Effective Altruism in Berlin and Dresden

My first encounter with Effective Altruism (EA) was rather unremarkable. In 2016, whilst I was active in a local group of the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, another member mentioned an interesting lecture that he thought I would enjoy. That’s how I came to meet people from Effektiver Altruismus in Berlin. There, I suddenly discovered a community of people who shared remarkably similar views to mine. I encountered both familiar thinking and fresh perspectives. I was so captivated that I threw myself into it immediately. A year later, I founded the local EA group in Dresden and led it for two years.

Doing Good doesn’t have to be a Hobby

The greatest influence EA has had on my life was the clarity with which I came to understand that one can make a positive impact through one’s career. Until then, I had always thought: I work, I earn money, and the things that truly matter to me I pursue in my spare time. But of course, I had other things to do in my spare time as well. This left me with a bad conscience and a sense that I wasn’t doing enough.

Diversification as a Career Strategy

It took several more years before I realigned my career towards EA-related work. Ultimately, I used my parental leave to make this career transition. Initially, I diversified—a strategy I would highly recommend. I was lucky that so much of what I set out for actually worked out. I founded an association, took on a political mandate, completed the Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program in 2020, and eventually founded my own start-up.

Alternative Proteins: Reducing Animal Suffering

At AltProtein.jobs, we empower people to contribute to food system transformation, primarily by aligning their careers accordingly. We believe that alternative proteins are a major lever for significantly reducing factory farming and, therefore, reducing animal suffering. Over the past two years, we have helped place over 300 people into positions worldwide.

Opportunity Costs

Since realigning and diversifying my career as described, I no longer feel guilty about not doing enough good. But of course, these decisions come with their own consequences. To be honest, I still struggle at times with what I have foregone for this path—for instance, a considerably higher salary. This is also why I don’t donate additionally. I believe I effectively donate tens of thousands of euros annually by consciously choosing to become an impact founder rather than maximising my market earnings.

My Criticism of the EA Community

Whilst I continue to believe that EA offers sound approaches to doing good and setting priorities, there have been times over the years when I’ve been disappointed. The EA community aspires to be—and sees itself as—more rational than other approaches. Yet within the community, many biases and systemic inequalities of our societies continue to be replicated.

My Candidacy for VOLT

During my years as a founder, I approached politics rather as a side pursuit. Currently, that focus has shifted, and I’m in the midst of campaigning as a candidate for the Berlin state parliament. That I’m now involved at AltProtein.jobs only behind the scenes is thanks to an exceptionally dedicated and motivated team that shoulders much of the work. In contrast to entrepreneurship, politics is a longer-term engagement where the results of one’s actions are not always immediately evident. Yet the potential impact is considerable. In my political endeavours, I focus on Berlin, where I have, for example, tabled motions on facade and roof greening and engaged with the topic of AI safety in local administration.

Both at AltProtein.jobs and in my political endeavours, I am open for collaborations and talented volunteers. If you feel called, feel free to get in touch.