Effective altruism is a growing social movement which applies evidence and reason to work out the most effective ways to improve the world. Effective altruists consider all causes and actions and then act in the way that brings about the greatest positive impact. It is this broad evidence-based approach that distinguishes effective altruism from traditional altruism or charity. Effective altruists combine the heart with the head and empathy with evidence. So many people have a desire to do good in the world, but what’s the best way to go about this?
We support organisations such as Giving What We Can (GWWC) and 80,000 hours, which are part of the Centre for Effective Altruism (CEA), based at the University of Oxford. GWWC is an international society dedicated to eliminating extreme poverty. GWWC members pledge to give at least 10% of their income to the most effective charities (as a student, the pledge is just 1% of spending money!), in order to relieve suffering of those in extreme poverty. (N.B. As a member of the Effective Altruists Society, it is NOT compulsory to make the GWWC pledge). 80,000 hours provides one-on-one career coaching, to help individuals discover which career will do the most to solve the world’s most pressing problems and bring about the biggest positive change. This should especially have great appeal to us students considering career choices post-university.
Effective altruism enables those with the very best intentions to realise the very best outcomes. If you’re dedicated to positive change in the world and want to discover real, evidence-backed solutions, this is the society for you.
Check out these sites to find out more:
http://centreforeffectivealtruism.org/
http://www.givewell.org/
https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_singer_the_why_and_how_of_effective_altruism
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