I presented at the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business’s NGO Forum on 18 October 2024.

This is the Summary from my Fathom AI Notetaker on my talk.

Title: AI: You’re Already Using It!

How to Harness the Power of AI for Your Organisation

Meeting Purpose

Introduce AI concepts and applications to NGO representatives, focusing on practical tools and ethical considerations. To demonstrate and discuss various AI tools and their applications for NGOs and non-profits.

Key Takeaways

• AI is already integrated into many everyday tools (e.g., Google Maps, spam filters, social media algorithms)
• NGOs can leverage AI for content generation, chatbots, data analysis, and automation to enhance operations
• Free/discounted AI-powered tools are available for non-profits (e.g., Canva, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
• Human oversight and ethical considerations are crucial when implementing AI in NGO work
• AI tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and Zapier can significantly enhance productivity and creativity for NGOs
• Ethical considerations and human oversight are crucial when implementing AI in non-profit work
• Email marketing remains important for NGOs, with AI offering new possibilities for content generation and automation
• Experimenting with AI tools personally is the best way to understand their potential and limitations

Topics

AI in Daily Life

• Participants realised they already use AI frequently (e.g., Google Maps, streaming recommendations, spam filters)
• AI is often “invisible” in tools we use regularly, not just chatbots like ChatGPT

AI Tools for NGOs

• Content generation: Create tailored content faster for various platforms
• Chatbots: Implement FAQ systems and automated responses for websites/social media
• Data analysis: Process large datasets more quickly than humans
• Automation: Set up email automations, social media scheduling, and task management

Free/Discounted AI Tools for Non-Profits

• Canva: Free team account with pro features (magic resize, background removal)
• Google Workspace: Includes $10,000 Google Ad spend, 200,000 Google Maps API calls
• Microsoft 365: Available for free to eligible non-profits

Ethical Considerations

• Be mindful of AI biases, especially Western/white male perspectives dominating internet data
• Always verify AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness
• Maintain transparency with stakeholders about AI usage in your organization

Human Element in AI Implementation

• AI enhances human work but doesn’t replace the need for human connection and oversight
• Start small: Implement one AI tool at a time and build on successes

AI-powered features in Canva

• Background removal tool demonstrated as highly effective, even with complex images
• AI rewrite function for text, allowing quick content generation and modification
• Image generation capabilities, though results can be hit-or-miss
• Bulk creation feature for efficiently producing multiple designs

Email marketing and domain management

• Importance of using dedicated email marketing platforms to avoid deliverability issues
• Google Workspace allows up to 200 domains and 30 aliases per user
• Emphasis on owning your email list and website content, rather than relying solely on social media

Website creation with AI

• Demonstrated ZipWP, a tool that generates website content and design based on user input
• Free accounts allow creation of two websites per month, with a 5-day hosting period

ChatGPT and other AI applications

• Useful for generating content, answering questions, and problem-solving
• Can be used for creative tasks like writing personalized messages or poetry
• Importance of politeness when interacting with AI for better results
• Constant evolution of AI capabilities, requiring regular exploration of new features

Ethical considerations and challenges

• Concerns about job displacement and over-reliance on automation
• Privacy and data security issues when using AI tools
• Need for transparency and maintaining human oversight in decision-making processes
• Environmental impact of large-scale AI computing infrastructure

Next Steps

• Participants to explore AI features in tools they already use (e.g., email, social media platforms)
• Consider applying for non-profit accounts on Canva, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365
• Experiment with AI-powered minute-taking tools for more efficient meeting documentation
• Evaluate current processes for potential AI enhancement while maintaining ethical standards
• Participants encouraged to experiment with one AI tool or feature in the coming week
• Consider attending upcoming Canva and email marketing training sessions
• Join the WhatsApp group for ongoing discussions and support
• Explore the potential of AI tools while maintaining awareness of ethical considerations and the importance of human creativity

Are you looking for support or guidance around tech and AI in your Non Profit Organisation? Check out my offers and packages specifically tailored for Heart Centred Organisation. Want me to come to your meeting or event to discuss AI or tech? Reach out to me and let’s chat.