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So are we, honestly.

1. Introduction

The Empower Network, Inc. (“The Empower Network,” “TEN,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a peer-led, community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering people living with chronic illness and disability.

This Ethical AI Use Policy outlines how we use artificial intelligence in ways that support accessibility, protect our community, and maintain trust. All members, volunteers, presenters, and partners agree to uphold these standards when engaging in The Empower Network’s work.

This policy is not legal advice and does not create a professional services relationship. It is an internal governance policy that guides how we choose to use AI responsibly.

2. Purpose

As AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, it is important to ensure that we all consider its implications in our work. AI can expand capacity in a volunteer-run, resource-limited organization. We use it carefully and intentionally, ensuring that people remain at the center of every decision. AI does not replace the lived expertise, creative contributions, or labor of disabled and chronically ill individuals.

3. Core Principles

Centering Disabled and Chronically Ill People

Human expertise is always prioritized. When we have the resources to pay for human work, we do so. AI is to be used as a supportive tool, not a replacement for paid labor.

Practical Use in a Volunteer-Run Nonprofit

Because we rely heavily on volunteer time, AI may be used to reduce administrative burden and support essential tasks that help the organization function.

Human Oversight

All AI-generated or AI-assisted work is reviewed, edited, and approved by a human. AI outputs never make decisions about eligibility, participation, or support.

Transparency

Volunteers, members, and partners may request disclosure at any time about when AI meaningfully contributed to content. We commit to being open and truthful. We also encourage all of our partners and members to publish their own ethical AI statement related to their work, especially as it relates to collaborations with The Empower Network. 

Community Protection

We do not use AI in ways that mimic, exploit, or misrepresent disabled or chronically ill people. Written consent is required before generating content that relates to a specific person’s likeness, voice, or creative work.

4. Acceptable Use

AI may be used only when aligned with our mission and these principles. Acceptable uses include (but are not limited to):

• Drafting or refining text

• Improving clarity, readability, or accessibility

• Supporting accessibility (caption drafts, alt-text drafts, formatting), with human review

• Creating or editing images that accurately represent real products used in TEN programming

• Generating templates, outlines, or administrative materials

• Supporting internal workflows or system organization

• Reducing labor demands on volunteers

For creators who use AI images

If a creator uses AI to generate or edit product images promoted through TEN initiatives:

• Images must accurately reflect the real product

• Customers must not be misled by the images

5. Prohibited Use

AI may not be used:

• To replace paid human labor when resources exist to compensate people

• To provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice

• To imitate or mimic specific disabled creators or community members without consent

• To generate deceptive, harmful, biased, or discriminatory content

• To misrepresent products, services, or individuals

• To make decisions that affect anyone’s access to TEN programs or supports

• In any way that contradicts TEN’s Community Standards, Privacy Policy, Safeguarding Policy, or Website Terms

6. Data and Privacy

We protect personal information with care. We do not upload or share sensitive or identifying data with AI tools unless the tool meets our privacy requirements.

Confidential information, donor data, and personal records are never used with AI tools that do not provide adequate privacy protections equivalent to the confidentiality of the data. Refer to our Privacy Policy and Technology Acceptable Use Policy for more information.

7. Disclosure and Transparency

If AI meaningfully shapes a piece of content or an organizational asset, we will disclose this upon request. We believe transparency strengthens trust and supports informed participation.

8. Accountability and Reporting

Any member, volunteer, or partner may raise concerns about how AI is being used. Reports are handled with care, transparency, and without retaliation.

Concerns involving ethical issues, misrepresentation, or potential harm fall under our Community Standards, and will be handled with regards to the Respectful Engagement and Accountability standards set within those standards. 

To submit a concern, any individual may use the “Report a Concern” form or email support@empower-network.org.

9. Review Cycle

Artificial Intelligence tools evolve quickly. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect best practices in accessibility, technology, privacy, and community safety.

10. Closing

By participating in The Empower Network, you agree to uphold this Ethical AI Use Policy. Together, we commit to using technology in ways that are transparent, responsible, and aligned with the values of a disability-centered community.

11. Agreement to Other Policies

This Ethical AI Use Policy works in connection with other policies adopted by The Empower Network, including (but not limited to) our Privacy Policy, Safeguarding Policy, Community Standards, Membership Agreement, and Website Terms of Use, all available at www.empower-network.org. These policies will be reviewed and updated as needed.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to report a problem, please contact us:

The Empower Network, Inc.

Email: support@empower-network.org Website: www.empower-network.org