AI and youth safety: Turning a nonprofit into a thought leader
AI is everywhere in teens’ lives.
According to Pew Research Center, 64% of U.S. teens use AI chatbots for their schoolwork, casual conversation, and even emotional support. About 30% of those teens said they use tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI daily or several times a day.
Yet there’s a disconnect with parents, who are sometimes unaware of how prevalent these tools are or unsure how to talk with their children about them. And the risks of this technology is increasing: From deepfakes and emotional dependency to a surge in harmful content.
Rather than avoiding this complex, controversial topic, local nonprofit Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (BGCKC) wanted to address it head-on.
When the national president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America visited the region, BGCKC's team dreamed bigger than routine meetings. They envisioned a thought-provoking panel on AI's role in youth safety, job readiness, and equity. Staff and parents were already raising concerns about how to discuss AI responsibly with kids, and this was the moment to lead.
Our team, with deep roots in both tech and nonprofit marketing, became the bridge. We know industry-specific strategies win because they let organizations speak directly and authentically. More importantly, blending expertise across sectors creates rare opportunities, like connecting a youth nonprofit with tech giants.
Planning a thought-provoking event
We helped BGCKC assemble a powerhouse panel for a filmed discussion: the national president for youth development expertise, AI leaders from Amazon and Microsoft for real-world tech insights, a technology-focused educator for on-the-ground perspective, and a local media reporter to facilitate a polished, professional conversation.
Once this team was assembled, we created a detailed run of show to ensure their different areas of expertise were mapped to the three most pressing topics regarding AI use and children:
Safety: Protecting against risks like deepfakes
Job readiness: Preparing for an AI-shaped future
Equity: Ensuring all youth have the opportunity to learn and use this technology
To make this truly resonate, though, we had to include the youth perspective. That’s why we invited questions straight from local kids, turning the event from a lecture to a dialogue.
The results: More than a one-off discussion
BGCKC positioned itself as a forward-thinking voice with its hand on the pulse of relevant and timely topics.
It opened doors to new partnerships, boosted credibility with parents and families, and showed how addressing tough topics builds both influence and trust.
Plus, BGCKC can use this discussion as the foundation for a full thought leadership campaign, repurposing elements for social media, sponsor engagement materials, newsletters, and much more.
This is strategic storytelling and event planning at its finest: using industry expertise to spark meaningful conversation, create shareable assets, and rise as a thought leader in a crowded space.
Key takeaways
Spot the intersection: When a client's mission meets a popular industry-specific issue, magic happens.
Keep things focused and interactive: Narrow topics + audience input = engagement that sticks.
Think evergreen: Record and repurpose for lasting reach and future marketing or outreach assets.
Lead boldly: Tackling real concerns like AI safety positions organizations as a community leader or invaluable resource.
Ready to turn your next event into thought leadership that lasts? Contact matt@emminc.com to get started.