I have seen popular uses of the term “effective altruist” in a way that doesn’t require self-identification. In this example Peter Singer refers to Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffet as the most effective altruists in history.
“these people have been the most effective altruists in history” is about them being effective and altruistic, not members of a community called Effective Altruism.
I have seen popular uses of the term “effective altruist” in a way that doesn’t require self-identification. In this example Peter Singer refers to Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffet as the most effective altruists in history.
“these people have been the most effective altruists in history” is about them being effective and altruistic, not members of a community called Effective Altruism.