Workshop 1: Demystifying AI | beneAI
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Workshop 1

Demystifying AI: The Basics

AI Fundamentals Key Terminology Industry Trends
90 minutes All levels In person or virtual
Session Description

What is AI, really? This session cuts through the hype and gives your team a clear, grounded understanding of what artificial intelligence is, how it works, and why it matters for mission-driven organizations.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the news, but for many nonprofit teams the conversation still feels abstract, technical, or disconnected from their day-to-day work. This session changes that. We start with the fundamentals: what AI actually is (and is not), how it learns, and what makes today's tools different from what came before.

From there, we explore the key terminology your team will encounter as AI becomes a bigger part of the landscape: machine learning, large language models, generative AI, natural language processing, and more. Rather than memorizing definitions, you will learn to think about these concepts in the context of your own work.

We close by surveying the trends shaping AI today, from the rapid evolution of tools to the policy conversations happening around responsible use, so your team walks away informed, confident, and ready to engage with AI on their own terms. No technical background required. Just curiosity.

What We Cover

Topics Covered in this Session

Each topic is introduced with plain language, real-world examples, and time for questions.
No jargon without context.

01
What AI Actually Is (And Is Not)

We demystify the term "artificial intelligence" by breaking down what it means in practice. You will learn the difference between narrow AI and general AI, understand how machine learning works at a high level, and separate genuine capability from marketing hype.

02
Core Terminology and Concepts

Large language models, generative AI, natural language processing, neural networks, training data: these terms are everywhere. We walk through each one in plain language so your team can follow the conversation with confidence and ask better questions.

03
How AI Tools Learn and Improve

Understanding how AI models are trained, fine-tuned, and updated helps you set realistic expectations. We cover the basics of how these systems get built, what they are good at, where they fall short, and why the same tool can give different answers to the same question.

04
The AI Landscape Today

A high-level survey of the AI ecosystem, from chatbots and image generators to data analysis tools and workflow automation. We orient your team so they know what categories of tools exist, which are most relevant to their work, and how the landscape is evolving.

05
Trends Shaping the Future

From the rise of AI agents to evolving policy and regulation, we close with a forward look at the trends that will shape how mission-driven organizations interact with AI in the months and years ahead. Your team leaves with a sense of where things are headed and how to stay informed.

Session Details

Designed to Meet You Where You Are

Every session is interactive and tailored to your team's experience level and goals.

Duration

90 Minutes

Enough time to go deep without overwhelming. Includes live Q&A throughout.

Delivery

In Person or Virtual

Available on-site in Colorado or via live video for remote teams anywhere.

Audience

No Prerequisites

Built for beginners and curious minds. No technical background needed, just a willingness to learn.

Who This Is For

Built for Your Team

This session is designed for anyone in a mission-driven organization who wants to understand AI, regardless of their role or technical experience.

Executive directors and leadership teams
Program managers and coordinators
Development and fundraising staff
Communications and marketing teams
Operations and administrative staff
Board members and volunteers

Ready to Get Started?

Details forthcoming in March 2026.
Reach out now to reserve your session or learn more about pricing and availability.