Why your university needs an EA group (and why you should start it)
Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash
University students have repeatedly been at the forefront of powerful social movements—think climate activism, human rights, and global health advocacy. Effective altruism (EA), the movement that uses evidence and reasoning to figure out how to help others most effectively, is no different.
Here are five reasons why starting an EA group at your university can create genuine, long-lasting impact:
1. You influence career decisions at a crucial moment
University is when many people shape their core values and decide their professional path. An EA university group can help students choose impactful careers—whether it’s tackling global health crises, improving animal welfare, or addressing existential risks like AI safety.
2. Your reach is bigger than you think
A single university group can inspire dozens or even hundreds of people each year. Some of these students might become influential leaders, policy-makers, researchers, or entrepreneurs who significantly multiply the group’s impact over time.
3. You provide a supportive community
Many students want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. An EA group offers resources, mentorship, and guidance. It provides a space to connect and empowers motivated people to turn ideas into action.
4. You amplify global causes locally
Effective altruism deals with global problems, but change often begins locally. University groups can build connections with local institutions, NGOs, and government initiatives, making abstract global issues tangible and actionable.
5. You grow the EA movement
University groups play a key role in expanding EA’s ideas to new communities. Every new group contributes to building a movement that genuinely shifts how society thinks about doing good—moving it from good intentions to measurable, impactful outcomes.
Interested in starting a group or want help figuring out where to begin? Get in touch with us at info@eabelgium.org we’d love to support you.
