AI Ethical Futures Lab #7
On Tuesday, September 1, bring one real example of AI entering a classroom, studio, workplace, institution, public service, or community. We will look at what changed, who gained or lost agency, and what a person should be able to know, question, contest, or undo.
AI Ethical Futures Lab is BC + AI's monthly civic policy lab. It is a laptops-open working room for people who want to turn live AI questions into practical tools and public-safe learning.
The question for September
AI is already in the room. The question is whether the people affected can see what it is doing and act on that knowledge.
Bring a case from your own work or life. Together, we will compare where an AI system helps, where it shifts power or risk, and what accountability would look like in practice.
How the room works
A plain-language prompt to set the question.
Structured discussion and shared notes.
Small-group work on real examples.
Human-edited synthesis of what can safely leave the room.
No philosophy degree or technical background is required. Builders, artists, educators, researchers, workers, students, public-interest practitioners, and people living with AI's effects are welcome.
A previous AI Ethical Futures Lab discussion at Parker Street Studios. Photo: BC + AI.
Details
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM PDT
Venue: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver
Room: Multipurpose Room 2 on the second floor
Access: An elevator is beside the stairs, and signage will be in place.
Community ticket: $20 CAD
BC + AI members: Approved members can request a complimentary place by choosing the BC + AI Members ticket.
What to bring
A laptop, if you have one.
One question, example, article, policy thread, tool, or lived-experience concern.
A willingness to disagree respectfully and make the work useful.
What leaves the room
Outputs vary by session. They may include reading paths, public-safe recaps, consultation notes, practical checklists, follow-up working groups, or better questions for the next room.
Personal positions and unfinished strategy stay in the room unless people choose otherwise. We do not attribute comments or quotes without consent.
AI Ethical Futures Lab speakers and attendees in conversation. Photo: BC + AI.
Follow the Lab's work
The AI Ethical Futures Lab page connects this session to the autumn schedule, public reports, field notes, reading list, and working hub.
The room behind the room
BC + AI membership supports the recurring rooms, documentation, member seats, and follow-through around this series.
Approved BC + AI members receive a complimentary place. Choose the BC + AI Members ticket and request approval.
Join or renew BC + AI membership
About BC + AI
BC + AI is a member-supported nonprofit building recurring community rooms, practical capability, and a public voice across British Columbia.