In terms of quick wins, I think it is notable that so far as I am aware the EA movement has not set up a single charity/cause that aims to be suitable for Givewell’s evaluation process (or for that matter the ACE evaluation process) let alone one that has passed such a process. If something is a potential “quick win” it should be much more suitable for these things than most EA meta / GCR charities. Especially, because the progress on Givewell endorsed cause areas is large (for example, malaria deaths reduced by 60% since 2000). Having a few ideas that reach such levels (perhaps through an intermediate EA version of Ycombinator) would be a big deal for those of interested in short feedback loop EA charities.
However, I am interested in such causes just because I think there is tremendous potential to improve the world in the short term. I don’t think the argument that I focus primarily on reducing poverty is that I believe a world without poverty is one that could work towards reducing catastrophic long term risks far more effectively than the world we have today. Is very convincing and I think that people who do focus on long term risks tend to agree with me!
Evidence Action has a new ‘beta’ initiative to launch new interventions. Evidence Action seems well suited for creating new programs since they have the experience and infrastructure already in place. They have an evidence and cost-effectiveness mindset that seems closely aligned with the EA movement.
In terms of quick wins, I think it is notable that so far as I am aware the EA movement has not set up a single charity/cause that aims to be suitable for Givewell’s evaluation process (or for that matter the ACE evaluation process) let alone one that has passed such a process. If something is a potential “quick win” it should be much more suitable for these things than most EA meta / GCR charities. Especially, because the progress on Givewell endorsed cause areas is large (for example, malaria deaths reduced by 60% since 2000). Having a few ideas that reach such levels (perhaps through an intermediate EA version of Ycombinator) would be a big deal for those of interested in short feedback loop EA charities.
However, I am interested in such causes just because I think there is tremendous potential to improve the world in the short term. I don’t think the argument that I focus primarily on reducing poverty is that I believe a world without poverty is one that could work towards reducing catastrophic long term risks far more effectively than the world we have today. Is very convincing and I think that people who do focus on long term risks tend to agree with me!
Evidence Action has a new ‘beta’ initiative to launch new interventions. Evidence Action seems well suited for creating new programs since they have the experience and infrastructure already in place. They have an evidence and cost-effectiveness mindset that seems closely aligned with the EA movement.
Agree. Also I think setting up a new GiveWell recommended charity is pretty hard. More discussion here: http://effective-altruism.com/ea/ib/request_for_feedback_researching_global_poverty/ Also see my comment.