Reclaiming control with AI Activism.

Welcome to data uncollected, a newsletter designed to enable nonprofits to listen, think, reflect, and talk about data we missed and are yet to collect. In this newsletter, we will talk about everything the raw data is capable of – from simple strategies of building equity into research+analytics processes to how we can make a better community through purpose-driven analysis.

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Once again, we are officially in the undecided season of "Are we feeling hot or cold?" On the same street, people run in t-shirts and wear full sweaters. And then there I am, at the corner of the same street, wearing everything from a beanie and jacket to a sweater and socks, feeling eternally cold.

Feeling this sense of being "out of control," today I want to explore a word I have been thinking about for a while now – "AI Activism".

Most days, AI promises a lot—automation, efficiency, personalization—but many feel unseen, unheard, and unsafe in that story. In fact, some people are not even sure what to feel about these systems. I believe that with all the sophisticated algorithms neatly wrapped in seamless user experiences, ?we need some form of "AI activism" – something that helps you and me reclaim any feelings of lost power, control, influence, or our being.

So, in this edition, I want to explore these hard questions with you:

What does AI activism look like in a capitalism-celebrated world, where boardrooms with a few people will likely say yes to algorithm designs that prioritize dollars while perpetuating inequality? Doesn't prioritizing pure fiscal benefits actively and solely cause harm to the community? How do we, as individuals and communities, reclaim our voices in the grand scheme of AI development?

I am not saying to break capitalism overnight (although if you are having a secret meeting about it, count me in), but I am asking what would it take for us to choose better, more humanity-oriented success outcomes of these AI systems we are constantly asked to live in.

Let us start today by understanding what the job description (or definition, for that matter) of an "AI Activist" could look like.

To understand that job description means to embrace the urgency of ethical AI—AI that works for the collective good and reflects our shared human values.

When you look closely enough, AI represents a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offers the potential to navigate societal inequities by providing unique, smart, and sharp tools. On the other hand, AI is often built on data and handled with (lack of) data values that amplify existing inequalities, leading to systems that can discriminate, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and reduce you and me to data points rather than human beings.

In this space of tension, where we feel both the benefits and the threats of AI, AI activism finds its purpose.

First, how can we define AI activism?

AI activism is about being the ally for ethical and responsible development and use of AI technologies. It is activism that fights for transparency, demands accountability from developers and corporations, and advocates for AI that benefits all people—not just those with power, privilege, and access. But perhaps most importantly, AI activism is about reimagining what AI can be. It is not merely a reaction to the negative impacts of AI but a proactive vision for how AI can center humanity.

This form of activism demands that we reshape the narrative around AI from one of inevitable control by a few with power to one of collective empowerment. As AI Activists, you and I must ensure that AI systems around us reflect diverse human experiences and provide opportunities for communities, especially those historically marginalized, to challenge injustices.

What are we signing up for if we assume this role for us?

To be an AI activist can be wearing a few different hats. This is a complex role in a complex time, after all.

Here are some points true for today (and this might very well evolve with context and time):

1.??? Being an educator

AI activists make the idea of AI accessible to all. AI is no longer a topic limited to data scientists and engineers. That means creating accessible resources, hosting community discussions, and empowering people to question the AI systems that affect their lives.

2.??? Being an advocate for uncounted, unrepresented communities

AI can expand existing biases, particularly in how it affects marginalized communities—women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in poverty. An AI activist works to recognize and amplify the voices of these communities, ensuring that AI does not deepen divisions but helps heal them. That requires working and learning from activists in other fields—such as racial justice, gender equality, and disability rights—so the needs of the communities can be better understood.

3.??? Being a policy shaper

AI activists engage in the policy process. From the practices of local governments and tech companies to international organizations, they must advocate for laws and regulations that protect citizens from the misuse of AI. Whether it's ensuring that facial recognition software isn't used to unjustly target communities or pushing for transparency in how AI algorithms are designed and implemented, the policy area is crucial for AI activism. AI activists are learners of both the technical and social aspects of AI, bringing their expertise to the table to influence policy in a way that protects the public.

4.??? Being a dreamer

AI activism goes beyond pointing out the flaws in AI systems; it is also about imagining new, better systems. Imaginations of a variety of collaborations with developers, researchers, and tech experts to create AI tools that center the community and reflect ethical principles.

5.??? Being a "data-listening" facilitator

AI activists are conduits of stories in the community; they facilitate "data listening". People need to understand the human impact of AI—how it affects their lives and the lives of those around them. Activists foster public engagement by designing spaces for real stories that highlight both AI's risks and potential.

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Yes, AI has the potential to both empower and oppress, in ginormous amounts. And no, a single person cannot tackle AI's challenges alone. This is a collective effort with individual accountability. And naming this practice – "AI Activism" – feels like permission to become a catalyst between technologists, policymakers, researchers, and communities to drive meaningful change.

Because it is time for you and me to channel every ounce of that activism within us to get comfortably uncomfortable and committed to making AI nothing less than a shared responsibility.

Ultimately, the success with AI will not lie solely with the one who has the most skills, but with one who can imagine. By giving a name and description of the responsibility you and I share, I hope we can take more empathetic and committed actions.

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***?So, what do I want from you today (my readers)?

• Share with us: do you see yourself already living or wanting to live this role? How might you want to live this role?
• Join AI Advancement Lab for October (last cohort of 2024).