Community vs network

Abstract

Engaged members of the Effective Altruism (EA) community and the wider network of EA-interested individuals each have their roles in promoting and amplifying altruistic behavior. Investigating the Centre for Effective Altruism funnel model, this work questions the zones of impact, suggesting a possibly larger cumulative benefit from loosely associated, less engaged members of the wider EA network. It discusses the value of focusing efforts towards facilitating these ’network’ individuals, using advice and connection provision to align their philanthropic directions with EA principles. The piece speculates approaches for building productive groups based on shared careers, causes, or interest areas and challenges the traditional notion of EA as a marketing funnel. Instead, it proposes viewing EA as a mechanism for coordination, ultimately directing people towards valuable initiatives matching their own values and capabilities. The work ends by suggesting the EA community serve as a cause incubator, conducting research into potentially supportive new causes, testing them, and reinforcing their growth. – AI-generated abstract.