Using AI for Social Justice: Tools to Advance Equity in Nonprofit Work
AI has the potential to either perpetuate inequality or advance social justice. Nonprofits can use AI tools strategically to identify bias, ensure fair access to services, amplify marginalized voices, and advance equity—but only if they approach AI with intentionality and care.
AI systems can perpetuate existing inequalities—amplifying bias, excluding marginalized communities, and reinforcing structural inequities. But AI can also be a powerful tool for advancing social justice when used intentionally and ethically.
Nonprofits working for social justice can use AI to identify and address bias, ensure fair access to services, amplify marginalized voices, and advance equity. But this requires careful attention to how AI is designed, deployed, and used—and a commitment to centering equity in every AI decision.
This guide explores how nonprofits can use AI to advance social justice, from identifying bias to ensuring fair access to using AI for advocacy. For related guidance on community-centered design, see our article on community-centered AI.
Why AI and Social Justice Matter Together
AI systems are increasingly used in decisions that affect people's lives—from resource allocation to service delivery to advocacy. When these systems are biased or unfair, they can harm the communities nonprofits serve. But when designed and used intentionally, AI can advance equity:
AI Can Perpetuate Bias
AI systems trained on biased data or designed without equity considerations can perpetuate discrimination, exclude marginalized communities, and reinforce structural inequities.
AI Can Advance Equity
When designed intentionally, AI can identify bias, ensure fair access, amplify marginalized voices, and help nonprofits serve communities more equitably.
Nonprofits Have Unique Responsibility
Nonprofits serving marginalized communities have a responsibility to ensure AI advances equity rather than perpetuating harm. This requires intentional design and ongoing vigilance.
Trust Depends on Equity
Communities trust nonprofits that demonstrate commitment to equity. Using AI fairly and transparently builds trust; using biased AI undermines it.
Identifying and Addressing Bias in AI Systems
The first step in using AI for social justice is identifying and addressing bias. AI systems can be biased in multiple ways:
Types of AI Bias
- Data bias: Training data that underrepresents certain groups or reflects historical discrimination
- Algorithmic bias: Models that produce unfair outcomes for certain groups, even with fair data
- Deployment bias: Systems that work well for some groups but not others due to how they're deployed
- Feedback bias: Systems that reinforce existing inequalities through feedback loops
Strategies for Identifying Bias
Use these strategies to identify bias in AI systems:
- Disaggregated testing: Test AI systems across different demographic groups to identify differential outcomes
- Bias audits: Regularly audit AI systems for bias using standardized metrics and community input
- Community feedback: Engage communities in identifying bias and unfair outcomes
- Transparent models: Use explainable AI to understand how decisions are made and identify bias sources
- External reviews: Have independent experts review AI systems for bias and fairness
Addressing Bias
Once bias is identified, take steps to address it:
- Improve data: Ensure training data represents all groups fairly and addresses historical underrepresentation
- Adjust algorithms: Use fairness constraints and bias mitigation techniques in model development
- Monitor outcomes: Continuously monitor AI outcomes across different groups and adjust as needed
- Community involvement: Involve affected communities in designing solutions to address bias
- Transparency: Be transparent about bias issues and how you're addressing them
For more on transparent AI, see our article on adopting transparent AI models.
Ensuring Fair Access to AI-Enabled Services
AI tools can improve service delivery, but only if all communities can access them. Ensure fair access by addressing barriers:
Digital Access
Many AI tools require digital access that some communities lack. Ensure fair access by:
- Providing multiple access channels (online, phone, in-person)
- Offering support for digital literacy and tool use
- Ensuring tools work on low-bandwidth connections and older devices
- Creating offline alternatives where possible
Language and Cultural Access
AI tools must be accessible across languages and cultural contexts:
- Provide multilingual interfaces and content
- Use culturally appropriate communication styles
- Test tools with diverse communities to ensure accessibility
- Involve community members in design and testing
Privacy and Trust
Communities that have experienced discrimination may be hesitant to use AI tools. Build trust by:
- Being transparent about how AI is used and what data is collected
- Protecting privacy and ensuring data security
- Giving users control over their data and AI interactions
- Addressing concerns directly and honestly
Using AI for Advocacy and Amplifying Voices
AI can help nonprofits amplify marginalized voices and advance advocacy goals:
Sentiment Analysis for Advocacy
Use AI-powered sentiment analysis to understand public opinion, track advocacy campaign effectiveness, and identify emerging issues. This helps nonprofits craft messages that resonate and respond to community concerns.
For more on this, see our article on AI-driven sentiment analysis for advocacy.
Data-Driven Storytelling
Use AI to analyze data and create compelling stories that highlight inequities and advocate for change. AI can help identify patterns, visualize disparities, and craft narratives that advance social justice goals.
Community-Centered Design
Co-design AI tools with communities to ensure they serve local needs and amplify community voices rather than imposing external solutions.
For guidance on this, see our article on community-centered AI.
Identifying Inequities
Use AI to analyze data and identify inequities in service delivery, resource allocation, and outcomes. This helps nonprofits advocate for change and ensure services reach those who need them most.
Best Practices for Using AI for Social Justice
Center Equity in Every Decision
Make equity a primary consideration in every AI decision—from tool selection to deployment to evaluation. Ask: "How does this advance equity? How might it perpetuate inequality?"
Involve Affected Communities
Involve the communities you serve in designing, testing, and evaluating AI tools. Their input is essential for identifying bias, ensuring fair access, and creating tools that truly serve community needs.
Regular Bias Audits
Regularly audit AI systems for bias and unfair outcomes. Test across different demographic groups, gather community feedback, and address issues promptly.
Transparency and Accountability
Be transparent about how AI is used, what data is collected, and how decisions are made. Create accountability mechanisms that allow communities to question AI decisions and provide feedback.
Advancing Social Justice Through AI
AI has the potential to either perpetuate inequality or advance social justice. Nonprofits can use AI strategically to identify bias, ensure fair access, amplify marginalized voices, and advance equity—but only with intentionality and care.
Center equity in every AI decision, involve affected communities, regularly audit for bias, and maintain transparency and accountability. With the right approach, AI can be a powerful tool for advancing social justice and serving communities more equitably.
For more on community-centered design, see our article on community-centered AI. For guidance on transparent AI, see our article on adopting transparent AI models. For help creating AI policies, see our article on AI policy templates for nonprofits.
Related Articles
Community-Centered AI
Co-Design AI Tools With Local Partners
Transparent AI Models
Evaluate Programs with Explainable AI
AI Sentiment Analysis for Advocacy
Understanding Public Opinion
Ready to Use AI to Advance Social Justice?
AI can be a powerful tool for advancing equity when used intentionally and ethically. Let's explore how to use AI to identify bias, ensure fair access, and amplify marginalized voices in your nonprofit work.