Where Does AI Belong in Nonprofit Communications

I said it last week in my talk at the AFP Orange County Chapter meeting, and I'm becoming more convinced that the conversation I'm particularly invested in having these days is how we make real, authentic connection when everyone and everything is so optimized for efficiency and speed.

My book's framework outlines four relational spaces for people find belonging and engagement in your nonprofit organization: the Sidewalk, the Front Porch, the Living Room, and the Kitchen Table.

I actually think AI can help in each space, and some definitely more than others.

What I'm thinking through is how, in each space of meaningful belonging, we can use AI when it's helpful and then go fully analog when it isn't.

I don't think there are hard rules, but I do think there are some guidelines we can build around these four spaces and our use of AI.

The "personal" emails I get from spammers are so obviously written by AI that they make me cringe and throw my laptop through a window. I keep wondering whether there are nonprofits out there making the same mistake with their donors and communities, only with higher stakes.

I don't see it happening a lot yet, which is is great, but there is real danger in blindly adopting AI without asking where it actually belongs and gets implemented.

I would love to hear how you or your organization are thoughtfully implementing AI, and the other ways you're finding to maintain human connection in the midst of this massive shift.