AI Ethics 101: A Beginner's Guide to Respectful AI Use

Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives, from chatbots that help us solve problems to tools that assist with creative projects. As AI becomes more accessible, it's crucial to understand how to use these powerful technologies responsibly and effectively. Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this guide will help you navigate the ethical landscape while maximizing the benefits of AI assistance.

Understanding AI's Role and Limitations

Before diving into specific practices, it's important to understand what AI can and cannot do. AI systems are sophisticated tools trained on vast amounts of data, but they're not infallible. They can make mistakes, have biases present in their training data, and lack the nuanced understanding that comes from lived human experience. Recognizing and remaining aware of these limitations is the first step toward respectful AI use.

The Golden Rules of AI Ethics

Respect for human creativity and labor. AI should complement human creativity, not replace it entirely. Use AI as a starting point, a brainstorming partner, or an editor, but ensure that your unique perspective and creativity remain central to your work. This approach respects both the technology and the irreplaceable value of human insight. The beauty of AI is its ability to cut the time of extensive tasks, allowing opportunities to create beyond anything we've ever seen.

Always consider privacy and consent. Be mindful of what information you share with AI systems. Avoid inputting sensitive personal data, donor information, or details about others without their consent. Remember that your conversations with AI may be stored or used to improve the system, so treat your inputs accordingly. Always consider whether the information you’re providing is something you’d be comfortable having reviewed or potentially accessed by others. To protect your data, use paid versions of programs when possible, as they often provide stronger privacy controls, better encryption, and more transparency about how your data is handled. Additionally, regularly review the permissions and privacy settings of the tools you use, and disable unnecessary data-sharing features to minimize exposure.

Do's: Best Practices for AI Interaction

Be clear and concise. The quality of AI responses often depends on the clarity of your requests. Instead of asking "Help me write something," try "Help me write a professional email declining a meeting invitation while suggesting alternative times." Specific prompts lead to more useful and targeted responses. Give the AI relevant background information to help it understand your needs. If you're working on a project for a specific audience or industry, mention this context. The more relevant information you provide, the better the AI can tailor its assistance.

Don't expect perfect results on the first try. AI interaction is often an iterative process with checks and balances. Ask follow-up questions, request clarifications, or ask AI to adjust its approach based on your feedback. AI won't judge you, so don't hesitate to go back to the drawing board and redirect a prompt to get the most effective outcome. This collaborative refinement process typically yields the best results.

Fact-check all information. Always verify factual claims, statistics, or technical information provided by AI, especially for important decisions or public-facing content. AI can sometimes generate plausible-sounding but incorrect information, so independent verification is essential. Most AI resources like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, etc. give direct links or cited resources allowing users to do further independent research. The nonnegotiable rule of AI: absolutely fact-check.

Use AI as a learning tool. Leverage AI to expand your knowledge and skills in areas you may be unfamiliar with. Ask AI to explain complex concepts, suggest different approaches to program design or service delivery, or help you understand new topics that can support your nonprofit’s mission and growth. This educational approach maximizes AI's value while building your own capabilities. Create a formatted document that otherwise would've seemed impossible, organize funder data in seconds, or bust out a social media marketing campaign for your nonprofit. The best way to understand AI and how it works is through hands-on practice.

Credit sources and collaborations. When AI helps you create content or solve problems, consider acknowledging this assistance appropriately. This might mean noting AI collaboration in your work process or being transparent about tools used when sharing results with others. Also, consider your organization's AI guidelines and follow protocol. AI is still a relatively new technology, so it's essential to adapt to common practices and stay up-to-date with the latest regulations.

Don'ts: Practices to Avoid

Don't rely on AI for critical decision making. AI should inform your decision-making process, not replace critical thinking and professional expertise. It’s important to remember that AI is not a search engine, and it does not provide fact-checked or guaranteed information, always verify information from trusted sources.

Don't share sensitive information. Never input personal identifying information, passwords, confidential business data, or private details about others into AI systems. For nonprofits, this is especially critical to protect the privacy of donors, beneficiaries, and partners—safeguarding the trust your organization has built.

Don't assume AI is always right. AI can make mistakes, perpetuate biases, or provide outdated information. Maintain a healthy skepticism and don't treat AI responses as infallible truth, especially on controversial or rapidly changing topics. Avoid using AI to create misleading content, impersonate others, generate spam, or engage in any form of harassment or deception. Responsible AI use means considering the broader impact of your actions on others and society.

Don't ignore your own voice. Each nonprofit has its own unique approach and mission, and that individuality should shine through in how you use AI. Be creative. AI is a tool, not a template, and the real magic happens when you combine its capabilities with your distinct voice and vision. While AI can be incredibly helpful, don’t let it overshadow your unique perspective. Your experiences, creativity, and judgment are irreplaceable and should remain at the heart of your work and decision-making.

Moving Forward Responsibly

As AI technology continues to evolve, our approaches to using it responsibly must evolve too. The key is maintaining a balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving human agency, creativity, and ethical standards. By following these guidelines and remaining thoughtful about our AI interactions, we can harness these powerful tools while contributing to a more positive and equitable technological future.

Remember that respectful AI use is not just about individual benefit—it's about contributing to a broader ecosystem where technology serves humanity's best interests. Every interaction you have with AI is an opportunity to model responsible use and help shape how these technologies integrate into our society.

AI is transforming the way nonprofits work, and using it effectively is key to driving your mission forward. If you’re looking for tailored technology guidance or want to explore how AI can help your nonprofit thrive, schedule a discovery call with a RoundTable expert. We’ll work with you to strengthen your systems, protect your data, and support your sponsored projects more effectively.