AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s the present reality reshaping how organizations operate and communicate. For associations representing industries such as healthcare, law, and technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) offers not only an opportunity but a necessity for maintaining relevance and delivering value to members. This post explores the importance of AI literacy for professional associations and offers actionable steps for bridging the AI skills gap.

The Role of AI in Associations

AI has the potential to revolutionize how associations deliver services, from automating administrative tasks to enhancing communication with members. According to Grammarly’s eBook on AI literacy, organizations that invest in AI literacy position themselves for a competitive advantage. This is especially important for professional associations, which are often tasked with delivering cutting-edge knowledge, certification, and professional development opportunities.

For instance, imagine an association for emergency physicians that not only administers board certifications but also offers its members real-time AI-driven insights from medical literature. Or think of an IT association where members receive tailored career advice based on AI-powered data analysis. Associations like these must understand and harness AI to enhance the member experience, automate tasks, and deliver personalized content at scale.

AI Literacy: The New Imperative

AI literacy refers to the knowledge and skills required to interact effectively with AI technologies. While generative AI (Gen AI) tools can vastly improve productivity, most workers still lack proficiency in using them. This gap is not just a problem for businesses but also for associations, whose ability to serve their members may falter if AI adoption remains low.

According to the 2024 State of Business Communication report, 52% of workers say they do not know how to use generative AI effectively. For professional associations, this represents a risk and an opportunity. Associations can become leaders in AI adoption by providing AI literacy training for their staff and members. This initiative would not only enhance internal operations but also help members navigate an increasingly AI-driven professional world.

Bridging the AI Skills Gap

To achieve widespread AI literacy within an association, there must be a strategic plan in place. A roadmap for AI adoption should be applied to professional associations:

1. Gain Leadership Buy-In: The first step is securing commitment from leadership. As with any new technology, resistance often stems from a lack of understanding or fear of change. Associations should invest in educating their boards and executive teams on the benefits of AI and how it can transform both internal operations and member services.
2. Provide AI Literacy Training: To truly unlock the potential of AI, training is crucial. AI literacy should be seen as a foundational skill for staff and, by extension, for the members they serve. According to Grammarly, AI-literate employees experience enhanced productivity and lower stress levels. For associations, this could mean rolling out customized training programs that focus on how generative AI can streamline communication, automate repetitive tasks, and provide data-driven insights.
3. Invest in the Right AI Tools: Associations should select AI tools that align with their goals and are scalable across various departments. From member outreach to content generation, the right AI tools can improve efficiency. However, not all tools are created equal. Cimatri emphasizes the importance of choosing AI technologies that are secure, user-friendly, and can be integrated into existing workflows.
4. Create Policies Around AI Use: As with any powerful technology, AI must be implemented with clear guidelines. Associations should develop policies that outline the ethical use of AI tools, data privacy concerns, and how these tools will be integrated into daily operations. Establishing these boundaries early on will help mitigate risks and ensure that AI is used responsibly.
5. Foster a Culture of Innovation: AI adoption is an ongoing process. Associations that foster a culture of innovation, where staff and members are encouraged to experiment with AI tools and share best practices, will be better positioned to stay competitive. Find ways to incentive innovation by recognizing teams or individuals who find creative ways to leverage AI.

AI Adoption in Associations: A Case for Member Engagement

Associations exist to support their members, and AI literacy can play a crucial role in member engagement. By offering AI-driven resources, professional associations can provide their members with cutting-edge tools to stay ahead in their respective fields. For example, legal associations could offer AI-powered research tools that allow members to quickly parse through case law, while marketing associations might offer AI-driven insights on consumer trends.

Furthermore, associations that prioritize AI literacy can help bridge generational divides among their members. Offering tiered AI literacy programs can ensure that all members, regardless of their comfort with technology, can benefit from AI-driven tools and resources.

Overcoming Challenges

While the potential of AI is undeniable, associations may face challenges in its adoption. Some staff and members may be avoidant, preferring traditional methods over AI-powered solutions. Others may experiment with AI tools but lack the fluency to use them effectively.

To overcome these challenges, associations should focus on:

• Encouraging experimentation: Associations should create safe spaces where staff and members can explore AI tools without the pressure of immediate mastery.
• Offering continuous education: AI literacy is not a one-time event. Associations should regularly update their training materials to reflect the latest developments in AI technology. Providing learning stipends can motivate staff and members to deepen their understanding of AI.
• Standardizing AI use: By ensuring that AI tools are used consistently across departments, associations can avoid the silos that sometimes occur when technology is adopted unevenly.

Wrapping IT Up

In the coming years, AI literacy will be as important to professional associations as traditional skills like project management or member relations. Associations that invest in building an AI-literate workforce will gain a competitive advantage, offering their members innovative services that set them apart from other organizations. By following a structured approach to AI adoption—securing leadership buy-in, providing targeted training, investing in the right tools, establishing clear policies, and fostering a culture of innovation—associations can not only enhance their operations but also empower their members to thrive in an AI-driven world.

For associations looking to remain relevant and provide exceptional value to their members, AI literacy is not optional—it’s imperative.

What's Next?

Need help? Cimatri’s AI experts can help you build your AI Roadmap, plan your AI training strategies, and define your AI execution plan.  Learn More.

References

Grammarly. "How an AI-Literate Workforce Is the New Competitive Advantage." Retrieved from the 2024 State of Business Communication report.