In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees and leaders alike face mounting challenges: information overload, constant communication demands, and economic pressures. These factors are driving burnout and diminishing productivity, even as new tools emerge to alleviate these issues. To address these challenges, IONS is launching Generating Impact with AI: Empowering the Community Impact Sector, a six-week training series designed to help organizations leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to transform their operations and improve outcomes.

This program offers practical, virtual workshops (90 minutes each) between February and June, focused on building capacity and skills in using AI tools such as MS365 Co-pilot, Google Gemini, and ChatGPT. Training topics include understanding AI’s strengths, risks, and ethical considerations; identifying use cases; implementing safeguards; mastering prompt engineering; and effectively deploying AI organization-wide. Delivered in three cohorts—focused on MS365, Google, or a hybrid approach—the training also features shared sessions on open-source tools to ensure participants gain skills applicable across platforms.

Open to anyone working in the Community Impact Sector, the program is tailored to meet diverse organizational needs, addressing challenges like workload management, accessibility, and inclusivity. By providing hands-on, actionable training, IONS empowers participants to confidently adopt AI to enhance productivity, improve flexibility, and foster innovation. This initiative promotes ethical, impactful use of AI while fostering collaboration and shared learning across the sector.

What will this look like?

Cohort 1: We will have 6 sessions every Thursday from 1:30-3:00pm (via Zoom) from February 6th to March 20th (no session the week of March 13th because of March break)

Participants will be emailed Zoom links prior to the sessions

The training will cover the following topics:

• Understanding AI (strengths, weaknesses, and risks)
• Identifying use cases for AI support
• Implementing safeguards for using AI responsibly
• How to use AI (i.e., prompt engineering)
• How to get better with AI and find more use cases
• How to deploy AI effectively through the organization

Key Takeaways for Participants:

• Develop a clear understanding of generative AI and its potential.
  Identify opportunities to apply AI to address work challenges.
• Learn to navigate and mitigate AI risks, such as privacy and security.
• Master prompt engineering to achieve better AI outcomes.
• Create a plan to safely and effectively integrate AI into your role or organization.
• Connect with peers across the province to share insights and solutions.
• Access session recordings and valuable resources.

Audience: Anyone working in the Community Impact Sector (Nonprofit/charitable organizations) with an interest in learning more about AI
(Not open to volunteers)

Capacity: Max of 30 participants

Can’t make these sessions? There are other sessions happening later in the Spring of 2025!