Description: “I’m grateful for how EA has welcomed me and valued my contributions, even though I don’t have an impressive background. Whilst many EAs are highly accomplished, I’ve found that the community is generally humble and appreciates diverse forms of contribution. I received funding/opportunities based purely on the merit of my proposal and accomplishments. My posts on the EA Forum receive thoughtful engagement. What I particularly appreciate is that EA values different types of excellence—not everyone needs to be writing academic papers or running marathons to matter. The community has helped me develop my thinking and skills rather than making me feel excluded for lacking certain knowledge. The barrier to entry feels reasonable for a movement focused on rigorous thinking about important problems. My background and current level of accomplishment don’t prevent me from being seen, heard, and appreciated.”
If you’re someone with an impressive background, you can answer this by asking yourself if you feel that you would be valued even without that background. Using myself as an example, I...
went to a not so well-known public college
worked an unimpressive job
started participating in EA
quit the unimpressive job, studied at fancy university
worked at high-status ingroup organizations
posted on the forum and got upvotes
Was I warmly accepted into EA back when my resume was much weaker than it is now? Do I think I would have gotten the same upvotes if I had posted anonymously? Yes and yes. So on the question of whether I’m valued within EA regardless of my background, I voted agree.
Hmm depends on which resonates most. If you do come from an impressive background but still don’t feel valued and capable within EA, I would say disagree-vote here.
6.b. I feel valued and capable within EA regardless of my background.
Needs fulfilled: equality, to be seen, to matter, belongingness
Associated emotions: satisfaction, confidence, gratefulness
Description: “I’m grateful for how EA has welcomed me and valued my contributions, even though I don’t have an impressive background. Whilst many EAs are highly accomplished, I’ve found that the community is generally humble and appreciates diverse forms of contribution. I received funding/opportunities based purely on the merit of my proposal and accomplishments. My posts on the EA Forum receive thoughtful engagement. What I particularly appreciate is that EA values different types of excellence—not everyone needs to be writing academic papers or running marathons to matter. The community has helped me develop my thinking and skills rather than making me feel excluded for lacking certain knowledge. The barrier to entry feels reasonable for a movement focused on rigorous thinking about important problems. My background and current level of accomplishment don’t prevent me from being seen, heard, and appreciated.”
Should those with impressive backgrounds click “Disagree” here?
(I ask this without attempting to imply anything about whether or not my own background counts as “impressive”).
If you’re someone with an impressive background, you can answer this by asking yourself if you feel that you would be valued even without that background. Using myself as an example, I...
went to a not so well-known public college
worked an unimpressive job
started participating in EA
quit the unimpressive job, studied at fancy university
worked at high-status ingroup organizations
posted on the forum and got upvotes
Was I warmly accepted into EA back when my resume was much weaker than it is now? Do I think I would have gotten the same upvotes if I had posted anonymously? Yes and yes. So on the question of whether I’m valued within EA regardless of my background, I voted agree.
Hmm depends on which resonates most. If you do come from an impressive background but still don’t feel valued and capable within EA, I would say disagree-vote here.