Introduction:
I recently had the privilege of presenting a workshop titled “A Power Breakfast with Liz Ngonzi,” in collaboration with the Kenya Association of Fundraising Professionals. The workshop focused on exploring the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the social impact sector. This article aims to share insights and experiences from the session, showcasing how nonprofits worldwide can harness AI to address their challenges effectively.
Setting the Stage:
The Power Breakfast commenced with introductions from participants representing a diverse range of organizations. Some expressed intrigue about AI’s potential while voicing concerns about data privacy and ethical implications. Others shared their experiences with AI, highlighting its capabilities in optimizing resource mobilization, streamlining processes, and personalizing donor engagement.
Unleashing AI’s Transformative Potential:
As the workshop presenter, I shared my journey with emerging technologies, particularly AI, underscoring its transformative potential in the social impact sector. I introduced generative AI, which generates new and creative content. Demonstrations showcased how generative AI can generate business ideas, manage emails, create impactful proposals, and optimize time and content creation, ultimately benefiting more lives.
The International Social Impact Institute CARE Approach for Amplified Impact:
To provide a structured approach to leveraging AI, I introduced our CARE Approach for Amplified Impact. This acronym stands for:
1. Challenges Limiting Access for CSOs:
– Identifying the obstacles hindering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from fully utilizing AI’s potential.
2. AI and Generative AI – Definitions and Democratizing Access:
– Understanding AI and generative AI, and promoting equitable access to these technologies.
3. Realizing the Value of Generative AI – Tools, Demo, and Practice Session:
– Demonstrating practical applications of generative AI through tools, demos, and practice sessions.
4. Enhancing Your Impact – Empowering Resources for Digital Storytelling and Fundraising:
– Exploring how AI can enhance digital storytelling and fundraising efforts, thereby amplifying CSOs’ impact.
Practical Demonstrations:
Throughout the session, I provided practical demonstrations of AI’s use in the social impact sector. Examples included optimizing email subjects and content, analyzing post-event survey data, responding to donor requests for reports, and even generating images for storytelling.
Ethical Considerations:
The session also addressed the ethical considerations of AI, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fairness, and alignment with organizational and personal ethics. I emphasized the responsible use of AI, ensuring data privacy and security while leveraging its benefits.
Empowering Action:
The Power Breakfast concluded with a call to action, urging participants to further explore and leverage the power of AI in their work. I provided them with a curated list of resources, including ChatGPT prompts for fundraising and accessible Generative AI tools to amplify storytelling and fundraising efforts (please see the screenshot above). Additionally, resources from The International Social Impact Institute, such as thought leadership, events, and courses, were offered to support participants in leveraging generative AI for greater impact. The consensus was that AI is indispensable, and professionals must understand and leverage it to drive social impact.
Conclusion:
The Power Breakfast served as a testament to AI’s transformative potential in the social impact sector worldwide. It provided a platform for learning, sharing experiences, and exploring AI’s possibilities in addressing nonprofit challenges. As we navigate the digital world, it is clear that AI is not just a tool for the future but a necessity for the present. The CARE Approach for Amplified Impact offers a roadmap to harness AI’s potential and drive sustainable development.
