AI Love Enough Challenge (ALEC)

The AI Love Enough Challenge (ALEC) is a proposed initiative designed to inspire student teams—beginning with those at a select number of Catholic universities in 2026—to compete with one another to help educate and engage their communities around the AI Love Enough Pledge. ALEC encourages young people to lead discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in promoting human dignity, justice, and shared prosperity.

​

ALEC is like a sports program with a higher purpose. Instead of moving a ball down the field, teams are advancing a vision for a people-centered AI and a future that works for everyone.

​

The pilot year (2026) will focus on building partnerships with Catholic colleges and universities to engage nearby Catholic parishes in Pennsylvania to educate and inform members of their AI choices. These early participants will help establish the ALEC framework. During this time, RAISE-UP will explore forming a nonprofit organization to sustain and expand the program.

​

Beyond 2026, ALEC could be scaled nationally, forming teams at colleges, universities, and even high schools across the country—inviting students of all faiths and backgrounds to help shape a people-centered future for AI.

 

Recommended 2026 Pilot Schools

​

RAISE-UP recommends targeting the following schools due to their strong academic programs, Catholic identity, and proximity to one another, which will help foster collaboration and momentum:

​

• Vilanova University

• St. Joseph's University

• University of Scranton

• Georgetown University

• Catholic University of America

 

ALEC Teams Could Compete For

​

• Public recognition and leadership awards

• Team-based cash prizes

• Scholarships

• Trips to state or national ALEC conferences

• Internship opportunities

• Future trips to Rome or the Vatican—with a possible opportunity to meet the Pope

 

Activities ALEC Teams Could Compete In

​

• Most AI Love Enough Pledge Gains: Points awarded for each person who takes the pledge, with bonus points for verified “VIP” signers (e.g., community leaders, clergy, or educators).

• Most Outstanding Team: Based on creativity, impact, and communication in categories such as:

  • Presentation or speech

  • Social media campaign (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)

  • Video storytelling or advocacy project

  • Public policy proposal promoting person-centered AI at the local level

 

Special Recognition

🏅 “All In, Love Wins Award” – Celebrates the team that demonstrates the greatest outreach across diverse communities, faiths, and backgrounds—embodying the principle that real love includes everyone.

 

 

Envisioned Collaboration Between ALEC Teams and Catholic Parishes

​

RAISE-UP envisions students and parish leadership working together to discern the best ways to educate and inspire parish members about artificial intelligence (AI) and its moral and social implications. While online communication may supplement these efforts, in-person engagement will remain central to building understanding and community. The following framework offers one possible model for collaboration:

​

1. Initial Contact:
   The ALEC team reaches out to parish leadership to introduce the AI Love Enough Challenge and invites their partnership.

2. Planning Collaboration:
   The parish and ALEC team meet to develop a shared plan that aligns with parish schedules, ministries, and ongoing faith formation activities.

3. Introduction to AI and Reflection: The parish priest offers an opening homily or reflection introducing the topic of artificial intelligence—acknowledging both its potential to serve humanity and its risks to human dignity and community. Parishioners are invited to watch a brief, curated series of educational videos to deepen their understanding. They are also encouraged to pray, meditate, and reflect on AI’s spiritual and societal implications, asking how faith can guide the responsible use of this powerful technology.

4. Video Distribution:
   Parish leadership shares the videos via email or parish communication channels, suggesting a timeframe for parishioners to view them before the next weekend Mass.

5. Announcement and Engagement:
   After the viewing period, the parish priest or staff announces that an ALEC student team will give a short presentation after Mass the following week.

6. Second Homily or Reflection:
   The priest offers a second homily focusing on the economic, ethical, and social implications of AI—emphasizing the Catholic call to ensure technology serves human flourishing and the common good.

7. Ministry Invitation:
   Parish leadership introduces a six-week ministry or discussion series exploring AI’s social impacts and how these issues relate to Catholic teaching, social justice, and stewardship. Each week will discuss an element of the AI Love Enough Pledge.

8. ALEC Team Presentation:
   The ALEC student team delivers their presentation after Mass, sharing insights on person-centered AI, human flourishing, and the importance of ethical development guided by love and fairness. ALEC teams will be inviting members to join their social media sites, establishing relationships, and gathering content for social media campaigns.

9. Ongoing Ministry:
   The six-week AI ministry continues, incorporating prayer, reflection, and group learning grounded in Scripture and Church teaching on human dignity, work, and creation.

10. Follow-Up and Pledge:
    At the conclusion of the ministry and after deep reflection, a third Homily will be given asking, What would Jesus do if He had AI?  The ALEC team would return (in-person, virtually, or via video) to celebrate the parish’s efforts, share progress, and invite parishioners to take the AI Love Enough Pledge—encouraging others to do the same and continue spreading the message of people-centered AI.