It seems every newsfeed I subscribe to nowadays has a new article on how Generative AI is transforming associations.  The impact of AI is truly astounding and its ability to help engage members and to process your data in record time is undeniable.  But often, what should be an energizing beginning of an AI journey is a frustrating and anxious long stare at a blinking prompt screen.  Where should associations start leveraging the benefits of AI? 

The best place to start is setting the right expectations while establishing ground rules to help each association staff member use AI to assist their unique role and skillset.  However, a traditional approach of policy documents and enablement articles often present a contradiction of “here’s what not to do” with “anything is possible” messaging.  Instead, starting a program document with an easily consumable set of dos and don’ts can balance between controlling risk and enabling efficiency in a clear and easy to follow way. 

Here’s some dos and don’ts we recommend for any association starting to use AI in their work: 

• DO use approved tools. Many associations may not yet have an approved tools list.  This is a great opportunity to start.  Likely, most staff already know the benefits of AI tools and are using whatever they can find to fill their needs.  Providing a list of tools that can be managed and supported starts to control your risk of losing your data to free tools that use your data to train their product, essentially making your data public. 
• DO say when you used AI. Transparency helps your members and volunteers trust what they’re seeing. 
• DO use AI to assist, not replace. Let AI support your thinking, not do all the thinking for you.  AI does not replace the connection your expertise brings that is important to your members and boards. 
• DON’T publish without review. Never post raw AI-generated content.  Always read it to fact-check and put things in your own words before you send or share. 
• DON’T skip training. Get educated before diving in deep.  Using AI is an experience like none other before, and knowing how to create great prompts and avoiding pitfalls comes from learning and experience. 
• DON’T use AI unethically. Always check for disinformation, discrimination, or IP violations.  AI can “try” to fool you by sounding authoritative and convincing.  Don’t worry, it is not trying to be evil, it is just a side-effect of how the technology works. 

Starting with simple Do’s and Don’ts takes the guesswork out of AI and gives your team the confidence to try it out the right way. With a few clear guardrails, AI becomes less of a buzzword and more of a real tool to help your staff, members, and mission thrive. 

Meet the Author

Vincent L’Erario

Chief Information Officer
Corporate IT
Smithbucklin