With a career spanning over three decades, Karen Knight is a seasoned professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to the not-for-profit sector. Having navigated various leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, Karen’s journey highlights her adaptability and versatility. 

Key Takeaways:

• Before looking for volunteers, establish the roles that they will fill or come up with a list of tasks that they will do. Know who you are looking for and what they’re going to do. 
• Keep your volunteers happy by making them feel appreciated. Thank every volunteer in every shift and in specific if possible. If you can’t be specific, then show them that you see what they’re contributing. 
• Talk to your volunteers. If you listen, people tell you about what they want. Don’t spend time and energy arranging an event for the volunteers that they may not necessarily like. Instead, ask them what they want. 
• Volunteers are not merely “free workers”. The senior leadership needs to realize the value of investing in their volunteer program. One change that could make an impact is to hire a volunteer manager who’s qualified and appropriately funded. Being a volunteer manager is a senior leadership position. 

“The more people who are involved in your mission, the faster it'll advance, you get to your mission sooner. The more people you bring in, the more ideas you have, the more enthusiasm you have - it just builds on itself.”

“You have to be ready for your volunteers. Otherwise, it's, you're frustrating them and you're not making any difference to your cause. Once you know who you're looking for, you will find them.”

“You need to have the buy-in of the senior executive of the board to invest in the [volunteer] program. You need to realize that [managing volunteers] is a senior leadership position and treat it as such and fund it as such.” 

- Karen Knight

Reach out to Karen Knight at:

Website: https://karenknight.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-knight-consulting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenKnightConsulting

Let’s Work Together to Amplify Your Leadership + Influence

1. Group Coaching for Nonprofit Leaders

Want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence? My group coaching program is designed for nonprofit leaders who are ready to communicate more powerfully, navigate challenges with ease, and move their organizations forward.
 

2. Team Coaching + Training

I work hands-on with nonprofit teams to strengthen leadership, improve communication, and align around a shared vision. Whether you’re growing fast or feeling stuck, we’ll create more clarity, collaboration, and momentum—together.
 

3. Board Retreats + Trainings

Your board has big potential. I’ll help you unlock it. My engaging, no-fluff retreats and trainings are built to energize your board, refocus on what matters, and generate real results.

Get your free starter kit today at www.theinfluentialnonprofit.com

Connect with Maryanne about her coaching programs:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/connect

Book Maryanne to speak at your conference:

https://www.courageouscommunication.com/nonprofit-keynote-speaker