Workshop: Introduction to AI
You know AI could save you time, but between back-to-back meetings and looming deadlines, when are you supposed to figure out how to use it? This hands-on AI workshop gives you a proven prompt writing framework and practice applying it to your projects, as well as extra ideas for use AI in your particular work.
What you'll learn in this AI workshop
The workshop follows a five-phase structure designed to build your skills and confidence progressively. By the end, you won’t just understand AI in theory. You’ll have used it on your own work and seen what it can do.
Phase 1: Learn the prompt framework
You’ll learn the 3Rs framework for writing effective prompts and a risk management framework for using AI safely at your council. This gives you a reliable, repeatable approach you can use on any task.
Phase 2: Apply the framework to your work
You’ll write a prompt related to your current work and try it out in Copilot during the session. This is where things click. You’ll see immediate results that show you what’s possible.
Phase 3: Brainstorm ideas
Together, we’ll brainstorm additional ways to apply AI in your role. You’ll walk away with a list of practical ideas you can implement straight away.
Phase 4: Experiment with the AI Prompt Writer
You’ll use the AI Prompt Writer tool to uncover even more ways to apply AI in a current project. This tool continues to be useful well after the workshop is over.
Phase 5: Build on your momentum
A follow-up session one month later gives you the chance to reconnect with other participants, share what’s worked, and learn from each other’s experiments. This is where the learning really sticks.
What's included
When you attend this generative AI workshop, you’ll receive:
- A proven 3Rs framework for writing prompts that get useful results.
- Real, hands-on experience using AI on your own council work during the session.
- A risk management framework for using AI safely in a council setting.
- Ready-to-use AI prompts designed specifically for council work.
- A follow-up session one month later to share experiences and build on your progress.
- Six months’ access to two AI tools: the AI Prompt Writer (for generating ideas on how to apply AI in your projects) and the Use Case Writer (for recording what worked well, so you can share it with your team).
What changes after the workshop
People regularly tell me their confidence jumps significantly during the session, particularly when they are relatively new to AI.
At the Marlborough District Council workshops, many participants rated their confidence four points higher by the end of the day, moving from scores like 0 to 4, or 3 to 7. You’ll leave with a clear framework, practical tools, and the confidence to keep experimenting on your own.
Testimonials
Feedback from Marlborough District Council staff:
“Great, thanks! Awesome to have someone who understands our work.”
“Easy to understand. Much easier than I thought it would be.”
“Good to have people from across Council from an information sharing perspective, lots of different ideas on how to use AI.”
“Pitched at a good level for people who know nothing about AI. Not overwhelming.”
“Thank you for this training. This is going to help make certain tasks a whole lot easier going forward.”
Choose your workshop option
Workshops are usually delivered online, but in-person delivery is also available on request.
- 1:1 training: $295 + GST
- Up to 5 people: $395 + GST
- Up to 10 people: $495 + GST
Ongoing acccess to the AI Prompt Writer
When your six months’ access to the AI Prompt Writer and Use Case Writer comes to an end, you can continue using them for $50 + GST per year. This rate is for individual users. Get in touch to discuss access for your team or wider organisation.
About me
I help organisations turn inconsistent, hard-to-track AI use into a shared way of working. Through training and a ready-to-use prompt library, your team develops a clear sense of where AI genuinely helps – and where to steer clear of it.
It’s essential to maintain ownership of your work, and one of the ways I do that is to interweave manual steps between each use of AI.
I also write strategies, policies and plans for councils and not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand. I’ve been doing this work since 2014 via Writing for Councils, and before that I worked at Nelson City Council in resource management and strategic planning roles.
Frequently asked questions
The 3Rs framework works for any council role, from policy and planning to engineering and communications. You’ll apply it to your own current work during the session, so you’ll see immediately how it fits what you do.
What if my manager has concerns about AI use?
The workshop includes clear guidance on using AI within a risk management framework. I can share this framework with you before the session so you can confirm the approach matches your organisation’s expectations.
Do I need any previous experience with AI?
No. The workshop is designed for complete beginners as well as people who want to expand their current use. All you need is access to your council’s version of Copilot.
Can I attend if I work as a consultant for councils?
Yes. Consultants who work with councils will find this training just as valuable. We’ll discuss alternatives to Copilot, such as the paid versions of ChatGPT and Claude, and I’ll help you develop your own AI policy so you can provide a transparent service to your clients.
What happens after the workshop?
You’ll have six months’ access to the AI Prompt Writer and Use Case Writer tools, plus a follow-up session one month later. The follow-up is one of the most valuable parts of the programme. It gives you a chance to share what’s working, troubleshoot any challenges, and pick up new ideas from other participants.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch for more details or to book your workshop.
Email: debra.bradley@writingforcouncils.co.nz
Phone: 021 215 4698
