A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with technologist Afua Bruce about AI and its role in the nonprofit industry.
And it became really clear to me that people are, by and large, worried about the negative influence technology can have on their jobs, their resources, and even on fairness and equality in our world.
A lot of us are looking at technology and generative AI as if it’s some separate entity that just dropped into the storyline of our lives ready to inflict trouble on underserved communities, a diabolus ex machina, if you will.
And instead, as it turns out, generative AI is the product or continuation of shared beliefs and biases that our society has been operating from for decades. It is us. We are it. For better or for worse.
But what does that mean for those of us in the nonprofit world? How can we have a positive influence on where AI goes from here? How can we use our voices to help shape the future of AI?
😃 I think the first thing we can do is shift our perspectives to be more optimistic about the future of AI. If we created it, we can influence it for the better.
🌎 And second, we can promote broader access to AI technology and training. If more diverse communities can utilize these tools, they will have greater agency to address their own needs and create solutions tailored to their realities.
🔎 And third, we must push for transparency, so the assumptions and data built into AI systems reflect the world we actually want to see. Many of our organizations are well-positioned to collaborate with tech companies, advocating for the people we serve to be represented.
If we take an active role now in widening the circle of participation, AI can empower our communities rather than undermine them. But we have to speak up and guide this technology toward justice and equity.
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Worried AI will take your job? Fear robots more than global warming? Think AI lacks morals? Well, take a chill pill my nonprofit friends. 💊
Today’s guest Vilas Dhar provides a refreshing perspective on AI. Rather than some apocalyptic force, he views it as a “human-centric reflection of our society.” Our biases and beliefs shape how it develops.
So who is this optimistic leader guiding us to an ethical AI future? Vilas heads the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, advancing social good through tech. With experience across business, government and nonprofits, he connects communities to steer AI toward human dignity.
Discover how we can distribute AI more broadly so underserved groups have agency to address their needs. Learn what civil society can do now to democratize participation. Hear Vilas’ global vision for aligning innovators and people.
The robots aren’t coming for us yet, people! 🤖 Tune into this uplifting episode to understand how we shape the ethics and promise of AI. The future remains unwritten – our choices matter.
Listen to the full episode right here 🎧:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/281-humanity-ai-with-vilas-dhar/id1436858854?i=1000651774268
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