Induction Process: Law & Ethics Awareness and Outreach (AO) Member

Below outlines the steps new members must follow to become fully onboarded into the Awareness and Outreach (AO) subcommittee.

Phase 1: Welcome and Introduction

1. Add to AO Subcommittee Group Chat

  • Invite the new member to the generic AO group chat.
  • Encourage them to introduce themselves and seek their expression of interest for current AO projects.
  • Based on their interests, invite them to relevant project-specific group chats.

2. Overview of Role and Expectations

  • Provide a brief overview of the AO subcommittee’s goals: increasing awareness of ethical and legal issues in tech through outreach and creative engagement.
  • Set clear expectations around contribution, communication, and accountability.

3. Required Reading: Ethical Principles of AI Use

New members must read and understand the following core principles. These readings will be provided by the Awareness and Outreach Manager:

  • Accountability: Understanding who is responsible for the decisions made by AI systems.
  • Bias: Identifying how bias can manifest in data and algorithms, and methods of mitigation.
  • Privacy: Grasping the importance of protecting user data and complying with regulations like GDPR.

Phase 2: Training and Skills Assessment

1. Attend AO Standard Showcase Session

  • Attend a 1-hour session run by senior AO members, featuring a walk-through of a prior workshop.
  • This session will highlight the standards of quality expected in terms of content delivery, technical accuracy, design, and creativity.
  • Introduction to essential tools commonly used in AO projects (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva, Google Drive, Notion).

2. Create an Engaging Slideshow Presentation

Following the workshop showcase, the recruit will be required to create and deliver a short presentation on a topic of their choice.
The Awareness and Outreach Manager will determine the allocated time for this practice presentation, depending on schedule and context.

The presentation must demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • Effective use of morph transitions
  • Use of 3D objects
  • Hand-drawn or sketch elements
  • Any other creative PowerPoint technique that enhances clarity and engagement
  • MDN Branding Kit (Law & Ethics)

This will assess their creativity, tool proficiency, and ability to communicate effectively.

3. Engage with an Outreach Team Member

  • Schedule a short conversation with a member of the Outreach team.
  • Ask and answer questions to test understanding of technical concepts covered in AO workshops.
  • This promotes cross-team collaboration and ensures the member can support or co-deliver content.

Phase 3: Project Assignment and Accountability

1. Assign to a Current AO Project

  • Once foundational skills are demonstrated, assign the member to a live project.
  • Define specific tasks and timelines (e.g., draft ethical case study slides, design a social media post, assist with event coordination).

2. Demonstrate Independent Working Capability

The member must be able to:

  • Complete their assigned tasks within the allocated time frame (with a short grace period, if necessary).
  • Communicate any delays or issues clearly and proactively.
  • Work independently without placing unnecessary stress on other members.

Phase 4: Leadership and Ownership

1. Initiate and Lead a New Project

After proving reliability and competence, the member is expected to:

  • Propose a new idea or project aligned with the goals of the AO subcommittee.
  • Take ownership of its development and execution with mentorship from a senior member.
  • Reflect on outcomes and document lessons learned to inform future work.