NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: Forum on Using Artificial Intelligence at Work + December Meeting on Future RFP Funding + 5 Things to Read

First 5 Marin's Newsletter:

November 2023

Spotlight:

Using Artificial Intelligence for Outreach and Advocacy

You've been hearing about Artificial Intelligence (or "AI") but you haven't tried using it yet. You're wondering how your government office, non-profit agency or community-based organization can take advantage of AI-- but you're worried because you've heard there are risks.

Plan to join the next Marin Communications Forum this Friday, November 17th for a free informational event (online from 10 to 11:30 am).

How can you use AI to expand your community outreach and advocacy? How about fundraising? Public information? Internal/external communications? What is safe and legal? What are the risks? When and how should you use it-- and how can you get started?

Join the forum to hear from Beth Kanter, co-author of "8 Steps Nonprofits Can Take to Adopt AI Responsibly" AND "The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in An Automated World."

There is a LOT to talk about... and a LOT to learn!

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:

* Advertisements for Watson X say it will multiply your output, help customer service respond quicker, and help employees handle repetitive tasks in less time.

* An article in Forbes magazine says, "Artificial intelligence (AI) is reimagining the business world, boosting innovation and productivity, and helping organizations think bigger. Organizations can use AI to improve their products, processes and decision-making-- and to make positive social change. Using the technology available today, organizations should be able to achieve organizational agility powered by AI.

* A healthcare article talks about "how AI and machine learning can predict illness and boost health equity.

* The Pew Research Center says experts anticipate "great benefits in health care, scientific advances and education."

* An article in GovTech says, "state and local agencies are managing ever-growing volumes of data, with the intention of making more informed decisions and improving operations and services."

* And a House of Representatives Oversight Committee concluded that "Federal Government Use of Artificial Intelligence Poses Promise, Peril."

[ACCESS THESE ARTICLES and many more on the Facebook event discussion page HERE.]

Don't miss this opportunity to learn what Artificial Intelligence is all about, to hear about some of the risks and why you need to be careful... and to ask questions!

RSVP to Michelle@First5Marin.org and invite a colleague, client or community partner.

SAVE THE DATES! First 5 Marin will be hosting an Ad Hoc Meeting on Future RFP Funding on Wednesday, December 13th from 4 to 6 pm (location TBD; call 415-257-8555 to confirm). The next full commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 17th from 4 to 6 pm at the First 5 Marin offices, 1050 Northgate Drive, Suite 130, San Rafael. Email Beatriz@First5Marin.org for more information.

First 5 Things to Read in the News Today!

Take a look at some of the recent articles about important issues related to children and families:

The Hill:

Parents need child care, and more are finding it at wor k

As the child care crisis rages on, more companies are trying to help their workers with children with on-site child care.

MedicalXPress:

A new RSV shot could help protect babies this winter—if they can get it in time

A RSV new therapy for infants, called nirsevimab, started shipping in September. By mid-October, demand for nirsevimab, sold under the brand name Beyfortus, had already outstripped supply, according to the pharmaceutical company Sanofi, which developed the drug with AstraZeneca.

CNN:

Battle Over WIC Benefits For Pregnant Women And Young Kids Looms

WIC, formally known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, may soon have to start putting eligible families on waitlists if Congress doesn’t increase its funding. Enrollment in the program has soared in recent months, hitting just under 7 million people in August, up from fewer than 6.4 million folks a year earlier.

The Hill:

Federal safety regulators push for redesign of infant loungers following reported associated infant deaths

Staff at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report that proposes a major redesign of most baby loungers and infant cushions, citing 79 deaths from 2010 to 2022.

CBS:

At least 2 million poor kids in the U.S. have lost Medicaid coverage since April

At least 2 million children have lost health insurance coverage since the end of a pandemic policy that guaranteed Medicaid coverage during the health emergency, according to a new report.

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