Introduction to Effective Altruist Principles and Ideas
Effective Altruism Austin is running a free 16-hour course Nov 1-Dec 3: Introduction to Effective Altruist Principles and Ideas.
Thousands of people globally have completed longer versions of this course virtually or at a university. Now we at Effective Altruism Austin are bringing you a localized, condensed version, so you can complete it with your community and friends.
You can participate online or in-person.
Who is it for?
Our program is aimed at professionals or those pursuing an advanced degree who want to increase their understanding of how to do good. Strategic thinkers like engineers, analysts, entrepreneurs, and ethicists tend to use the ideas we teach most, but if you are interested in helping others as much as you feasibly and sustainably can, we encourage you to register no matter your professional domain. The material is good for beginners, but it’s not only a beginner's course. You can take the discussion as deep as you like and bring up any current events you know of. Because of our 2-step registration process, we are confident you’ll hear insightful takes from each of your fellow participants, and you might even meet someone to collaborate with on a future project. You can also refer your friends or attend together, so feel free to share this page before the deadline of November 1st.
What is it?
It’s a flexible 16-hour course which covers the core ideas of effective altruism to help you increase your understanding of how to do good. It is a condensed version of the virtual introductory program offered by the Centre for Effective Altruism, which 1500 people have completed and reviewed well. Each week, participants read ~2 hours of educational material at their own pace and meet for a 2-hour group discussion. Together with your fellow Austin participants, you will learn about and discuss questions such as:
How much better are the best options for doing good, compared to average options?
How can we make better decisions together and as a society?
Who in the world should we care to help?
How does climate change compare to other risks?
What can we do to ensure artificial intelligence helps us, rather than harms us?
The topics have been carefully chosen and materials pared down, so there’s no fluff:
Part 1: Adopt an “effectiveness mindset”, and then learn strategies to compare the impact of different problems and solutions
Part 2: Try on impartiality and “radical empathy” for all beings, and learn why to prioritize faraway people, animals, and future beings
Part 3: Learn what catastrophes might befall humanity, how to get better at predicting things, and consider transformative technologies and AI
Part 4: Decide what’s now most important to you, and then learn how to position yourself and act to make a difference on it
Will this fit my schedule?
When:
This course runs Nov 1-Dec 3, and will take about 16 hours of your time. There are 4 sections of readings which each take 1-2.5 hours depending on your reading speed, to be read in your own time. Then join a 2-hour group meeting, with facilitated discussion of the material and occassional activities.
Vote on Meeting Dates:
We determine dates based on your availability week-by-week, and each week you have at least two dates to join that week’s meeting, an online option and an in-person option. Each week, participants submit their availability for the following week, and we’ll pick dates that work best for everyone: First, you’ll submit availability for an in-person meeting, and we’ll chose a date that accommodates the greatest number. Next, we’ll request availability for the virtual meeting from anyone who can’t attend that in-person date.
Anyone can attend either meeting option once the dates are chosen.
Missing a Meeting:
We’ve tried to design it so you can attend all 4 meetings because past participants have found them so valuable. This course could change your life, so we hope you take the opportunity seriously. That said, we understand life is hectic, and missing one meeting is understandable. If you are interested, don't let risk of missing a meeting stop you from registering. And if you have to drop out, we won’t judge. You are welcome to stay in touch and attend future offerings.
Flexible Timeline and Pacing:
You can read ahead, but here’s what we suggest
Nov 1: Register and have completed our one-time member intake & experience survey
Nov 1-5: Week 0. We add you to Slack, clarify your availability for Week 1, and send you course materials. Begin reading Part 1.
Nov 6-12. Week 1. Attend one of the meetings on Part 1. Begin reading Part 2.
Nov 13-19. Week 2. Attend one of the meetings on Part 2. Begin reading Part 3.
Nov 20-26. Week 3. Attend one of the meetings on Part 3. Begin reading Part 4.
Nov 27-Dec 3. Week 4. Attend one of the meetings on Part 4. Join us for an in-person graduation gathering if you wish!
Where is it?
In-Person Options and dates: (Recommended) Our comfortable, private venue is accessibly located right off 1-35, at the intersection of Mariposa Dr & S I-35 Frontage Rd. Although it is slightly south, we hope the highway proximity makes up for it for North-Austin attendees. The in-person meetings will be scheduled based on availability of those who prefer in-person that week.
We recommend the in-person option if you can make it!
Refreshments and meals will be provided.
Virtual Options and dates: We will mostly use Google Meet, but will also use Gatheround for a few activities. The virtual meetings will be scheduled based on the availability of those who can’t make the decided in-person discussion that week.
Communication between discussions happens on our Slack Channel.
How much does it cost?
Like all our offerings, this program is free.
All venue rentals, readings, meals, and refreshments are paid for by generous donors in the global effective altruism network.
How do I apply?
To apply, you must have done BOTH of these Google Forms by midnight November 1st:
Complete our one-time UNIVERSAL member intake & experience survey. We use this survey as a universal eligibility requirement for all our courses, private events, and 1-on-1 advising, which are always free. Once you've completed it, you don't have to ever again, and registering and booking any of our offerings takes 30 seconds. Complete it here if you have not yet. Then come back here to register.
Register for this particular course with this program’s UNIQUE 30-second registration form so we save you a spot.
We look forward to discussing these important ideas with you!
Email info@eaaustin.org if you have questions.
