Why we started AI Safety Ontario
AISO is a student-led community focused on AI safety, governance, and responsible AI. We connect students, researchers, and professionals across Ontario who are interested in understanding the societal impacts of advanced AI systems and contributing to their safe and beneficial development.
AISO was founded by students engaged in the global AI safety and governance community who recognized a need for province-wide connection and learning opportunities.
Our Mission
To build a welcoming, cross-disciplinary community across Ontario focused on AI safety and governance education. We believe that as AI becomes more powerful, it is crucial that a diverse range of voices are part of the conversation about how it should be developed and governed.
Through events, discussions, and community building, we aim to make AI safety and governance topics accessible to everyone, not just those with technical backgrounds.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
AI Safety & Responsible Development
We put safety and ethics at the center of every conversation about artificial intelligence.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Everyone is welcome regardless of technical background. We make complex AI topics approachable.
Curiosity & Learning
We foster an environment where asking questions and exploring ideas is encouraged.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
AI safety and governance needs diverse perspectives from arts, sciences, business, and beyond.
What We Do
AISO creates opportunities for people across Ontario to engage with AI safety and governance through learning, discussion, and community.
- Reading groups on AI safety and AI governance topics
- Talks and discussions with researchers and practitioners
- Conversations on AI policy, ethics, and societal impacts
- Exploration of career pathways in AI safety and responsible AI
- Community meetups and collaborative events across Ontario
What Makes AISO Different
Province-Wide Community
We are not limited to one school or city. AISO serves all of Ontario, bringing together students and community members from campuses and communities across the province.
Safety & Governance First
While many AI groups focus on building and hype, we center our conversations on the safety, ethical, and governance dimensions of AI that will shape the future.
Beginner-Friendly
No technical background required. We believe everyone should have a voice in shaping AI governance, and we make complex topics accessible and engaging.
Founded by Students, Built for Everyone
AISO was started by Kylie Cruz and King Dixon, two Laurier students who saw a gap in Ontario for a community focused on AI safety and governance. What started as a conversation between friends has grown into an organization dedicated to making these important topics accessible to everyone.
Meet the TeamMeet the people behind AISO
The founding team building an AI safety and governance community across Ontario.
King Dixon
Co-Founder & VP
Student at Wilfrid Laurier University dedicated to building meaningful community around AI safety and ethics. Helping grow AISO from the ground up.
Get Involved
AISO is building a province-wide community around AI safety and governance.
- Introductory sessions on AI safety
- Reading and discussion groups
- Guest speakers from the AI safety community
- Community meetups across Ontario
