📢 Welcome to the Latest Edition of AI for Impact Weekly!

Happy end of 2024! While the past year has brought challenges for many people and regions with ongoing wars, natural disasters (often made worse by climate action) it’s also been a time of hope and action. So many inspiring individuals and organizations are working hard to create change and address critical issues.

The rapid pace of AI development over the past year has been equally fascinating and complex. From groundbreaking innovations to urgent ethical discussions, the importance of centering ethics and equity in AI has never been clearer. As 2024 begins, there’s a real opportunity to ensure that technology is used thoughtfully to support those who need it most.

Some key orgs to consider following around ethics and AI

AI Now Institute
A leading research organization examining the social implications of AI, AI Now focuses on the intersection of technology, ethics, and policy. Their work highlights critical issues like algorithmic bias and the need for transparency in AI systems. Learn more at AI Now.

Partnership on AI
This global coalition brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society to promote responsible AI development. Their projects emphasize ethical AI use, human rights, and accountability in AI decision-making. Explore their work at Partnership on AI.

Data & Society
A research institute studying the impacts of technology and data-driven systems on society. Data & Society provides in-depth insights into AI ethics, surveillance, and how technology affects marginalized communities. Discover their work at Data & Society.

Here are some tools to explore that can help you stay focused on impact, innovation that the PCDN team regularly uses

Butter.us 🧈
Virtual meetings don’t have to be a chore. Butter helps create engaging and productive workshops with built-in tools like polls, timers, and breakout rooms. It’s ideal for remote teams and organizations working on social impact projects. We like it so much more than Zoom and it is super affordable plus they have a free plan and great AI tools built into the platform. If you sign up with our link PCDN will receive a small amount of revenue to support our work.

Castmagic 🎙
For those creating audio content like podcasts or webinars, Castmagic transforms audio files into transcripts, summaries, and show notes with ease. It’s a powerful way to save time and make your content accessible to diverse audiences. Learn more at Castmagic.

Our AI for Impact GPT 🤖
A versatile AI designed to support brainstorming, content creation, and strategic planning. Its focus on impact-driven work ensures that projects align with ethical principles while maximizing efficiency and creativity. Discover more here

We Want to Hear from You

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News & Resources

Joke of the week

😄 Joke of the Day
Why did the robot refuse to fight?
It couldn't handle the punch lines! 🤖

🌍 News Highlights

• OpenAI Goes for Profit: OpenAI pivots to a for-profit model to secure large-scale funding for advancing AI research, raising questions about balancing innovation and accessibility. Read more

• Robots as Real Partners: Stanford HAI explores how robots can become true collaborators in daily life, with implications for caregiving, education, and beyond. Read more

• AI's Growing Carbon Footprint: As AI usage skyrockets, so do its emissions. MIT Technology Review examines the environmental impact and calls for sustainable AI solutions. Read more

• Preserving Linguistic Diversity with AI: A fascinating look at how four Tibetan villages are using AI to document endangered languages, preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity. Read more

💼 Organization to Watch
RippleWorks Careers: This platform connects professionals with impactful job opportunities, including roles at organizations leveraging AI for social good. Explore a wide range of positions aimed at driving positive change. Check it out here

🔗 LinkedIn Connection
Nasim Motalebi - AI Lead at the United Nations World Food Programme and Information Scientist. Follow Nasim for insights into how AI can address global hunger and advance sustainable development. Connect on LinkedIn

Key Tool & Practical Tip

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