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EDUCATED CHOICES PROGRAM AI USE POLICY

The Educated Choices Program (ECP) understands the importance of technology and the use of state-of-the-art tools in order to stay relevant. We acknowledge that these tools can often improve the quality of our work and help to maximize our time investments. However, we also are aware of the risks that technologies such as artificial intelligence can pose. With this in mind, we have created a policy to guide our staff in the use of these tools in an effort to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance our organization's work while also maintaining our credibility and reputation as an academic organization. This policy aims to guide the responsible and ethical use of AI tools across all departments.

Organization Guidelines:

  • It is critically important to use a human-centered approach to the use of AI. All work drafted by AI should be reviewed thoroughly for accuracy and brand alignment. We must ensure that AI is a tool to empower human capabilities rather than replace them.

  • If a staff member wishes to use AI in their processes, their management must be informed of the tools being used and for what purpose they are being used. This holds each team member accountable for their work and ensures that the use of the technology aligns with our organization's standards.

  • Any content generated through AI must be accredited according to organization-approved industry standards.

  • We reserve the right to update this policy as needed to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI and its abilities.

Curriculum Development Guidelines:

  • Research and writing:

    • No form of AI should be utilized for the purpose of scientific and literary research. Due to the importance of accuracy and the frequency with which AI is known to “hallucinate” (aka. make up false information), it is crucial that we do our own research.

    • While AI may be used for drafting parts of scripts, titles, and/or outlines, it is essential that these are thoroughly reviewed and adjusted prior to using the drafts in the final script. No form of AI should be used for fact-checking and research, as stated above, and facts drafted by AI should be removed from the script draft.

  • Visuals:

    • No form of AI should be used to create realistic photos of agricultural facilities, including but not limited to CAFOs, slaughterhouses, and cultivated meat plants.

    • No form of AI should be used to create realistic food photos. For example, it is crucial that if we show a photo of a plant-based burger, it actually be a plant-based burger.  

    • AI can be used, however, for the initial creation of icons or graphics when other sources are falling short.

Communications Guidelines:

  • The use of AI for initial drafts of text and graphics for social media, newsletters, press releases, blog posts, and other external communications is permitted as long as each material is carefully reviewed for accuracy and brand alignment.

  • No statistics, facts, or quotes supplied by AI should be utilized in social posts or other communications. Those should come from our regularly cited sources.

  • No form of AI should be used to create realistic food photos. For example, it is crucial that if we show a photo of a plant-based burger, it actually be a plant-based burger.  AI can be used, however, for the initial creation of icons or graphics when other sources are falling short.

Engagement Guidelines:

  • The use of AI for initial drafts of emails is permitted as long as each email is carefully reviewed for accuracy and alignment with organization standards.

  • No statistics, facts, or quotes supplied by AI should be utilized in email outreach. Those should come from our regularly cited sources.

  • AI can be used for the initial creation of icons or graphics when other sources are falling short. However, no form of AI should be used to create realistic photos.

  • The use of AI for gathering contacts is permitted so long as the processes being used are within the legal and ethical standards set forth by “manual” contact gathering.

  • AI should not be used to communicate with individuals in place of human contact until methods are vetted and approved.

HR Guidelines:

  • During the hiring process, it is critical that the hiring manager review the applicant’s resume and cover letter for the obvious use of AI and verify claims made in both during the interview process.

  • Anyone hired by ECP or given a contract position who is found to have falsified documents during the hiring process through the use of AI will be subject to termination.

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