This is a standard idea, but worth a mention. Look at the list and map of EA groups—or indeed the map of EAs—and find one near you, then drop them an email to get in touch. People on the map have contact forms linked at the top of their EA Profiles.
The possibility exists, but how many people have ever done this in practise?
Irrespective of how many other people do it (please don’t worry about that too much), I would encourage everyone to overcome their shyness and actually ask for help, information or social support by whatever medium. Personally, I felt delighted when someone sent me a question. Even though I am quite busy, responding was probably well worth my time.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard of a few from people writing in to me saying “thanks for the map, I met awesome person X on it which let to fruitful thing Y”. But I’ve only had a few emails to that effect, so I have no idea how common it is! I expect people are indeed shier than they need to be, effective altruists tend to really like talking to other like-minded people. :)
It’s tough because people often don’t live near you! I think the only places where there are lots of EAs are big cities, unless I’m missing something (which would be good news!).
If no other EAs live near you, you might consider to travel and couch surf in EA hubs. I’ve done this a few times in the UK, Switzerland and Berlin, and people were surprisingly welcoming.
Unfortunately I cannot reciprocate, because I live in a very EA-low area and will stay there in the future.
[Meet people where you live]
This is a standard idea, but worth a mention. Look at the list and map of EA groups—or indeed the map of EAs—and find one near you, then drop them an email to get in touch. People on the map have contact forms linked at the top of their EA Profiles.
The possibility exists, but how many people have ever done this in practise?
Irrespective of how many other people do it (please don’t worry about that too much), I would encourage everyone to overcome their shyness and actually ask for help, information or social support by whatever medium. Personally, I felt delighted when someone sent me a question. Even though I am quite busy, responding was probably well worth my time.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard of a few from people writing in to me saying “thanks for the map, I met awesome person X on it which let to fruitful thing Y”. But I’ve only had a few emails to that effect, so I have no idea how common it is! I expect people are indeed shier than they need to be, effective altruists tend to really like talking to other like-minded people. :)
It’s tough because people often don’t live near you! I think the only places where there are lots of EAs are big cities, unless I’m missing something (which would be good news!).
I’m afraid you are right.
If no other EAs live near you, you might consider to travel and couch surf in EA hubs. I’ve done this a few times in the UK, Switzerland and Berlin, and people were surprisingly welcoming.
Unfortunately I cannot reciprocate, because I live in a very EA-low area and will stay there in the future.