Good point about focusing on money; this post was originally written differently, then I tried making it more broad, but I think it wound up being more disjointed than I would have liked.
First, I’d also be very curious about interventions other than money.
Second though, I think that “money combined with services” might be the most straightforward strategy for most of the benefits except for friends.
“Pretty strong services” to help set up people with mental and physical health support could exist, along with insurance setups. I think that setting up new services that are better than existing ones, but much more limited in scope, is possible, but expensive (at least in the opportunity cost of those who would set them up.)
Some helpers when things are rough could in theory be hired.
Encouraging more friendships seems pretty great, but very different. I imagine that’s more about encouraging good community structures/networks/events and stuff, but I’m not sure.
I also want to encourage you and others reading this to brainstorm on the topic. I don’t have any private knowledge, and I imagine others here would have much better insight into much of the problem than I do. (I’m on the older side of EAs now, and am less connected to many of the new/younger/growing communities)
I think this is a good point. One possibility of addressing this could be on the level of local EA groups giving organizers the tools and education to identify struggling members and help them better. As a local organizer, I would find additional resources helpful, especially if they are very action-orientated.
Kudos for this post. One quibble I have is, in the beginning you write
But later you focus almost exclusively on money. [Rest of the comment was edited out.]
Good point about focusing on money; this post was originally written differently, then I tried making it more broad, but I think it wound up being more disjointed than I would have liked.
First, I’d also be very curious about interventions other than money.
Second though, I think that “money combined with services” might be the most straightforward strategy for most of the benefits except for friends.
“Pretty strong services” to help set up people with mental and physical health support could exist, along with insurance setups. I think that setting up new services that are better than existing ones, but much more limited in scope, is possible, but expensive (at least in the opportunity cost of those who would set them up.)
Some helpers when things are rough could in theory be hired.
Encouraging more friendships seems pretty great, but very different. I imagine that’s more about encouraging good community structures/networks/events and stuff, but I’m not sure.
I also want to encourage you and others reading this to brainstorm on the topic. I don’t have any private knowledge, and I imagine others here would have much better insight into much of the problem than I do. (I’m on the older side of EAs now, and am less connected to many of the new/younger/growing communities)
I think this is a good point. One possibility of addressing this could be on the level of local EA groups giving organizers the tools and education to identify struggling members and help them better. As a local organizer, I would find additional resources helpful, especially if they are very action-orientated.