Overview:

Most good ideas do not fail because they are bad. They fade because people get stuck at the starting line. The next step is unclear, help feels too expensive, or the work seems too intimidating to begin. In libraries, community programs, and public workshops, this shows up as curious participants who have heard about AI but do not see how it helps with real life goals. The cost of staying stuck is real: unfinished projects, missed opportunities, and a growing belief that “that dream is not for me.” Success looks simple and visible. Participants choose one meaningful idea, use AI to quickly create options, and walk away with a clear first action they can complete. They also learn how to avoid common mistakes so they do not leave with false confidence or risky habits.

Using AI to Dream is a hands-on session that treats AI like an everyday helper, not a mystery. We show short, fun examples (writing, planning, and making images), then participants apply the same steps to their own idea with guidance. What makes this workshop different is that it is built around a repeatable method, not tool tours. Participants practice how to ask for help clearly, how to improve results without starting over, and how to check what they get before they use it. They leave with practical take-home materials: a one-page plan for their idea, a set of copy-and-use question scripts for common tasks, and a simple checklist for safety, privacy, and accuracy. The result is immediate momentum, plus a responsible way to keep using AI after the workshop.

Key Takeaways:

• Participants discover practical ways AI can support personal projects or goals – for example, using a chatbot to get step-by-step guidance on writing a book, or an image AI to prototype a product idea. They often remark how AI “demystified” the process and made big goals feel attainable.

  
  

• Exposure to generative AI for art, music, and storytelling shows attendees that they don’t have to be an expert to create something original. AI can boost individual creativity – even teams of “non-creative” folks produced more novel ideas when supported by AI.

  
  

• By engaging with AI in a fun, low-stakes setting, people overcome intimidation. The workshop intentionally uses everyday examples (like asking AI to create a recipe or solve a small problem) to show how it can fit into one’s life. Participants leave with increased digital confidence and a toolkit of AI resources to continue exploring on their own.

Target Audience:

• General public and community groups (from teens to seniors) who have heard the buzz about AI but have little to no direct experience with it. This is perfect for settings like library systems, community colleges, or public workshops where inclusion and inspiration are key.

  
  

• Aspiring entrepreneurs, creators, or hobbyists who have passion projects on the back burner. If you’ve ever said “I have an idea, but I don’t know how to proceed (or can’t afford to hire help),” this workshop is made for you.

  
  

• Educators and program coordinators seeking a positive, exploratory introduction to AI for their students or members. For instance, a non-profit offering workforce or creative skills programs could use this workshop to spark interest in technology-enabled opportunities.