About Effective Altruism
What is EA?
Effective altruism is a well-established, global network of people trying to help others as much as we can, given our limited resources and attentions. Since its founding in 2012, “EA” has become:
A research field. Answering the question “How can we do the most good?” takes careful focus. Therefore, some aspiring altruists are dedicated excusively to research, assessing established non-profits, new interventions, and future effects of current problems.
A toolbox. From this open-source research, we have established heuristics for optimizing resources which everyone can use. EA can help you prioritize between different issues, choose a career that makes a big difference, and donate money to proven effective charities.
An international professional society. Effective altruists are working all over the world on important problems like emerging technologies, global poverty, and animal welfare. Many live in “EA hubs” like NYC, London, or the SF bay area, but tens of thousands live, work, and donate globally, including in Austin. This broad network stays connected via conferences, online forum, and local and online groups, like our Austin city group.
“Effective altruism is totally new to me. Where do I start?”
We highly recommend you read this short but thorough introduction. It will tell you what global problems the EA network is focusing on these days, some related wins, the movement’s guiding principles, how our community tries to think about things, some FAQ, and even some common objections. It’s so complete that it’s the one thing we suggest reading before attending an event, no matter the type of event. Read it here.
“What has the EA network done so far?”
Success stories, research, and books: Scroll the official effective altruism homepage.
Explore related organisations: Click on any logos on our homepage.
Outside perspective: Read about some history, thinkers, and philosophy of the movemement as reported by Time magazine.
“Why haven’t I heard of this movement before?”
Most members try to work on important problems directly, not on promoting the movement. EA grew organically from academia and online-searches like “how to do the most good in the world”. Thankfully, many EAs today are trying to get the word out, and we’re glad you’re hearing about effective altruism now! Welcome!
Now we hope you’ll get to know our local chapter,
EA Austin!
Further Introductory Resources
Reading on Ideas: The EA Handbook
The EA Handbook introduces some of the key ideas in effective altruism.
Reading on Careers: 80,000 Hours’ Key Ideas
The 80,000 Hours Organisation provides research and support to help aspiring altruists switch into careers that effectively tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
News Publication: Future Perfect
Future Perfect explores provocative ideas with the potential to radically improve the world. They tackle big questions about the most effective ways to save lives, fight global warming, and end world poverty to create a more perfect future.
Listen via Podcasts: Effective Altruism: An Introduction
Effective Altruism: An Introduction is a collection of ten top episodes of The 80,000 Hours Podcast, specifically selected to help listeners quickly get up to speed on the school of thought known as effective altruism.