Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
grassroots organization
AI policy
marginalized communities
public participation
policy engagement
Challenges to Grassroots Organization Engagement with AI Policy
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the severe underrepresentation of marginalized communities—due to limited resources and diminished voice—in AI policy development. It presents the first systematic application of Participatory Design (PD) to AI governance, collaborating with queer and other marginalized groups in the United States alongside policy institutions. Through community-based co-creation and policy advocacy, the project develops a more inclusive AI policy framework. The research yields a draft AI policy specifically attuned to the needs of marginalized communities, identifies critical barriers to their meaningful participation, and proposes actionable pathways for empowerment along with practical guidelines. These contributions offer both theoretical grounding and methodological support for policymakers and grassroots organizations seeking to advance equity in AI governance.
📝 Abstract
Public policies are being developed around the world to address privacy, economic, intellectual property, energy, and other risks that AI technologies pose. Involvement from the general public is essential to governance as an accountability and alignment mechanism. However, participating in and impacting policymaking can be challenging for sections of the public that lack extensive networks, lobbying capabilities, and other forms of power. This challenge is especially acute for marginalized communities. In this paper, we present a case study of our organization's efforts to bring participatory design (PD) principles to AI policymaking in the US. We describe our engagements with several US policy bodies, and our participatory development of AI policy for queer people. We highlight challenges with PD practice with marginalized communities, and offer suggestions to alleviate them. We conclude with actionable recommendations for policymakers and other organizers working in marginalized communities.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Participatory Design
AI Policy
Marginalized Communities
Public Engagement
Queer Inclusion
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