Aligning Generative AI with Your Values
Written by Chris Frederick, Founder & CTO
Do you remember the last time you received a genuinely heartfelt thank-you note? That warm feeling of appreciation is unforgettable.
Now, imagine this: you have several thousand thank-you notes to write for generous donations to your nonprofit. Can generative AI help speed up the process of personalizing these messages? Technically, yes. But should you rely on it? Let’s explore this together.
The Pitfalls of Generic Prompts
Consider a generic prompt like this:
“Please write me thank-you notes for donations to our organization.”
This approach might produce a quick response, but it lacks alignment with your mission, authenticity, and may not be secure if you’re using free versions of generative AI tools.
Addressing Alignment
To ensure alignment, you need to provide context in your prompt. Instead of a generic request, try adding specific details about your organization’s mission. The more detail the better. For example:
“Write a thank-you note that expresses how our organization supports individuals experiencing homelessness through our shelter program, emphasizing our commitment to community empowerment. Our mission is to …. These donations targeted program that help …”
This additional context helps guide the AI, making it more likely that the output will resonate with your values.
Enhancing Authenticity: The Human Element
While generative AI can produce a solid draft, it’s essential to have a human in the loop. A tool alone cannot capture the nuanced emotions and experiences that make your communications authentic. Human review ensures that the final message reflects your organization’s true voice and the heartfelt impact of donations.
When using AI-generated content, you can also include placeholder text in your prompts that invites human elaboration. For instance:
“Your generous donation of $35 provides one night of shelter, helping [insert guest first name] find the time they need to regain their footing.”
This allows team members to insert personal stories, adding depth and warmth that AI alone cannot provide. The combination of AI efficiency and human storytelling creates a more genuine connection with your audience.
Ensuring Security
Lastly, be mindful of security. If you’re using free versions of generative AI tools, be cautious about sharing sensitive information in your prompts. Always ensure that you’re aware of the data privacy practices of the vendors you’re working with.
Crafting a Better Prompt
Here’s how you can combine all these elements into a more effective prompt:
Prompt:
Context: “Write a thank-you note that explains how our shelter program supports individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasizing community empowerment.”
Voice: “Our tone is compassionate and hopeful.”
Personal Story: “Your generous donation of $35 provides one night of shelter, helping [insert guest first name] find the time they need to regain their footing.”
Call to Action: “We invite you to continue supporting our mission to empower individuals in our community.”
By integrating context, examples, and placeholders for personalization, you enhance the chances of generating content that aligns with your mission and reflects you authentic voice.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance
As you navigate the use of generative AI in your communications, it’s crucial to strike a balance between efficiency and authenticity. A thoughtful approach to when and how to use these tools is essential.
Transparency is critical to building and maintaing trust. If you choose to use AI to assist in your writing, consider disclosing that AI contributed to the content. If you feel uncomfortable with that transparency, it may be a sign that this particular use of generative AI does not align with your values or the mission of your organization.
By prioritizing alignment, authenticity, and security, you can harness the power of AI while maintaining the heartfelt connections that are so vital in nonprofit work. Take these practical tips and start crafting communications that truly resonate with your audience, ensuring that every thank-you note is personal, genuine, and aligned with your mission.
* Note: This blog post was co-authored by ChatGPT with extensive context, review, and editing provided by me 🙂
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