhealth Medical Center, she leads more than 500 volunteers alongside her amazing staff.  Carrie received her Certification in Volunteer Administration in 2015, her Fellow in Patient-Centered Care in 2020, and was a 2021 Al!ve Impact Award Recipient.  A firm believer in giving back, she is also an active member of the Downtown Dover Partnership and the Board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators, of which she is a past president.Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/  Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: Erin shares her thoughts (in a very HILARIOUS way) on the difference between management and leadership, screening in vs screening out, the fact that YOU MATTER, why you should speak up (especially when you don’t think you should) and being a contributor to the textbook that is shaping so many CVA’s. Oh! She talks about her New E-Book New Voices and Perspectives and what inspired her to create it too!  Don’t miss it!A little more about Erin: Erin Spink, MA (Leadership)Founderspinktank – www.spinktank.ca Erin Spink’s interest in volunteers started at the age of six when she pronounced that while it was wrong to eat animals, hamburgers at McDonald’s came from “volunteer cows” and therefore an exception could be made. She completed a Certificate with Distinction in Volunteer Program Management, followed by an M.A. (Leadership) where she submitted the first-ever academic research quantifying the concept of “volunteer engagement”. Spink’s thought-leadership work has been published around the world, including the CCVA accreditation textbook.  She continues to author informative, cutting-edge research that advances the profession through her consulting firm - spinktank-  which offers workshops, free resources, and online courses, and its research arm CARVE (Centre for Advanced Research in Volunteer Engagement). Erin had the honor of serving on the PAVRO Board for five years, including two as President.  For the last several years, Erin has volunteered as a member of the Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism) Journal, leading the Training Designs section and now co-editor for the Ethics column.  She has also co-authored the Points of View articles with Rob Jackson. Erin was recognized in 2017 with the Linda Buchanan Outstanding Leader of Volunteers award and in 2020 with the VMPC Exemplary Leader Award (First Place) for her contributions to the profession. After 20 years working in Volunteer Engagement, she has changed her mind and no longer believes in eating volunteers.Connect with Erin:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinrebeccaspink/ Engage Journal: https://engagejournal.org New E-Book: New Voices and Perspectives  in Volunteer Engagement in 2023Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: Monica talks about taking risks, the rewards it can lead to and the importance of speaking truth to power. She shares her thoughts about why it is just as important to follow as lead and encourages listeners to “lead from their chair.” A little more about Monica: Monica Jasso is the Director of Engagement for Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest encompassing West Texas and Southern New Mexico, for over 10 years. A proud Fronteriza, born in El Paso, Texas, she attended Texas A&M University, and finds purpose in advancing the mission of volunteerism to positively impact individuals and communities. Passionate about the art and science that create genuine volunteer experiences she is committed to viewing her personal and professional life through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice. A single mother of two bi-racial children, in her down time, she enjoys nature, hiking, reading, photography, traveling and Yelping about new foodie spots.She has earned a Certification in Volunteer Administration, which serves as evidence of experience and leadership in the field of volunteer management and is a 2022 recipient of the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE) award that recognizes excellence in the profession of volunteer engagement.   Connect with Monica:Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/monicajasso915 Resources:The book referred to in the podcast: “See No Stranger, A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur. Fabulous read.Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

Description: Traci and Nicole discuss different ways to monetize your volunteer program. Shares her challenges and hilarious stories regarding corporate volunteering events that brought in over one million dollars for her organization and Nicole shares about being awarded a grant for her volunteer program.A little more about Traci: Traci Blue is a Community Relations Management professional with a passion for working within the Central Florida community and 20+ years of experience in the fields of community relations, public relations, training, coaching, and management. She has spent her career serving in the fields of corporate sports management, government, and non-profit management.  She also serves on several non-profit Boards of Directors in the Central Florida community, including Orlando/Orange County COMPACT, Athlete Connections, Parramore Community Engagement Council, and OCPS ACE School Community Leadership Council.Ms. Blue currently serves as the Director of Strategic Community Initiatives for Bright Community Trust. She manages community outreach programs in Central Florida, including food delivery programs, teen summits, COVID testing, financial literacy, emergency rental assistance application navigation, etc.She has earned a Certification in Volunteer Administration, which serves as evidence of experience and leadership in the field of volunteer management. She is also a Certified Practitioner of Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), in order to facilitate the MBTI as a resource for individuals, groups, and organizations.Connect with Traci:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traciblue-cva/ E-Mail – Traci@thebrightway.orgCCVA website www.cvacert.org Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

I sit down with three incredible ladies who talk about their experience winning the AL!VE impact awards and they share why you should nominate someone......including yourself. Sit back, listen and laugh with Brenda, Morgan, Andrea, and I. Be inspired.  Morgan's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgreengriffin/ Andrea's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hill-mpa-cnp-cva-cfre-28285818/ Brenda's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendamhaggard/  Nicole's Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/nicolersmithnetLearn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

I had a chance to sit with past AL!VE Impact Award winners regarding their experience and what it meant to them. See below to learn more about each winner!  Susan began working for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education in 1996. She manages an over 1200 volunteer base for the Foundation’s statewide programs. She is a graduate of the ASU Lodestar Non-Profit Administration program and has earned her National Certification as a Volunteer Administrator. She was the lead in the Foundation receiving certification by Points of Light as a Service Enterprise which states the Foundation strategically leverages volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact. Her background covers over 35 years of working with non-profit organizations, including volunteer administration, training, victim assistance, and serving on various boards of directors, both locally and nationally. She served as President of the Association of Volunteer Administrators of Central Arizona and currently serves as Treasurer. She is also a member of AL!VE. Connect her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nusall-8643641a/ Carrie Hart has been in the field of Volunteer Management for 20 years. Starting at a local museum as the Educator, she quickly discovered her love of working with volunteers. From there, she served with the State Office of Volunteerism, overseeing the annual Delaware Week of Service, managing volunteers at the 2012 Governor’s Ball, and the annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. In 2015, she moved to Bayhealth to lead the volunteer services department. Ms. Hart has her Certification in Volunteer Management, is a Fellow in Patient-Centered Care, and serves on the board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators. Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/ Marcia Hale, CIG, CVA is currently providing leadership for the Volunteer Engagement efforts of the Hillsboro Public Library in Hillsboro, OR (just west of Portland). She has been involved in the non-profit world for over 20 years most of the time spent developing and managing volunteer programs in science museums, a brief stint in social service, managing a volunteer center, and an RSVP program before joining a city government department with the library. She loves designing and facilitating training having provided a variety of workshops on volunteer management for the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Volunteer Administrators, Washington State Parks and Recreation Association, and for the University of Oregon Festival and Events Management certificate program among others. She is the incoming board co-chair of education for the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG), a member of the Northwest Oregon Volunteer Administration Association, and AL!VE. When not designing elaborate Christmas trees for auction for Providence Hospital Festival of the Trees, she and wonder dog Murphy love exploring the beauty of the Northwest on hikes and hanging out at a beach or waterfall. When she retires in a few years she hopes to put her Certified Interpretive Guide skills to use at a state park somewhere on the west coast inspiring others to love the natural wonders of the region. Award-winning Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) with over ten years of experience in the non-profit and local government sectors serving vulnerable populations and engaging citizens in service. With my strengths of empowering others, implementing efficient systems, and working well in high-pressure, complex situations, she recognizes the gifts of others and connects Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com

I had a chance to sit with past AL!VE Impact Award winners regarding their experience and what it meant to them. See below to learn more about each winner!  Susan began working for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education in 1996. She manages an over 1200 volunteer base for the Foundation’s statewide programs. She is a graduate of the ASU Lodestar Non-Profit Administration program and has earned her National Certification as a Volunteer Administrator. She was the lead in the Foundation receiving certification by Points of Light as a Service Enterprise which states the Foundation strategically leverages volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact. Her background covers over 35 years of working with non-profit organizations, including volunteer administration, training, victim assistance, and serving on various boards of directors, both locally and nationally. She served as President of the Association of Volunteer Administrators of Central Arizona and currently serves as Treasurer. She is also a member of AL!VE. Connect her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nusall-8643641a/ Carrie Hart has been in the field of Volunteer Management for 20 years. Starting at a local museum as the Educator, she quickly discovered her love of working with volunteers. From there, she served with the State Office of Volunteerism, overseeing the annual Delaware Week of Service, managing volunteers at the 2012 Governor’s Ball, and the annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. In 2015, she moved to Bayhealth to lead the volunteer services department. Ms. Hart has her Certification in Volunteer Management, is a Fellow in Patient-Centered Care, and serves on the board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators. Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/ Marcia Hale, CIG, CVA is currently providing leadership for the Volunteer Engagement efforts of the Hillsboro Public Library in Hillsboro, OR (just west of Portland). She has been involved in the non-profit world for over 20 years most of the time spent developing and managing volunteer programs in science museums, a brief stint in social service, managing a volunteer center, and an RSVP program before joining a city government department with the library. She loves designing and facilitating training having provided a variety of workshops on volunteer management for the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Volunteer Administrators, Washington State Parks and Recreation Association, and for the University of Oregon Festival and Events Management certificate program among others. She is the incoming board co-chair of education for the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG), a member of the Northwest Oregon Volunteer Administration Association, and AL!VE. When not designing elaborate Christmas trees for auction for Providence Hospital Festival of the Trees, she and wonder dog Murphy love exploring the beauty of the Northwest on hikes and hanging out at a beach or waterfall. When she retires in a few years she hopes to put her Certified Interpretive Guide skills to use at a state park somewhere on the west coast inspiring others to love the natural wonders of the region. Award-winning Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) with over ten years of experience in the non-profit and local government sectors serving vulnerable populations and engaging citizens in service. With my strengths of empowering others, implementing efficient systems, and working well in high-pressure, complex situations, she recognizes the gifts of others and connects Learn more about how Nicole can help your volunteer program grow and flourish when you visitwww.nicolersmith.com