AI as a Catalyst: Revolutionizing Advocacy and Policy

Jesse Hirsh -

A Deep Dive into Technology's Role in Shaping Public Discourse

Here's a summary of the main points discussed:

  1. Social Return on Investment: The conversation begins with a discussion on assessing the social return on investment in technology, particularly AI. The focus is on how investments align with the company's values, such as environmental responsibility and democratic workplace practices.
  2. Algorithmic Impact Score: Steve talks about New Mode's plans to implement an algorithmic impact score. This score would measure the effectiveness of campaigns in terms of policy impact and supporter engagement, providing a quantitative measure of social impact.
  3. Optimizing Campaigns with AI: New Mode uses AI to optimize social sharing for advocacy campaigns. This involves using algorithms to determine the most effective ways to share campaigns on social media, thereby increasing their reach and impact.
  4. Policy Impact and Advocacy: The discussion highlights New Mode's focus on policy impact. They monitor campaigns using their platform to see when they achieve victories, such as policy changes, which is currently measured qualitatively.
  5. AI's Role in Politics and Advocacy: Steve discusses the broader role of AI in politics and advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of using AI to build real relationships and power, rather than just for automating tasks.
  6. Challenges and Concerns with AI: The conversation touches on the challenges and concerns associated with AI, including biases in data and technology. Steve stresses the need to direct AI towards the public interest and the common good.
  7. Future Plans for AI in Advocacy: Looking ahead, New Mode plans to use machine learning to provide advocacy campaigners with insights and recommendations, helping them to understand and enhance their impact on policy.
  8. AI as a Tool for Positive Change: The discussion ends with a reflection on the potential of AI as a tool for positive change in advocacy and public policy. Steve highlights the importance of aligning AI with values that benefit communities and the greater good.

This video provides an insightful exploration of how AI can be leveraged in advocacy and public policy, emphasizing the potential for technology to empower communities and drive positive social change.