CYB#53: Kamala hopescrolling, AI in the world, Why Weightlifting Works for Me
Welcome to the 53rd edition of Cover Your Bases. I’ve spent two weeks writing about managing my anxiety, and now I am actually so excited about Kamala Harris’s race for President. Have you seen this? I am obsessed: Kamala Harris femininomenon (thank you, Chapell Roan, I love your music!)
Join me as we explore the evolving landscape of AI in nonprofits, discover some thought-provoking AI-related reads, and explore the benefits of weightlifting at any age.
AI IS MOVING FROM THE EDGE TO THE CENTER OF NONPROFIT AWARENESS
More nonprofits are actively experimenting with and integrating AI. We're evolving from last year when AI was almost the bleeding edge for smaller nonprofit organizations; now, many more are exploring, having team members become their expert users, and thinking about how to roll it out.
In the past four months, I've:
Helped two clients write AI Acceptable Use policies
Built Open AI GPT or Claude Project "Brains" for several organizations
Coached at least sixty nonprofit leaders working with AI
This week, I had the privilege of presenting at a conference focused on Higher Education Equity and Access in Northern California–both higher education and College Savings Accounts (CSAs)—on questions to consider when rolling out AI for your nonprofit.
It was thrilling to see how many people showed up–about 40–and hear that many were already using AI, building AI tools for internal use, and spacing and prototyping AI-powered apps for their client base. (Some of my presentation slides are here; see if this interests you.)
AI IN THE WORLD: Recent AI readings that caught my interest include:
Betsy Tong, DEEP DIVE: Re-engineering Your Second Act, Using AI, Optionality, June 2024. Betsy’s all about mid-reinvention and describes the cool GPTS she’s built to support those shifts.
Alexandra Samuels, Inside You There Are Three AIs, PDF, July 2024 How can you build custom GPT tools that reflect your creative aspects? Samuels has some great ideas.
The Future of Professionals Report, AI-powered Technology and the Forces Shaping Professional Work, Thompson Reuters, July 2024. Learn more about how AI transforms professional work across legal, tax, accounting, and risk management sectors.
MOVING: Why Weightlifting Works for Me
Weightlifting still compels me. Picking up heavy weights and putting them back down is fun. Here's why it works for me:
Barbell Squats: Back and Front Squats are my most focused, efficient compound movements. They strengthen my core, shrink my waist, and turn fat into thigh muscle.
Overhead Press and Bench Press: Incredibly satisfying. The slow weight increase over time makes me feel so good! I also love the more excellent definition in my arms–even with chubby bat wings, my shoulder muscles now show.
Deadlifts: Romanian Deadlifts and regular Deadlifts, as hard as they are, remind me to keep my core tight, my back strong, my hips hinged, and my heels planted on the floor if I want to pick up heavy weight.
The transition from what I do in the gym with these iron bars and heavy plates to what I can do in the world with less effort remains thrilling. Examples from the past three weeks:
Lift and then carry a 30-pound toddler for 30+ minutes
Use a mattock and shovel to dig out some heavily impacted dirt in my yard
Grab a 50-lb bag of compost and drag it into the yard
Bring in six bags of groceries at once
Carry half a case of wine under one arm
Feel physically confident going up and down lots of steps
None of these are why I lift weights, but being able to do them illustrates the benefits.
I also enjoy defying the stereotypes. While many women in their teens, twenties, and thirties lift weights (at my gym, at least), I don't see that many–okay, almost none–who are over 60–using barbells and heavier weights. It's annoying but fun to be doing my workout and watch a teen boy watching me, a woman who is maybe older than his grandma, playing with the same equipment that makes him feel so powerful. I also love the smiles and support from the women using the rack room and functional fitness to build a stronger version of themselves, just like I am.
Because you made it this far: A Great Summer Tomato Recipe
The dressing for Kay Chun’s Sesame Tomato Salad is so good. We made this a few days ago, and I am making it again tonight.
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I hope CYB #53 was worthwhile for you. If you know someone who might enjoy this mix of personal stories and ideas, please forward this newsletter to them. As always, I’m grateful for your readership and engagement. Warmly,
Susan