Become an EA organiser

Step 1: Scope Out the Landscape

First things first: ensure you’re not reinventing the wheel. Check if there’s already a group in your city or university. It might be more effective to join forces with them. If nearby cities or universities have groups, dip your toes in their activities before diving into your own.

Finding local EA groups is easier than you might think:

• Look at our join a group page
• Search for nearby groups or people on the EA Forum Community page
• Ask us, EA Netherlands!
• Ask contacts you might have in the EA community

This guide compiles wisdom from seasoned organisers worldwide. Remember, each group is unique, so treat this as a springboard, not a strict manual. Adapt, innovate, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from fellow organisers.

Why Should You Start or Run a Group?

Starting or running an EA group isn’t just about having an impact; it’s also a blast. Here are three compelling reasons to dive in:

1. Multiply Your Impact: Picture this: you introduce one person to EA who becomes as passionate and committed as you are. That’s akin to doubling your lifetime impact! This “multiplier effect” means the more people you inspire to donate to effective charities or pivot their careers towards high-impact causes, the greater the overall impact. Just watch out for the meta trap—don’t get so bogged down in spreading the word that you forget to do good yourself!
2. Foster Deeper Engagement: While only a small percentage of EAs first hear about the movement through a group, those who do are significantly more likely to become deeply involved. Group members are more likely to take the Giving What We Can pledge or change their career paths for EA. Regular in-person meetups provide the structure, resources, and social bonds necessary for potential EAs to get more involved and amplify their impact.
3. Hone Your Skills: Interested in a career with an EA organisation, especially in operations or event planning? Running an EA group is a stellar way to develop and showcase your organisational prowess. It’s hands-on experience that looks great on any CV.

For more insights on how EA groups generate impact, check out this “How do EA groups produce impact?” page.

Optional Further Reading

Still on the fence about diving into community building? 80,000 Hours has an insightful article weighing the pros and cons of working in community building for EA. Aimed at those considering it as a career, this article can help you decide whether to jump into community building or explore other ways to make a difference.

Ready to get started? The EA community awaits your leadership, enthusiasm, and unique perspective. Let’s make the world a better place, one organised event at a time!