From an instrumental POV, donating to an effective charity that keeps you motivated to continue direct work is probably a good strategy. I sometimes donate to the LTFF, but would probably feel less motivated if all of my donations went there. “Fuzzies” from AMF help me stay motivated, and I think that increases my overall impact. If you’re concerned about the direct wording of the pledge and you feel longtermist charities are better in that regard, there’s probably some allocation between those and GH&D charities that would allow you to be in the sweet spot.
I can’t quite articulate why, but I feel that effective giving should be exciting and motivating. I would be sad if I knew people were stressing out about whether they’re doing the most good (impossible to tell) when they’re already doing a hell of a lot of good by giving to charities like AMF. Being excited and signalling to others that effective giving isn’t a chore is also good for inspiring others.
GWWC as an organisation recommends GiveWell top charities (what I assume you mean by GH&W charities), and a large fraction of the community gives there as well. That should be a pretty strong signal.
Within the broad portfolio of effective charities that EAs support, the decision of where to give often hinges on worldviews that are highly uncertain (should I donate to AMF, or the good food institute, or a wild animal research institute? What about a longtermist charity? It’s unclear a priori). To me, it’s perfectly sensible to hedge a bit with your overall altruistic portfolio (donate to neartermist global health charities while still doing direct longtermist work).
All of this stuff is really hard and unclear, so just do what you think is the best while also remembering it is nearly impossible to be a perfect effective altruist who always “maximizes the good”. And be proud of yourself for caring enough to think about it :)
Hey! A few thoughts:
From an instrumental POV, donating to an effective charity that keeps you motivated to continue direct work is probably a good strategy. I sometimes donate to the LTFF, but would probably feel less motivated if all of my donations went there. “Fuzzies” from AMF help me stay motivated, and I think that increases my overall impact. If you’re concerned about the direct wording of the pledge and you feel longtermist charities are better in that regard, there’s probably some allocation between those and GH&D charities that would allow you to be in the sweet spot.
I can’t quite articulate why, but I feel that effective giving should be exciting and motivating. I would be sad if I knew people were stressing out about whether they’re doing the most good (impossible to tell) when they’re already doing a hell of a lot of good by giving to charities like AMF. Being excited and signalling to others that effective giving isn’t a chore is also good for inspiring others.
GWWC as an organisation recommends GiveWell top charities (what I assume you mean by GH&W charities), and a large fraction of the community gives there as well. That should be a pretty strong signal.
Within the broad portfolio of effective charities that EAs support, the decision of where to give often hinges on worldviews that are highly uncertain (should I donate to AMF, or the good food institute, or a wild animal research institute? What about a longtermist charity? It’s unclear a priori). To me, it’s perfectly sensible to hedge a bit with your overall altruistic portfolio (donate to neartermist global health charities while still doing direct longtermist work).
All of this stuff is really hard and unclear, so just do what you think is the best while also remembering it is nearly impossible to be a perfect effective altruist who always “maximizes the good”. And be proud of yourself for caring enough to think about it :)