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AI Transparency Statement

Background:

Creating the included banner with AI was an interesting experience. I asked it to create a banner for my Buy Me A Coffee page with no further information except for what it already knows about my mission. It did so with a placeholder “person” (perhaps she never existed; I didn’t ask), so I uploaded two photos of myself: I was wearing sunglasses in the photo with the outfit you see in the banner, and a second photo wearing the glasses you see above.

AI combined the two photos and presented me with an untouched version I only liked until I saw a retouched version. (This exercise enlightened me, as I immediately understood why AI filters are a problem for young girls and women in particular. I rarely use filters on social media, but I wanted to use the heavily edited AI version of my face. Though the included version is gently retouched, it is not the AI version I am referencing; the clearly human flaws serve as proof of the matter.)

The above has nothing to do with my mission, but I felt compelled to share, as I seek to be transparent.

Opting for speed, I asked AI to draft my 2026: Start Here post, the content on my Home page, and my Contact Me page. Those drafts were subsequently edited and approved by myself before publication, but once I start publishing the content I love (such as my weekly updates), rest assured that I am excited to write and publish them the old-fashioned way- on my own.

As a writer who values transparency, I thought it humorous to ask AI to draft the following AI Transparency Statement.

Here’s what it wrote:

I believe in being transparent about how I use artificial intelligence (AI) in my work.

I may use AI tools to assist with research, summarize lengthy documents, brainstorm ideas, generate images or graphics, improve workflows, and support marketing and administrative tasks.

However, all articles and opinion pieces published under my name are written, edited, and fact-checked by me. AI does not write or publish my journalism, analysis, or advocacy content.

I review source materials, verify information, and remain responsible for the accuracy, context, and opinions expressed in my work.

AI is a tool that helps me work more efficiently. It does not replace my judgment, experience, or editorial decision-making.

— Amber Green

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2026: Start Here

Welcome to AmberGreen.ca.

It’s an exciting time. Municipal elections are approaching, and local decisions continue to shape everything from development and taxes to parks, roads, transit, and community services.

After spending years covering local issues and community events for InnisfilToday, I’ve seen firsthand how much local decisions affect residents—and how challenging it can be to follow everything happening at Town Hall.

That’s why I created this website.

AmberGreen.ca exists to help residents better understand the decisions being made in their communities. My goal is to translate council discussions, policies, budgets, development proposals, and local issues into plain language so residents can stay informed, ask thoughtful questions, and vote with confidence.

Over the coming months, you’ll find coverage and analysis focused on:

  • Municipal elections and voter turnout
  • Council decisions
  • Local development projects
  • Budgets and taxes
  • Community issues
  • Civic engagement opportunities

Whether you’re a longtime follower of local politics or simply curious about what’s happening in your community, I’m glad you’re here.

If you’d like to stay informed, consider following along on social media @author.afs.green on Instagram or TikTok.

I believe informed communities make better decisions, and I look forward to exploring these issues together.

~ Amber Green

*Image note: The banner that accompanies this post was created with AI as part of my branding process. Read more about it in my AI Transparency Statement.

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In Admiration Of Serena Williams

I do not play tennis; I can’t even run but Serena Williams is still an inspiration to me.

I was a teenager when a family member was SUPER excited about the new players to watch — Venus and Serena Williams. The teenage, Black sisters from Compton made the news that reverberated beyond die-hard fans of the sport. I’ve never followed tennis, but since that day, I would take note whenever I heard Venus or Serena’s names.

As time passed, Venus was the best female tennis player in the world, but I remember my family member saying, “Venus is great, but Serena is the one. She will be the greatest of all time.” The authority with which he said that made me pause. I couldn’t understand how he was so sure. The only other athletes that I’d heard referred to as The Greatest of all Time were Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky, and to me, it seemed a near-impossible task to reach such athletic excellence. Interested to see what he saw, I started seeking out interviews with the Williams’ sisters and taking note of the headlines published about Serena Williams’ ascent into greatness.

Provided by Todd Trapani on Unsplash

Beyond Athletics

Though Venus and Serena Williams inspired countless to compete in and follow the sport, their effect on me was different — though profound.

I will never forget watching Venus and Serena in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. I wasn’t able to find the clip, but they spoke about getting their degrees and starting a fashion line in case tennis didn’t work out. What?! They were already the greatest female tennis players in the world (Serena had likely just passed Venus as number one — I can’t remember), and yet they were humble enough to talk about having a backup plan. (I can’t remember hearing another professional in any field — especially people with notoriety — talk about having a backup plan before or since.)

The other thing that struck me was the relationship Venus and Serena have as sisters. Their respect, love, and support of one another were a joy to witness. I always thought that if I ever had children, I would want to raise them to be like them (fortunately, King Richard starring Will Smith provided all of us with a glimpse into their family life and the beginnings of a blueprint that has been proven to work.)

Cheers to Serena Williams and her inspiring career. May her array of achievements continue to awe and motivate athletes, and her and her family’s barrier-breaking mindset, humble words, and humanity continue to inspire all of us.

Here are a couple of clips of Venus and Serena Williams on The Oprah Winfrey Show from OWN’s YouTube page:

Where Venus Williams Got Her Values

Serena Williams on copying her sister Venus:

It’s A Go!

Amber (A.F.S.) Green

*The image of the tennis ball on the court was graciously provided by Todd Trapani on Unsplash.

**This post also appears on The Write Results.