Key Questions for Nonprofits Evaluating 3rd Party Platforms
Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social and humanitarian issues, often collecting and managing sensitive data to fulfill...
2 min read
Joshua Peskay
:
Mar 27, 2023 12:50:08 PM
As instructors for an upcoming AI course designed for a nonprofit audience, we have been contemplating the multifaceted nature of artificial intelligence. On one hand, AI can drastically reduce transactional tasks from hours to split seconds, saving us unimaginable amounts of time so that staff can spend time providing more real value with constituents.
However, as an early-stage tool available to ordinary people, AI also raises ethical questions about training data, the potential for both intentional and unintentional misuse, and unknown human harms. Not only despite these concerns, but arguably BECAUSE of these concerns, nonprofit professionals should pursue AI literacy.
AI is here and it is advancing at a pace previously unseen in technological evolution. To hope or pretend otherwise is comparable to a 1900’s work refusing to use steam engines or a 1990’s office work refusing to use a computer. Refusal to engage with new and intimidating technology leaves yourself at a massive disadvantage.
Following our own advice, we asked AI, specifically ChatGPT 4, why it's important for nonprofit organizations to engage with AI systems such as ChatGPT, Bing, and others. We asked it to provide ten reasons, given the concerns about trustworthiness, ethics, and even the existence of AI.
The list it produced was very close to one we would have spent hours writing and rewriting. We only had to spend a little time reading and making a few minor edits. Here are the reasons:
In conclusion, it is essential for nonprofit professionals to engage with AI systems if they want to remain competitive in the digital age. By engaging with AI, nonprofits can play a crucial role in guiding its development and deployment so that ethical standards are met, trustworthiness is promoted and existential concerns are addressed.
They can also use AI-based solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges such as climate change, poverty or inequality. Finally, by working closely with AI developers and stakeholders, nonprofits can help foster trust and collaboration between different sectors which will ensure that technologies are developed responsibly for the public interest. With these considerations in mind, let’s embrace this new technology together!
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