Working Smarter for the Ocean: AI Tools Every Non-profit Should Know

You're doing important work — AI can help you do more of it. In this lunch-hour session, Alexandra Theroux of AI-First Consulting brings over 15 years of non-profit and public sector experience to a practical, accessible introduction to generative AI. No technical background required. We'll explore free tools available right now and walk through real-world applications relevant to your work in the ocean sector. But adopting AI responsibly matters just as much as adopting it efficiently — so we'll also cover the essentials of safe use: why your organization needs an AI policy, the importance of human review of any AI-generated output, and what you should never put into a free AI tool. Whether you're brand new to AI or looking for a more structured foundation, you'll leave with both the tools and the guardrails to move forward with confidence. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Explain what generative AI is in plain language and describe how it differs from traditional software tools — without needing a technical background. Identify relevant AI applications in the ocean sector, including how peer organizations are already using AI to advance their missions. Apply a safe adoption framework when evaluating or introducing AI tools in their organization, including understanding the role of AI policy, the necessity of human oversight, and how to protect confidential data. Navigate at least one free AI tool with practical confidence, having seen a live demonstration of a real-world use case applicable to their work. Recognize which everyday tasks — such as communications, research synthesis, grant writing, or reporting — are well-suited to AI assistance in a nonprofit or NGO context. Ask better questions about AI when evaluating tools, vendors, or internal proposals, using a clearer framework for what to look for and what to watch out for. *This session was organized by Building Bridges and took place June 2nd 2026 via Zoom. Learn about the free community here: https://buildingbridges.cioos.ca. ********** Est-ce que vous travaillez dans le secteur des océans ou de l’environnement, mais que le temps ou les ressources dont vous disposez sont limités? Si oui, alors il se pourrait bien que l’intelligence artificielle soit très exactement la solution dont votre équipe a besoin. Joignez-vous à nous pour « Working Smarter for the Ocean: AI Tools Every Nonprofit Should Know » (une approche plus intelligente des océans : outils d’IA à connaître pour toutes les organismes à but non lucratif), proposée par Alexandra Theroux, spécialiste des travaux d’IA chez AI-First Consulting. Cette séance d’orientation pratique proposera une plongée dans les outils numériques faciles d’accès et permettant de gagner du temps dans les efforts produits par votre organisation pour simplifier les tâches du quotidien. Notre but est de réduire le fardeau administratif, afin que vous puissiez vous concentrer davantage sur les activités ayant un effet concret sur les océans. De plus, il n’est pas du tout nécessaire d’être un spécialiste des technologies de pointe : il s’agit de ressources que vous pouvez commencer à utiliser dès aujourd’hui. La communauté de pratique se trouve à l’adresse suivante : https://buildingbridges.cioos.ca .