Building on Basics: Deepening AI Skills and Embracing Responsible Use

Dr. Michelle Paul led staff of the mayberg foundation and its operating partners through a deep dive into ai use

The recent AI professional development workshop at the Mayberg Foundation was the second part of a series, building on the foundational skills covered in the first session, which introduced the basics of AI capabilities, ethical considerations, and initial prompt frameworks. At this follow-up session, certified consultant Dr. Michelle Paul led staff of the Mayberg Foundation and its operating partners through a deep dive into practical applications, teaching staff how to craft effective prompts with tools like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Participants practiced setting clear roles for the AI, giving explicit instructions, and adjusting parameters to fine-tune outputs. A key focus was on using AI as a “thought partner” — encouraging it to ask clarifying questions and support brainstorming. The session also showcased how AI can help repurpose content for different audiences, summarize meetings, track action items, and assist with quality and bias audits.

Alongside these technical skills, rich discussions emerged around the responsible and ethical use of AI within the nonprofit sector. Staff explored the balance between protecting sensitive data and embracing innovation, emphasizing the need for adaptable policies that evolve with the technology. The concept of “persona building” was highlighted as a way to teach AI the organization’s unique tone, values, and communication style, ensuring outputs stay aligned with mission and culture. These conversations underscored the importance of thoughtful, ongoing reflection as AI becomes a regular part of their work.

To put their learning into practice, staff were encouraged to list recurring tasks, label them by comfort level for AI use, and start experimenting with at least one low-risk “green zone” task. They were also urged to measure the time saved and share successes and challenges during regular team check-ins. A follow-up virtual office hour was scheduled to provide ongoing support, reinforcing that mastering AI is a collective journey of continuous learning and adaptation.

AI RESOURCES

Templates and Tutorials

• Prompt Template: Creating Your Work Persona

• Prompt Template: Critiquing Thought Process and/or Decision-Making

• The Prompt Cookbook

• How to Create an AI Policy

• AI Policy Template

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