Mission Statement
Our Wave is dedicated to empowering survivors through technology, ensuring our AI tools remain ethical, transparent, and effective in meeting their needs.
1. Purpose
This policy articulates the principles and guidelines governing the ethical use, transparency, and accountability of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at Our Wave, ensuring alignment with our mission to support and empower survivors.
2. Data Collection and Use
- Community Agreements: Community-informed agreements regarding data collection, usage, and ownership will be established and upheld to respect the rights and autonomy of survivors.
- Clear Data Policies: Comprehensive policies detailing data ownership, usage rights, and management practices will be transparently communicated.
- Transparency: Open communication about data sources, collection methods, and their specific applications within AI systems will be prioritized.
3. Ethical Considerations
- Public Reporting: Our Wave commits to regular, clear, and accessible public reporting to proactively address ethical concerns associated with AI technologies.
- Human Review: AI outputs will be reviewed and validated by qualified staff to maintain accountability and ensure ethical decision-making.
4. Bias Detection and Prevention
- Semi-annual Audits: Bias audits of AI systems will be performed twice annually to identify, address, and mitigate potential biases.
- Diverse Training Data: A diverse and representative training dataset will continually be maintained to enhance fairness and inclusivity in AI-driven decisions.
5. Transparency and Community Engagement
- Annual Impact Reporting: Comprehensive impact reports detailing the effectiveness, outcomes, and implications of AI initiatives will be published annually.
- Community Feedback: Regular feedback mechanisms including surveys, focus groups, and online forms will actively solicit community insights to inform AI practices.
6. Compliance and Accountability
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Regular legal reviews and mandatory compliance training for staff will ensure consistent adherence to applicable laws and ethical guidelines.
- Third-party Tools: Thorough vetting, periodic evaluation, and stringent accountability standards will govern the use of third-party AI tools to uphold ethical standards.
7. Staff Training and Awareness
- Informal Training: Continuous staff development through informal discussions, workshops, and resource sharing will foster heightened awareness and understanding of AI ethics and responsible technology use.
8. Impact Assessment and Risk Management
- Regular Assessments: Systematic impact assessments will be routinely conducted, informed by beneficiary feedback and comprehensive performance metrics, to continuously refine and optimize AI tools.
- Human-in-the-loop: AI decision processes will consistently incorporate human oversight to ensure that survivor experiences and ethical considerations guide outcomes.
9. Data Privacy and Consent
- Regular Reviews: Ongoing legal reviews and compliance training will maintain strict adherence to privacy regulations, ensuring survivor data remains protected and consent-based.
10. Data Ownership and Sovereignty
- Community-driven Policies: Transparent, community-informed agreements will guide practices around data sovereignty, reinforcing survivor agency over their personal data.
This policy reflects Our Wave’s dedication to ethical stewardship, transparency, and continuous improvement in deploying AI technologies to support survivors effectively and responsibly. By committing to these rigorous standards, Our Wave aims to build and sustain trust with our community, ensuring that technology serves as a safe and empowering resource. We understand that the responsible use of AI is an ongoing journey requiring vigilance, adaptability, and collaboration with those we serve. Together, through proactive engagement and consistent oversight, we will continuously strive to uphold and enhance our ethical commitments, ensuring AI technologies remain a force for positive change.
Updated June 16, 2025
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