helping-AI   
(artificial intelligence)

AI is a tool like a hammer it can build a house for the homeless or it can bash someone's head in, its all about the person using the tool.  AI, like any technology, is neutral by itself. Its impact depends on how it's used and the intentions of those who wield it. This highlights the importance of ethical guidelines and responsible use to ensure AI benefits society,
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​AI has immense potential to address social issues and support community work. Here are some positive uses:

1. Healthcare: AI can improve diagnostics, predict disease outbreaks, and personalize treatment plans. For example, AI algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases like cancer at an early stage[1].
   
2. Education: AI-powered tools can provide personalized learning experiences, helping students with different learning needs. AI can also assist in grading and administrative tasks, freeing up educators to focus more on teaching[2].
   
3. Disaster Response: AI can enhance crisis management by predicting natural disasters, optimizing rescue operations, and providing real-time information during emergencies[1].
   
4. Environmental Protection: AI can help monitor and manage natural resources, predict environmental changes, and optimize renewable energy usage[3].
   
5. Social Justice: AI can be used to combat human trafficking, monitor and report gender-based violence, and support legal processes by analyzing large volumes of data[3].
   
6. Community Services: AI can improve public services by optimizing resource allocation, enhancing communication between community members, and providing better access to information[1].
   

These applications demonstrate how AI can be a powerful tool for positive change, addressing critical social issues and enhancing community work. Do any of these areas particularly interest you?

References
[1] Applying artificial intelligence for social good - McKinsey & Company
[2] Positive impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) for good | Social ...
[3] Artificial Intelligence For Good: How AI Is Helping Humanity - Forbes

​Recent Articles

​NJEDA Board Approves Two Programs to Advance New Jersey’s Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

The state of AI: How organizations are rewiring to capture value

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​Generative Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on New Jersey’s Technology and Life Sciences Sectors: A Literature Review

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Generative Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on New Jersey’s Technology and Life Sciences Sectors: A Literature Review

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is a machine-learning technology that uses reasoning, problem-solving, and creativity to generate new, original content from inputted text, audio and visual media, and other forms of data. The deployment of GenAI will transform products and processes in businesses and governmental agencies across the world, having profound impacts on work, workers, and organizations.

A new report from the Heldrich Center offers an overview of the impact of GenAI on work in the United States, and how GenAI may affect workers and employers in the life sciences and technology sectors of the economy and in New Jersey. The report considers both possible and actual use cases of GenAI for these sectors and highlights the ways in which the technology is being explored and/or has been adopted by New Jersey businesses and organizations. This report also samples survey data and highlights recent initiatives, partnerships, and events hosted by life sciences and technology organizations in the New York tri-state area. Finally, the report summarizes the considerations that workers, employers, and policymakers might make and actions they could consider taking to support the successful implementation of GenAI in the workplace, including ideas about reskilling, training, and policy.

The report was written by Jessica Starace, Survey Research Manager at the Heldrich Center.

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What We Know Now About Supporting the Workforce in an Age of AI

​Here are some of the top AI companies making significant strides in the industry:

1. OpenAI: Known for developing advanced AI models like ChatGPT, OpenAI has a valuation of around $86 billion
2. Anthropic: This company focuses on AI safety and research, with a valuation of $18.4 billion
3. Databricks: Specializes in data analytics and AI deployment software, valued at $43 billion
4. Microsoft: A major player in AI, investing heavily in AI technologies and integrating them into products like Microsoft Copilot
5. Nvidia: Provides the high-end processing power needed for AI applications, making it a key player in the AI hardware space
6. Alphabet (Google): Uses AI across its services, including the Bard AI chatbot and the Gemini AI model
7. Amazon: Integrates AI into its operations and offers AI services through Amazon Web Services (AWS)
8. Meta Platforms: Focuses on AI for social media and online advertising, with significant investments in generative AI
9. IBM: Known for its Watson AI solutions, which are used in various industries to improve processes and predict outcomes
10. Adobe: Uses AI in its creative software, including the Firefly generative AI model

These companies are at the forefront of AI innovation, driving advancements across various sectors. 

AI Literacy and Prompting

Here are some top AI companies and tools that are particularly beneficial for nonprofits:

1. IBM Watson: Offers a range of AI solutions including data analysis, virtual assistants, and data governance, which can help nonprofits manage and analyze their data more effectively
2. Google Cloud AI: Provides a suite of AI tools including generative AI, machine learning, and AI assistants, which can be used to enhance various nonprofit functions
3. ClickUp: This tool helps nonprofits streamline workflows and improve task management. ClickUp AI assists with writing tasks, generating ideas for social media content, and creating financial reports
4. DonorSearch AI: Focuses on identifying and segmenting potential donors, helping nonprofits increase fundraising revenue and build better strategies
5. RapidMiner: A data analytics tool that provides AI-driven insights into donors and simplifies operations, making it easier to build outreach programs and connect with top donors
6. Funraise: Offers AI tools like Fundraising Intelligence and AppealAI, which help with donor data analysis, creating fundraising reports, and generating donor-specific appeals

These tools can help nonprofits maximize their resources, improve donor engagement, and streamline their operations. 
​​

​Economic and Community Resilience through Technology

Governor Phil Murphy and Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber announced plans to establish a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) activity in New Jersey in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).state funding and private sector partnerships, the initiative will advance New Jersey’s leadership in AI and catalyze innovation in AI technologies, drive job growth and economic development across the region, promote rapid and responsible development of the field, and guide governments and public entities on AI implementation. The establishment of this new initiative underscores the Murphy Administration’s commitment to supporting innovation and the technologies of the future in tandem with New Jersey’s world-renowned higher education institutions. The initiative will bring together AI researchers, industry leaders, start-up companies, and other collaborators to advance research and development, house dedicated accelerator space, advance the use of ethical AI for positive societal impact, and promote workforce development to support new technology development, in collaboration with other New Jersey universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. Establishing a hub for AI activity in New Jersey will leverage the unique strengths of the region, including Princeton’s leadership in AI technologies, drawing on its institutional strengths in technology policy and education, applications of AI across a range of fields, foundational research on AI techniques and their application, novel hardware platforms and interdisciplinary collaborations on using technology for good.

​The initiative will also draw on New Jersey’s unique strengths in the health, sustainability, financial, and technology
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Nonprofits can leverage IBM Watson in several impactful ways to enhance their operations and achieve their missions more effectively:

1. Data Analysis and Insights: IBM Watson's advanced analytics can help nonprofits analyze large datasets to uncover trends and insights. This can be particularly useful for understanding donor behavior, measuring program effectiveness, and identifying areas for improvement

1. Virtual Assistants: Watson's AI-powered virtual assistants can handle routine inquiries from donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, freeing up staff to focus on more complex tasks. These assistants can provide information, answer frequently asked questions, and even assist with scheduling
   
   
2. Fundraising Optimization: By analyzing donor data, Watson can help nonprofits identify potential high-value donors and tailor their fundraising strategies accordingly. This can lead to more effective campaigns and increased donations
   
   
3. Program Management: Watson can assist in managing and optimizing various programs by providing insights into participant engagement and outcomes. This helps nonprofits allocate resources more efficiently and improve program delivery
   
   
4. Predictive Analytics: Nonprofits can use Watson's predictive analytics to forecast future trends and needs. This can be invaluable for planning and preparing for future challenges and opportunities
   
   
5. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Watson's NLP capabilities can analyze text data from various sources, such as social media, surveys, and reports, to gain insights into public sentiment and stakeholder feedback                                                                          
6. AI Incubators and Training: IBM offers programs like the AI Incubator for Social Impact, where nonprofits can work with IBM experts to implement AI projects. These programs provide training, tools, and support to help nonprofits leverage AI effectively

By integrating IBM Watson into their operations, nonprofits can enhance their data-driven decision-making, improve donor engagement, and streamline their processes, ultimately increasing their impact.

A good place to start on the continuing ed path would be Strategic AI in HR through
Mercy University

​Lots of training out there - and some of it’s free!  LinkedIn and Google are offering a number of different courses at no cost.  There are others available at a variety of price points.​

Workforce Development -​Taking a holistic approach to ​grow local and regional economies
​eda.gov/funding-opportunities


New AI Tool Can Identify “Invisible Cancer” During Brain Surgery: Study
Zoom abandons its video-based identity, rebranding as an AI-first company

​

In rebuilding my web site portal and moving to a new host after 14 years with the past company, i had the task of freshening up much of the information and i wanted to have stylized graphics that were consistent across my site. I used Microsoft Co-pilot to accomplish this below is some of the picture/graphics I created and am using on my various pages.

Buy books about AI on Amazon

​aiforgood.itu.int

​AI for Good was established in 2017 by the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations agency for digital technologies. The platform is co-convened with the Government of Switzerland and in partnership UN agencies. Its founding mission is to leverage the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (S... Wikipedia

​AI Programs Offered by LibraryLinkNJLibraryLinkNJ and the LibraryLinkNJ Tech Advisory Group (L-TAG) are offering two webinars on AI topics presented by Library Technologist of The Galecia Group, Jim Craner. Click each webinar to learn more and register.

• Libraries and Information Literacy in the AI Age, February 25th 1:30-3pm
• Library Bot-Builder Workshop, March 4th, 2-3:30pm

Unions and AI

​Unions have a nuanced view of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process. Here are some key perspectives:

1. Transparency and Fairness: Unions advocate for transparency in how AI tools are used in hiring. They emphasize the need for clear guidelines to ensure that AI does not perpetuate biases or discriminate against certain groups[1].
2. Job Security: There is concern that AI could lead to job displacement. Unions are pushing for safeguards to protect workers from being unfairly replaced by AI technologies[2].
3. Worker Involvement: Unions believe that workers should have a say in how AI is implemented in the workplace. They argue that collective bargaining can help ensure AI tools are used in ways that benefit workers, such as improving productivity without compromising job quality[1].
4. Regulation and Oversight: Unions support regulatory measures to oversee the use of AI in hiring. They advocate for policies that prevent the misuse of AI, such as using it for anti-union purposes or invasive surveillance[2].
5. Training and Adaptation: Unions also emphasize the importance of training programs to help workers adapt to new technologies. They argue that employers should invest in upskilling their workforce to ensure that employees can work alongside AI tools effectively[1].

Overall, while unions recognize the potential benefits of AI, they stress the importance of implementing it in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to workers.

Is there a specific aspect of AI in hiring that you're particularly interested in?  Ask Professor John

References
[1] Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs
[2] Belaboring the Algorithm: Artificial Intelligence and Labor Unions
[3] How AI and Intelligent Data Transformed a Major Labor Union
​

​Several unions have expressed opposition to the use of AI in the hiring process due to concerns about fairness, transparency, and job security. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Service Employees International Union (SEIU): SEIU has raised concerns about AI potentially perpetuating biases and discrimination in hiring. They advocate for transparency and strict regulations to ensure AI tools are used fairly[1].
   
2. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO): The AFL-CIO has been vocal about the risks of AI in hiring, particularly regarding job displacement and the lack of accountability in AI decision-making processes[2].
   
3. Communication Workers of America (CWA): CWA has opposed the use of AI in hiring due to concerns about surveillance and the potential for AI to be used in anti-union activities[2].
   
4. United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW): UFCW has highlighted the need for regulations to prevent AI from being used to unfairly screen out candidates and to ensure that AI tools do not undermine workers' rights[3].
   

These unions emphasize the importance of involving workers in decisions about AI implementation and ensuring that AI tools are used in ways that promote fairness and equity.
Is there a specific concern about AI in hiring that you would like to explore further?

References
[1] Unions Give Workers a Voice Over How AI Affects Their Jobs
[2] Belaboring the Algorithm: Artificial Intelligence and Labor Unions
[3] How labor unions are putting checks on AI - POLITICO