Effective Altruism (EA) is not an end in itself - it's a powerful framework, a means to create a better world. A world where doing good isn't just well-intentioned but effective, inclusive, and forward-thinking for all sentient beings - present and future.
Recently, I was reviewing submissions from our Community Ask Initiative, an initiative designed to connect members of the EA Nigeria community with mentors, resources, or guidance they may need. It’s a tool we use to foster collaboration, growth, and shared learning within our community. It has been helpful in fostering responsible community membership and resourcefulness. Most requests are thoughtful and aligned with EA values, but one message stood out not because it was unusual, but because of how direct and honest it was.
The person reached out with a simple but profound question: “How can I make money using EA?” At first, I was taken aback by the bluntness of the request. But on reflection, it wasn’t surprising. Many young people in Nigeria face real economic challenges. The desire to earn a living while engaging with EA ideas is understandable, even if it doesn’t immediately align with the movement’s core principles.
Rather than dismiss the question, I chose to engage. I responded by emphasizing that while EA isn’t a career path in itself, it can guide meaningful and impactful work that also supports livelihood. I told him:
“You can’t live off the world’s problems and not create more problems. But you can work on solving some of the world’s most pressing issues and still meet your basic needs while making a positive difference.”
While I understand we have needs that must be met, how we go about meeting them is as important as what we do in order to meet them.
I encouraged him to reflect on what problem he wanted to solve, which cause area resonated most with his skills and passions, and how he could begin contributing through volunteering, internships, or focused learning. I reminded him that EA offers a range of cause areas, from global health to AI safety to animal welfare, that they could explore and contribute to meaningfully.
After our conversation, he began to see the value in aligning personal goals with broader impact. This experience reinforced the importance of mentorship and guided engagement in EA, especially for newcomers who may not yet fully understand the movement’s philosophy.
I shared some resources and invited them to reach out again. Their journey is ongoing, and I plan to write about mentorship soon, especially how we can better support those entering EA with both idealism and practical needs.
Because at the heart of EA is not judgment, but thoughtful action. And sometimes, that begins with a single, honest question.
