Can an AI Generator Work for Your Organization?  

Love it or hate it – AI generated content has arrived, and it looks like it’s here to stay.  

The VolPro team has been checking out this new technology and testing some of the functionalities, and we’re happy to share our experience and offer some suggestions on how an AI generator could help your organization in the coming year. 

What IS an AI Generator Anyway? 

Before we get started, though, let’s define the terms.  

According to McKinsey & Company, “Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms (such as ChatGPT) that can be used to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. Recent breakthroughs in the field have the potential to drastically change the way we approach content creation.” 

Generative artificial intelligence platforms are basically algorithms designed to scan the vast reaches of the internet, build a database of knowledge, and create new content based on that information. 

AI takes the searches you’re used to doing on Google or Bing, and rather than just showing you the search results, it delivers additional information in a more longform, conversational style. 

In fact, traditional search engines are already implementing AI functionality. 

Google recently introduced Bard, an AI chatbot designed to “supercharge your imagination, boost your productivity, and bring your ideas to life.”    

And Bing has added AI to its existing search bar, delivering results like this when I searched for “AI generator”: 

Ways You Can Use an AI Generator to Add Value and Increase Engagement 

AI-generated content can come in the form of text, images, or even audio, and the possible applications are very intriguing. 

Depending on your website platform, there are AI plugins you can install to add a ChatGPT-style search bar on your own platform.   

For example, we recently added the Wisdom AI plugin to our VolunteerPro Membership community, and we’ve been thrilled with the results.  

Wisdom AI is associated with Searchie, which is the platform we use to host all our video and audio content. Widsom AI is able to search our full library of recorded content and deliver a written summary from all VolPro content on any topic, with citations and links to the original content.  

This AI generator has been an awesome tool for VolunteerPro members, and we love the ease of use and added value it offers when searching our (very large!) library of digital resources. 

You can also think about AI generators when you’re tasked with creating content for newsletters, blog posts, or articles. AI generators like ChatGPT can be a great starting point for research and a place to get fresh ideas for topics.  

While it won’t (and shouldn’t) be your only source for information, ChatGPT can definitely help get your creative juices flowing with some of the longform responses to your questions.  

Another interesting application: AI generated images for use on your website or promotional campaigns.  

Traditional stock image providers like Shutterstock and iStock have recently added AI image generators, in a variety of styles like concept art, illustration, or photo realism, just to name a few.  

These kinds of images can be used in larger graphic design projects when you can’t find just the right picture, or to create an original design that you can be sure isn’t already on someone else’s website as a stock photo.   

In addition to images, AI generators can also create infographics and graphics for your next report or presentation.  

AI Generator Drawbacks 

Below is one photo-realistic image result from my search for “volunteer appreciation banquet” on Fotor: 

The entire image was created from an AI generator – none of those happy smiling folks or that banquet room are real. 

The ethical implications of using images like this to misrepresent your organization are obvious, so the use of such content should always be approached with care and integrity.     

Additionally, the search results from an AI generator are only as good as the data it draws from, and we all know that the internet is not always the honest, kind, and helpful place we wish it was.  

AI generator chatbots are designed to “learn” from user feedback and, like this Microsoft AI experiment gone VERY wrong (warning: offensive language), they can start to deliver answers based on incorrect or even malicious responses.    

Important Note: This is something we carefully considered here at VolPro when looking at AI generator options, and it’s why we really love the Wisdom AI chatbot for our membership community. Because it ONLY draws data from our own training content, we can be confident in the results it delivers to our audience. 

Again, depending on your website platform, there may be options for you to do the same. It’s definitely worth the time to research the possibilities and discuss them with your IT team. 

Is an AI Generator Right for Your Organization? 

Ultimately, only you can answer that question. BUT…we think that the creative and potential time-saving possibilities are intriguing enough that we hope you explore the tools that are out there. 

And like any tool, the true power lies in how you use it.

From engaging visitors on your website with more conversational search results, to creating one-of-a-kind images and graphics for your next publication, or simply to get ideas for your next newsletter, you can apply AI-generated content in a way that makes sense for you and your team. 

Get Fast Answers to Your Volunteer Management Questions 

Here at VolunteerPro, our goal is to help you save time and work more effectively to build, grow, and scale a remarkable, sustainable volunteer program. We are always working to stay on the cutting edge to help you deliver results, and Wisdom AI is just the latest tool we’ve added to our toolbelt. 

Along with our custom chatbot, VolunteerPro Membership offers several easy ways to search our content vault and get instant answers to all your volunteer management questions. 

All our tip sheets, workbooks, guides, and templates are searchable by title or keyword AND available for immediate download.  

Additionally – and we think this is really cool! – our full audio/video library of past workshops, coaching, seminars, and podcasts is available to search by any keyword, so if we’ve ever discussed what you’re searching for, you can instantly see all related content WITH the timestamp that word is mentioned as well as a direct link to the source material. 

And now with Wisdom AI, all our recorded content is available to research in a more conversational, readable style…just one more way we working to add value for our VolunteerPro members every day. 

Join as a VolunteerPro Member Today to Get Started 

If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, just know that you don’t have to figure it out alone!  

VolunteerPro Membership is for every forward-thinking leader of volunteers seeking new ideas and new ways to innovate the volunteer experience for their organization.  

Inside membership, you’ll find all the tools, coaching, and resources you need to move your volunteer program forward faster, and with less stress and overwhelm. And, with our intuitive platform and searchable content, you’re sure to find the answers you need for your volunteer program. 

Plus, you’ll be joining a community of like-minded leaders with whom you can share ideas, questions, challenges, and inspiration. 

Whether you’re starting from the very beginning, building on an established program framework, or somewhere in between, VolunteerPro Membership has exactly what you need, right where you are, to help build, grow, and scale a sustainable volunteer team of enthusiastic, committed talent.  

Monthly and annual subscriptions are available. Learn more today!