Thank you for compiling this timeline. It’s valuable to see these efforts documented.
As someone from Africa currently transitioning into AI safety policy and governance. Despite the initiatives listed here, I’ve faced repeated rejections from fellowships and mentorship programs. Finding international roles has been extremely difficult, and I sometimes wonder if geographic location plays a role.
The data shows promising trends in geographic diversity among newer cohorts, but the challenge isn’t just getting people from LMICs interested—it’s providing genuine pathways to contribute. What’s missing are:
- Mentorship programs designed to bridge knowledge and network gaps for people from LMICs
- Entry-level or volunteer roles in AI safety that don’t require extensive prior credentials
- Virtual opportunities that don’t require relocation
I’m not suggesting lowering standards, but our current systems may inadvertently filter for geographic and institutional privilege alongside competence.
I’d appreciate hearing from others who’ve navigated similar challenges, or from organizations with suggestions for gaining experience in AI safety from my position.
Hi Jessica! Some things you might check out if you’re not already connected: - EA Connect, the upcoming virtual conference - Magnify Mentoring which might have mentors with experience in connecting people in LMICs to areas where AI safety is more established - The opportunities board, which tends to have more accessible roles than boards aimed at full-time jobs
Thank you for compiling this timeline. It’s valuable to see these efforts documented.
As someone from Africa currently transitioning into AI safety policy and governance. Despite the initiatives listed here, I’ve faced repeated rejections from fellowships and mentorship programs. Finding international roles has been extremely difficult, and I sometimes wonder if geographic location plays a role.
The data shows promising trends in geographic diversity among newer cohorts, but the challenge isn’t just getting people from LMICs interested—it’s providing genuine pathways to contribute. What’s missing are:
- Mentorship programs designed to bridge knowledge and network gaps for people from LMICs
- Entry-level or volunteer roles in AI safety that don’t require extensive prior credentials
- Virtual opportunities that don’t require relocation
I’m not suggesting lowering standards, but our current systems may inadvertently filter for geographic and institutional privilege alongside competence.
I’d appreciate hearing from others who’ve navigated similar challenges, or from organizations with suggestions for gaining experience in AI safety from my position.
Hi Jessica! Some things you might check out if you’re not already connected:
- EA Connect, the upcoming virtual conference
- Magnify Mentoring which might have mentors with experience in connecting people in LMICs to areas where AI safety is more established
- The opportunities board, which tends to have more accessible roles than boards aimed at full-time jobs