Negotiating AI as a Community: From Individual Intelligence to Collective Action
Negotiating AI as a Community: From Individual Intelligence to Collective Action
Part of the CDT Maker Club August Takeover
A practical, participatory workshop exploring how communities can use AI and other technologies consciously, responsibly and collectively to strengthen local action.
How can communities use artificial intelligence without allowing technology to determine the agenda?
Negotiating AI as a Community (NAIC) is a full-day, participatory workshop exploring the relationship between AI, community action, collective capacity and human consciousness.
Rather than approaching AI only as a technical tool, the session will consider how individuals and communities can use emerging technologies to strengthen their own knowledge, creativity, decision-making and ability to act together.
The workshop introduces two accessible ideas:
Actualised Human Intelligence (AHI) — developing and applying our intelligence, awareness and capabilities as individuals.
Augmented Community Intelligence (ACI) — using technology to support and strengthen the collective knowledge, relationships and capabilities already present within communities.
Through discussion, demonstrations and collaborative activities, participants will explore how AI might support community organising, local projects and collective problem-solving while remaining attentive to issues such as digital security, responsibility, power and inclusion.
The programme will be adapted around the interests, experience and needs of those attending. Participants will be contacted before the workshop with a small amount of preparation to complete.
What to Expect
During the day, participants will:
Explore what responsible and community-led use of AI could look like
Discuss the opportunities and risks AI presents for community action
Consider how technology can strengthen, rather than replace, human and community intelligence
Take part in practical demonstrations and collaborative exercises
Develop ideas for applying AI within their own communities, organisations or projects
Learn good online-security and responsible technology practices
No advanced technical or coding experience is required.
Who Is It For?
This workshop is designed for adults involved or interested in:
Community organising and local action
Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises
Resident-led projects and campaigns
Community research and citizen science
Social innovation
Digital inclusion
Responsible and ethical uses of AI
It is particularly suitable for community organisers, activists, project leaders, trustees, volunteers and people working to create positive local change.
Event Details
Date: Friday 21 August 2026
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, UEL Docklands Campus
Capacity: 20 participants
Age: Adults aged 18+
Experience required: None
Equipment: Computers and internet access will be provided
Cost: Free
Facilitator: Gavin Sealey, with co-presenters
Organisations: Newham Mosaic, Netstorms Limited and Newham Citizen Science CIC
About the CDT Maker Club August Takeover
The CDT Maker Club August Takeover is a free programme of practical workshops, demonstrations and creative sessions led by members of the UEL and wider Maker Club community.
It provides a welcoming and supportive space to test ideas, develop practical skills and share knowledge across technology, digital making and creative practice.