Let us start with the question: what do past cohort participants say?
“The eight sessions in the AI Advancement Lab were the professional highlight of my summer. Meena approaches the ethical considerations of AI with remarkable nuance, compassion, and insight. I now feel equipped to bring AI into my nonprofit in a thoughtful way that aligns with our mission and centers the communities we serve. The lab provided me with tangible takeaways and practical tools, which I’ve already started implementing with my organization's stakeholders. Thanks to Meena's wisdom, we are now on the path to leveraging AI in an ethical and impactful way.”
"Thank you so much for leading us in this wonderful course and taking the time to teach me!"
"Thank you for hosting this workshop over the month of September. I can’t believe how quickly it has come to an end. I am in a much better place with AI than when I started, and will continue to practice having a positive outlook when it comes to its applications in my workplace and for the clients we serve. Thank you for opening my eyes to the possibilities of AI!"
"Meena, it has been such a treat participating in your workshop. I learned so much!! Your knowledge is really amazing."
"What a lovely few months it has been to get to know each of you. I am so grateful for this space and opportunity."
"Meena, you are a warm, sunny light unto my path :)"
Next cohort start date and time
March 04th, 2025
1-2 pm ET/10-11 am PT
Biggest Theme of Next 3 Years?
Upskilling on Ethical AI.
Do you know what are the key gaps in AI Learning for Nonprofits?
I. Understanding and Trust in AI
There's often a lack of understanding about what AI is and how it can be effectively utilized in the nonprofit sector. This includes apprehensions about AI replacing human jobs and concerns about ethical implications.
II. Technical Skills and Resources
Many nonprofits lack the technical expertise and resources to implement and manage AI solutions effectively.
III. Data Management and Quality
Nonprofits often struggle with managing data quality and infrastructure, which is essential for effective AI implementation.
IV. Custom AI Solutions
A gap exists in the development of AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits, particularly smaller organizations with unique challenges.
V. Ethical AI Usage
There's a need for guidance on ethical AI practices, ensuring AI is used responsibly and aligns with the values of the nonprofit sector.
Let's Change That.
Build Practical Ethical AI Knowledge with AI Advancement Lab.
Unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence to empower your nonprofit's work to making a difference. With rapid developments possible with AI, building practical AI knowledge means transforming how missions are delivered and impacts are amplified. Yet, many nonprofit leaders are still on the threshold, uncertain how to harness this potential.
Introducing "AI Advancement Lab" – an intentionally designed workshop crafted to bridge the gap between your passion for social good, capabilities of AI and the practical applications possible with this technology. Over the course of eight immersive sessions, you will embark on a journey from grasping the fundamentals of AI to deploying intelligent tools that refine fundraising strategies, optimize operations, and personalize supporter engagement.
With this hybrid coaching and workshop offering, you don't just learn about AI; you apply it. Each bi-weekly session is a blend of expert instruction, hands-on exercises, and collaborative learning, culminating in practical outcomes and tangible deliverables for your organization. You'll leave not just with a theoretical understanding, but with a personalized AI roadmap, ready to be implemented.
Embrace this chance to be at the forefront of innovation for social good. Empower your nonprofit with AI, not as a buzzword, but as a meaningful tool to building greater efficiency, deeper insights, and a more profound impact.
NOTE FOR OCTOBER COHORT: Every two topics in the lesson plan under "What will you learn?" below is combined into four sessions.
From Your Instructor
"Let me share some stats what compelled me to start this program for you.
Here are 10 key numbers from my work in 2023-2024 around AI:
a. I have run at least 7 runs of AI Advancement Lab sessions with 50+ CDOs, CMOs, EDs, Program Managers etc.
b. I have written 50+ in-depth essays (or 15000+ words) on various Responsible AI topics for my LinkedIn newsletter, data uncollected.
c. I have written extensively about Human-Centric AI in 6 major national and international publications.
d. I have spoken in at least 40 virtual and 5 in-person conferences about “Towards Human-Centric AI”. Approximately translated to 30,000 individuals, at least.
e. I have created multiple freebies around AI for nonprofits (another one is coming out soon!).
f. I have an ongoing 3-hour workshop called ‘Towards Human-Centric AI’ – attended by Eds, CDOs, Fundraisers, Grantmakers, etc.
g. I have consulted nonprofits with frameworks that explore the question– “Are we ready culturally to bring AI into the organization?”
h. I have co-designed the Responsible AI framework for Fundraising with an awesome group at @FAI.
i. I have designed community-centric AI Principles for our sector.
j. I am running a multi-year project called AI Equity Project - to measure and track AI Equity in Nonprofits.
And from all that experience - talking to person after person, session after session, same three themes have emerged:
I. Managing uncertainties around AI,
II. Centering intentionality and purpose, and
III. Committing to learning, individually and collectively, to share the accountability of using AI for good.
That is what I am boiling into AI Advancement Lab. This is why I felt compelled to create this space.
The indicator of our growth – as nonprofits - when it comes to AI will not be in the “fast, quick, or dirty” answers we can find, but in the deeper, meaningful questions we can ask ourselves. Something that will hold us accountable for all the benefits AI promises.
So, I ask you – are you in?"
Questions? Email me at [email protected]