AI Citizens: Which Model Should You Actually Use? (Open vs. Closed AI & Costs)
Week 2 • Open Models, Smart Selection & API Basics (First-time attendees welcome!)
Missed Week 1? You can jump straight in tonight.
Each session in our AI Citizens track is designed as a standalone module. You do not need to have attended the kickoff to participate, follow along, or join our community.
Most people know how to prompt ChatGPT. Very few know which AI model to actually reach for, what it costs, or where their private data goes. If you’ve ever wondered why there are dozens of models (OpenAI, Claude, Llama, Mistral), when to use an open model vs. a paid API, or how to avoid getting hit with runaway AI bills, this interactive session is for you.
No coding background or technical prerequisites required. This workshop focuses on practical digital literacy, cost control, and strategic judgment—not software engineering.
What We’re Covering Tonight
Open vs. Closed Models: Why privacy matters, who owns your prompts, and when open models make sense.
Demystifying AI Bills: A plain-English breakdown of "token economics" so you never pay blindly for compute.
The "Do You Even Need an LLM?" Challenge: A hands-on group exercise categorizing real tasks into "needs an AI model" vs. "a simple 3-line script or spreadsheet can do this for free."
How to Join
In-Person (NYC): Boris & Horton (195 Avenue A, East Village, NYC)
Dog-friendly cafe! Grab a drink, bring your laptop or notebook, and connect with other local builders.
Virtual Live Stream: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83454908023
Fellowship & Hackathon Pathway
This workshop is part of the AI Citizens track inside the 3percentclub AI Architects Fellowship—a hybrid program bringing technical builders and civic-minded operators together to solve NYC civic problems at our Halloween Hackathon.
Classroom & Lab Catch-Up: New attendees will receive access to our Google Classroom, Discord, and recordings of past materials.
Apply for the Fellowship: https://forms.fillout.com/t/p52mmdNs8jus