05 Feb How AI, if used carefully, can help charities and community groups

Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic at the moment, with some seeing it as a significant threat and others seeing it as a force for good. Both are true

AI can be used to create all sorts of things and leaps forward in the technology that powers it bringing the price down and making it accessible to all.

But before you write it off, it can be a powerful force for good if used correctly, particularly in the cash-strapped Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE), and it can save money in all sorts of areas.

It can create eye-catching imagery to help get your message across, and at the risk of doing myself out of my job as Marketing and Communications Lead for Torbay Communities, it can also be used to get your written message across.

It is not perfect and requires some judicious editing, but by putting simple phrases into the search function, you can come up with pages of well-written copy on any subject.

AI is creeping into everything, often integrated into applications as a matter of course. The biggest names in the field are Google Assistant, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot, and they are all improving all the time.

A new entry into the market, which sent shock waves through the hitherto market leaders in America’s Silicon Valley last week, was a Chinese company called DeepSeek. As I have done before, I put it to the test by asking it to write an article about a subject close to my heart: volunteering.

Here is what DeepSeek returned in just a few seconds:

“Volunteering is the act of offering your time, skills, and energy to help others or contribute to a cause without expecting financial reward. It is a selfless activity that benefits individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Volunteering can take many forms, from working with nonprofit organisations and charities to participating in community events or helping neighbours in need.

Key Aspects of Volunteering:

1. Purpose: Volunteering is driven by a desire to make a positive impact, whether it’s supporting a specific cause, helping vulnerable populations, or improving the environment.
2. Types of Volunteering:

• • Local Volunteering: Helping in your community, such as at food banks, schools, or shelters.
  • Skills-Based Volunteering: Using professional skills (e.g., teaching, medical expertise, or graphic design) to support organisations.
  • Virtual Volunteering: Contributing remotely, such as online tutoring or managing social media for a nonprofit.
  • International Volunteering: Travelling abroad to assist with global issues like education, healthcare, or disaster relief.
  • Event-Based Volunteering: Assisting with one-time events like fundraisers, marathons, or festivals.

3. Benefits of Volunteering:

• • For the Community: Volunteers provide essential support to organisations and causes, often filling gaps that cannot be addressed by paid staff.
  • For the Volunteer:
    • Personal Growth: Develop new skills, gain experience, and build confidence.
    • Social Connections: Meet like-minded people and expand your network.
    • Mental and Physical Health: Volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and provide a sense of purpose.
    • Career Development: Gain experience, build your resume, and explore potential career paths.

4. Challenges of Volunteering:

• • Time commitment can be demanding.
  • Some roles may require specific skills or training.
  • Emotional challenges, especially when working with vulnerable populations.

5. How to Get Started:

• • Identify causes or issues you’re passionate about.
  • Research organisations or opportunities in your area or online.
  • Reach out to organisations to inquire about volunteer needs.
  • Start small and gradually take on more responsibilities as you gain experience.

Examples of Volunteering Opportunities:

• Tutoring or mentoring students.
• Cleaning up parks or beaches.
• Assisting at animal shelters.
• Helping at homeless shelters or food banks.
• Participating in disaster relief efforts.
• Supporting elderly or disabled individuals.

Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, connect with others, and create meaningful change. Whether you dedicate a few hours or make it a long-term commitment, your efforts can have a lasting impact.”

And that is it. A couple of American spellings to deal with, but other than that, good to go. Volunteering in a nutshell.