Generating Impact with AI

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.

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)

Cohort 2: We will have 6 sessions every Tuesday from 11:00am-12:30pm (via Zoom) from May 6th to June 10th
Cohort 3: We will have 6 sessions every Thursday from 9:00-10:30am (via Zoom) from May 8th to June 12th

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 30per cohort

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend this AI training? 

IONS’ Generating Impact with AI training is open to anyone who works in organizations in the Community Impact Sector. At this time the training is not open to volunteers or others who are employed outside of nonprofit or charitable organizations (i.e., The Community Impact Sector).  

The content is specifically designed to empower this sector to confidently adopt AI tools and techniques to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and amplify their impact in the sector. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this program is tailored to meet the needs of Community Impact Sector (Nonprofit) in Nova Scotia. 

What is the schedule and duration of the training sessions?

Cohort 1: The training will include 6 sessions, held every Thursday from 1:30–3:00 PM (via Zoom) between February 6 and March 20, 2025. Note: There will be no session during the week of March 13 due to March Break. Here’s the Eventbrite Link for registration: 

Cohorts 2 & 3 will be delivered in May-June 2025, with 6 sessions per cohort, each lasting 90minutes. These two cohorts will each focus on either Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini – dates and registration details will be announced after Cohort 1. 

Do I need any prior knowledge or technical skills to join this training?

No, prior knowledge or technical skills are not required. This training is designed for anyone in the sector interested in starting their AI journey. It’s an entry-level program focused on practical tools and foundational knowledge to help participants confidently incorporate AI into their work.

Can I attend more than one Cohort?

No, participants are limited to attending one cohort. This ensures that everyone in the Community Impact Sector interested in using AI has an equitable opportunity to participate in the training. 

How many people per organization can attend this AI training?

We are limiting attendance to three participants per organization for each cohort to ensure diversity among participants. As the training date approaches, additional tickets may be released, and we might consider increasing the limit depending on availability. 

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else if I’m no longer able to attend?

If you are unable to attend, please contact us. If there is a waitlist for the Cohorts, we will prioritize offering your spot to the next person on the list. If no waitlist exists, we may allow you to transfer the ticket to another individual within your organization. Please reach out to confirm the process. 

Is there a waitlist for Cohorts registration?

Yes, we have a waitlist for the Cohorts registration. If tickets are sold out, you can contact us to join the waitlist and be notified if spots become available. 

Will the sessions be recorded for later viewing?

Yes, all sessions will be recorded and accessible only to participants in that Cohort, allowing for self-paced learning. Additionally, we plan to share other resources and toolkits with the broader sector. Updates will be communicated through our networks when these resources become available. 

How can I access the materials and tools after the session?

All materials and tools will be accessible through Circle, our online platform that we will use to share resources with participants. 

What topics will be covered in the training?

We will cover a wide range of topics throughout each Cohort including but not limited to: Adopting AI in your organization; understanding and navigating the risks of AI; what is AI good at (and what it isn’t); use-cases for AI – especially in the Community Impact Sector; and more. 

A detailed outline and agenda will be shared with registrants before the series begins. 

What resources or materials will be provided?

Participants will receive a copy of the slides, training recordings, and links to additional resources, such as YouTube videos, articles, websites, and tools. 

Will there be an opportunity to network with other participants?

Yes, networking opportunities will be available through breakout rooms during sessions and discussions on Circle’s community discussion board. 

Whom should I contact to request accommodations and discuss my accessibility needs?

Please indicate any accessibility needs you may have in your Eventbrite registration form. If you have general questions or concerns related to accessibility, please contact our IONS Operations Coordinator, Jeanine Kazungu – [email protected]. 

Sound like an opportunity for you? Apply here!

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