Submitted by Community Forge
Community Forge has joined the Open Forum for AI (OFAI), an international initiative focused on advancing human-centered and ethical approaches to artificial intelligence (AI).
Launched at Carnegie Mellon University in 2024, OFAI convenes academic institutions and nonprofit organizations to foster collaboration, transparency, and
inclusion in the development of AI systems. Through a series of hands-on literacy workshops kicking off in January 2026, OFAI and Community Forge are partnering to bridge the digital divide. The workshops are free to people working in non-profit or government positions and provide an opportunity for local professionals to learn alongside AI experts. The curriculum focuses on practical skills related to AI, including: basic literacy and concepts of AI, building agents and creating workflows, and how to evaluate AI tools.
"One of OFAI's core principles and strategies is to listen to as many people as possible, so we can better develop AI at earlier stages of development, to meet their needs,” said Sayeed Choudhury, executive director of OFAI and Associate Dean for Digital Infrastructure at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries. “Rather than simply consume AI that is presented to us, everyone should have a voice in how AI is developed. Our partnership with Community Forge is a key part of OFAI's engagement strategy.”
By centering these workshops at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg, this initiative ensures that the tools of the future are accessible to those helping to shape and participate in a beneficial AI ecosystem.
“Community Forge is excited to bring the incredible knowledge and expertise of OFAI into the community,” said Michael Skirpan, executive director of Community Forge. “Our mission is to avoid the cycles of technology innovation that create divided opportunities where only those with the most access and resources see the most benefit. We want to disseminate the knowledge and empower the people serving our communities to leverage AI using their know-how and creativity. With OFAI's help we hope to make a big difference in our region and across PA at democratizing access and comprehension of our new AI wave."
Workshops will be held at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg. Eligible participants can register or find more information by visiting the link here. Learn more about the Open Forum for AI at openforumai.org.
Community Forge was founded in 2017 with the goal of revitalizing the former Johnston Elementary School in Wilkinsburg as an asset to the community and region by community to build a more equitable economy. Our initial mission was to be an example of doing economic development in a way that was holistic and equitable, focusing on building bottom-up relationships in the community rather than top-down approaches often taken. Our current mission statement is "Equitable community development for the 21st Century that forges relationships, inspires creativity, and teaches the tools of the future."
Led by Carnegie Mellon University, the Open Forum for AI is an international initiative designed to support responsible and human-centered artificial intelligence. By fostering collaboration across academia, civil society, government, and industry, OFAI seeks to build a more open, inclusive, and accountable AI ecosystem.