There are more than 100,000 chatbots on Facebook, computer programs designed to simulate conversation with people and minimize human intervention in delivering information.
These bots are part of a larger family of technologies that include robots, artificial intelligence, and cyborgs that are the drivers of the Age of Automation. Together they will impact every area of our lives including the nonprofit sector.
Some experts proclaim that this is the moment in history when technology will help us overcome challenges such as eliminating pervasive poverty and scaling clean, renewable energy sources. Other experts warn that the bots could end mankind.
Is the nonprofit sector prepared to lead the fight for to save our souls or will we hesitate and allow this moment in time to be defined by others?
Takeaways
- Explore the innovative applications of automation technology such as robots, bots, and AI for the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
- Examine the opportunities and risks of using these kinds of technologies
- Understand how your nonprofit needs to prepare for one of the biggest disruptive technologies in history and lead in ethical ways.
Beth Kanter was named one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company and is an internationally acclaimed master trainer, author, blogger, and speaker. She co-authored the bestseller The Networked Nonprofit, and her most recent book is The Happy Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact without Burnout. She works with foundations and nonprofits on digital strategy and activating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace. She services on the board of NTEN and Leadership Learning Committee and program advisory committee for IFC-ASIA.
Allison Fine is among the nation’s pre-eminent thinkers and strategists on networked leadership and online activism. She is the author of Matterness: Fearless Leadership for a Social World, the award-winning Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age, and co-author with Beth Kanter of the bestselling The Networked Nonprofit. In addition, she writes a leadership column for the Chronicle of Philanthropy and serves on the boards of NARAL: Pro Choice America Foundation and Civic Hall.
