Meeting Summary: UBI Works - Ken & Monika - AI Dividends Panel Proposal
On April 22, 2026, Ken and Monika discussed collaboration on a panel proposal for a conference, focusing on AI dividends and the concept that AI represents collective human labor. The aim is to reframe the conversation around basic income to address public concerns about AI-related job displacement, emphasizing collective contribution to AI development through online interactions.
Key Discussion Points:
- Panel Proposal Focus: The panel will explore AI dividends and the idea that AI represents collective human labor. Everyone deserves a dividend from AI due to their online interactions and data sharing contributions. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary]
- Potential Speakers: They discussed potential speakers including Albert Wenger, Mariana Mazzucato, and others. Interest in perspectives on labor erasure and feminist angles was noted. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary, AI Dividends Panel Proposal Planning]
- Monika’s Career Transition: Monika has moved to Unilever’s innovation team, working on responsible AI and digital ethics. She stepped down from the board and reduced BI activism involvement due to tax requirements as a non-resident in Canada. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary, Career Transition and Updates]
- UBI Works Growth & Initiatives: UBI Works has grown to 200,000 subscribers, with various activist campaigns and speaker series. Ken mentioned the creation of Commonwealth Canada, a sister organization focused on systemic poverty and inequality through natural and publicly created wealth. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary, UBI Works Growth and Initiatives]
- AI & UBI Perception: Monika and Ken discussed public fear of AI replacing jobs and the need to reframe UBI discussions. They highlighted that internet users contribute labor to AI training models. A recent poll showed low popularity for AI, and both acknowledged public feeling of injustice regarding AI leveraging creative work without compensation. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary, AI and Universal Basic Income]
- Hybrid Event Formats: Both agreed on the benefits of hybrid event formats for accessibility and inclusivity. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary, AI Dividend and Taxation Discussion]
Action Items:
- Ken: Share interview link about Alaska Permanent Fund with Monika. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary]
- Monika: Draft initial proposal text (2-3 paragraphs and bullet points of potential invitees) and send to Ken. Research and identify potential panel invitees from 2022 conference materials. Reach out to potential panelists to gauge interest/availability. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary]
- Ken & Monika: Meet Friday afternoon (after 3pm) to refine the proposal. Submit final proposal by Sunday’s deadline. [Source: 2026-04-22 Zoom Meeting Summary]
Entities Mentioned:
- People: Ken, Monika, Albert Wenger, Mariana Mazzucato, Ben, Jeffrey Henson
- Organizations: UBI Works, Unilever, Commonwealth Canada
- Concepts: AI Dividends, Collective Human Labor, Universal Basic Income (UBI), Labor Erasure, Feminist Perspectives, Alaska Permanent Fund, Responsible AI, Digital Ethics, AI-related Job Displacement, Systemic Poverty, Inequality, Natural Wealth, Public Wealth Funds
- Locations: Netherlands, Canada