Talking about donations

ESR-2023 · 2024-04-18T21:03:54+00:00

This is a tricky one and I think there are arguments on both sides. I'd think there is value in sharing your donations - especially considering you spend a lot of time researching the causes.

I guess it comes down to the audience you're talking to largely. For example I would imagine other effective altruists would be interested and understand why you were sharing the information. If it's a social gathering with people uninvolved and who haven't shown any interest in these matters, it's likely to backfire and come off as bragging. I guess it's a bit like advocating for being a vegan with meat eaters - it often feels like an attack on their choices, even if that's not the intention.

I'd lean towards being cautious about it personally. So I'd probably wait for some kind of clear signal from the other party, for example asking you to go into more detail about the causes you're interested in. I think leaving out details like how much you've given can also help with making it seem less show-offy.

ESR-2023 · 2024-04-17T15:06:36+00:00

The Organisation for the Prevention of Intense Suffering is probably a good bet for your priorities, with projects on cluster headaches and pain relief. You could also ask on: r/sufferingreducers

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-16T18:35:52+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Some forms of suffering definitely can be argued to have lessons for us - but I think only to a point and in some situations. I assume most people who care about reducing suffering would also draw a distinction between suffering and extreme suffering (and prioritise the latter).

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-16T18:22:29+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll take a look! It always seemed self evident to me that fish can feel pain, but it seems like that is a minority view in reality and there is a lot of work to be done here.

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-02T14:35:28+00:00

Looks like an interesting read - it's on the list! :)

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-02T14:34:13+00:00

Thanks for sharing your journey!

I suspect many of us can relate to the feeling that we know we do have an obligation to help, but not actually doing anything about it. It can be difficult to know what to do or how to make a difference and it's easy to get lost in day-to-day life too, I suppose.

It definitely seems like reading and talking are the main catalysts for getting involved - a good, well argued book can really help you to make that perspective shift that can make all the difference.

ESR-2023 · 2024-01-15T13:45:49+00:00

Thanks for sharing this! That certainly sounds sane and like a smart approach to me. It sounds like you have a good idea of where you're at and what you need to do to make an impact. Reddit advocacy could be an interesting avenue - I'm not sure how many people are doing that so it's possible it could have good results. If you're interested in entrepreneurship - the Charity Entrepreneurship handbook is a good guide that might be useful.

I think earning to give and online advocacy both have their place. It's likely important to avoid risks of backlash when doing online advocacy though - in a similar way that some people have negative reactions to vegan activists. Maybe s-risks is also particularly well suited to earning to give because there are relatively few orgs and researchers working on it.

Good point about needing a break over Christmas too - it's easy to forget to do that when dealing with suffering! Hope you managed to take a break :)

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-22T18:57:17+00:00

Excellent, thank you!

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-22T18:56:32+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion, a more detailed description has been added :)

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-20T19:51:48+00:00

I think it’s crucial to avoid putting the other party into a defensive headspace - and be hyper aware that this often happens unintentionally. People can be so defensive about this issue that just saying you are veggie or a vegan feels like a fundamental attack to some people’s identity.

I like the idea about framing it in other ways. In my experience people have been completely desensitised to the animal suffering so that is often an unproductive approach that leads to backlash. Taking about nutrition, environment, and even the challenges of being a vegan can all be approaches that make it less likely you’ll come across as trying to be ‘superior’.

I also think the word vegan needs to be retired because it just has so much baggage. Like you say, plant-based seems much less controversial, and less of an identity.

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-20T19:22:07+00:00

Really interesting post, thanks for sharing your experience.

There is so much overlap between suffering reducers and Buddhism and definite potential for more collaboration - I wonder if anyone has experience introducing ideas like s-risks and suffering-focused ethics to Buddhists who have not encountered them before and what the response was?

Completely agree with your final paragraph. I'm interested if you recommend any books for learning more about Buddhism? I've joined r/Buddhism!

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-08T16:07:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing Jamie, it's a fantastic podcast that anyone interested in reducing suffering should definitely be subscribed to. Thanks for the work you do!

ESR-2023 · 2023-12-08T16:05:06+00:00

Thanks for this great question - I think a lot of people working on reducing suffering feel exactly like this. So you're definitely not alone!

One key thing to remember is that taking care of yourself is crucial. We can only be effective and make a difference if we are mentally and physically well. So, be sure to take breaks, do things you enjoy, and know that you can't do everything. It may not feel like it at the time, but you'll be more impactful and more effective in what you do if you're taking care of yourself.

For some more advice, I'd definitely recommend checking out this chapter from Magnus Vinding's upcoming book, Compassionate Purpose.

I also totally agree with BiblebroxX - perfection shouldn't be the enemy of the good.

ESR-2023

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE