35 | AI in Nonprofits: Embracing the Best, Preparing for the Rest
Introduction
Over the last few weeks, I’ve given a number of talks about AI to a variety of nonprofit folks. As I was preparing the materials for the talks, my greatest challenge was to decide what subset of the vast spectrum of topics I could cover I should include in the limited allotted time. One presentation was scheduled for 2 hours for an audience of around 100 people. Their pre-session responses to a survey asking what they wanted to know about AI gave great insight into the dilemma—questions ranged from “Tell me anything; I know almost nothing” to a detailed request for a deep-dive into implications of AI on copyright law and ethics.
At the same time, I’m taking in lots of information about AI covering an even wider spectrum, from the weekend’s tectonic shift in AI leadership (the bizarre removal of Sam Altman as OpenAI CEO) to the daily “top 10 new AI tools released yesterday” lists.
This time in the evolution of AI—both the technology development (which is moving at lightning speed) and the adoption (which is at a more pedestrian pace)—reminds me of the famous Dickens line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." We're in an era where AI is constantly improving, yet, paradoxically, figuring out how to actually use it effectively is getting tougher.
The Best of Times
There’s a line that’s been stated many times over the last few months:
This is the worst AI you’ll ever see
Or, from another viewpoint:
This is the best AI that’s ever existed
In every way, the technology is getting better at an incredible rate. The fundamental AI technologies are advancing in capabilities and speed. Availability of the technology for software vendors is becoming easier and cheaper. And to users like us, the technology is being brought to the apps we use, plus there are hundreds of new apps addressing specialized needs that previously had no digital solution.
The Worst of Times
But at the same time, this really is the worst AI we’re likely to see. Risks abound—hallucinations, implicit bias, data privacy concerns, copyright violations, and more.
Mitigating each of these risks requires developing an understanding of the risks themselves (who knew that by pasting private information into a chat, you might be exposing it to future discovery by someone else?) and how each software package is providing protections. To make matters even more complicated, your understanding of one app’s risk profile today might be completely wrong a week from now, as the vendors are working feverishly to update their apps to reduce the various areas of risk exposure.
What To Do?
Let’s start with what I’m doing … As I’ve introduced myself to recent audiences and folks I’ve met, I’ve described that I’m learning all I can about AI because I see its potential, and it’s very exciting! I want to be in a position to help nonprofit organizations—particularly those lacking dedicated tech expertise to lean on for guidance—to do their good work better and faster by capitalizing on that promise. So far, I’ve been absorbing all I can about the technology and looking for ways to deepen my grasp of how it can help nonprofits now and in the future. Writing these articles, preparing talks, answering questions, and doing some small projects all have been wonderfully effective at grounding me in what’s possible and giving me insights into where it might be most valuable.
As for the rest of you … my recommendation is to add to your overflowing cup of to-do’s a new one, which is to craft an AI competence and adoption roadmap for you and/or your organization for 2024. I’m interested in helping, both with some further thoughts here in the StrefaTECH newsletter and as a coach to those who could use some advice.
The Bottom Line
Here’s where the image at the top comes into play. (I’m sure the suspense was killing you!)
The AI today really is the best it’s ever been, and there are places where you could be the hare and “just use it.”
There also are many areas where the technology looks great, but there may be associated risks, in which case you may want to be more of the tortoise and be deliberate in your explorations and adoption.
And indeed, there are many places where it’s just not ready or so complicated to figure out that you’re best off playing ostrich—put your head in the sand and wait for the swirling sands to settle down.
I recommend that you put a plan together for 2024 that embraces this reality. And please, help me to help you!
Take the StrefaTECH survey here & thanks!