Exploring CARA Peer Leaders’ responses to and interactions with AI, it appears there is no unilateral stance as to how they are feeling about it or presently using it in their daily lives. Over the course of this year, multiple sessions have been incorporated into our Peer Leader trainings for high school and college students, including one designed specifically for college-aged peer leaders to support the effective use of AI in their professional preparation.  This particular session for our College Peer Leaders focused on how to use AI to strengthen cover letters, develop resumes, and prepare for interviews, while emphasizing the appropriate dos and don’ts of AI use to ensure authenticity and ethical engagement. CARA’s key message is that AI can help guide and support, but human experiences, critical thought, unique voice, and authenticity should always remain at the center.

This month, our Policy and Research team also facilitated a conversation with our Youth Research Council (YRC) to discuss how they were using AI in their daily lives and the norms about using AI in their work together building off of CARA’s org-wide policy. This provided an opportunity for open dialogue and refinement. Together, the group aligned on norms that are consistent with our organization’s internal AI policy: Anything generated with AI should not be used as the final product. AI should not be used in evaluative contexts, i.e., Peer Leader assessments. Research data and transcripts should not be added to any AI software. 

The overall takeaway from both convenings was that our Peer Leaders are trending towards using AI less, noticing its deficiencies. The importance of a unique original opinion based on firsthand lived human experiences, human connection, and creativity prevailed.