Greetings readers, 

In advance of our upcoming Health Justice issue of the Nonprofit Quarterly Magazine, “A Social Justice Lens for Health Innovation,” this week’s Leadership newsletter digs into artificial intelligence (AI) and some of the possibility and peril these new technologies pose to our sector. 

First, Antonio Pontón-Núñez lays out how nonprofits can engage companies and shareholders to advocate for accountability and equity when it comes to using AI. Next, Dr. Denise Turley writes about the intersection of AI and racial justice and the potential negative impacts of AI on already-marginalized communities. Then, Ted Siefer revisits a recent survey of the use of AI in nonprofits, and Tonie Marie Gordon examines the question of whether AI might help or hinder environmental health efforts. 

As nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, we face some critical questions: What are AI’s potential upsides and dangers in our organizations and our communities? Where does AI fit in our larger analyses and theories of change around racial, disability, and economic justice? It is incumbent upon us to develop our politics and practices around AI, and NPQ is here to help. Join us and NTEN (Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network) for an instructive and provocative discussion of AI as understood through an equity framework.

As always, the Leadership desk loves to hear from you and the door is always open to pitches. Email [email protected].