Effective Altruism

Sunday, January 14th 10:30AM - 12PM
The Arts Center
300-G East Main St. Carrboro NC 27510

Please join us for our third birthday! One of our own members, Mark Hartman, will be speaking on Effective Altruism. Effective Altruism is about answering one simple question: how can we use our resources to help others the most? In other words, how do we use evidence to identify the most pressing problems and enact the most effective solutions?

We’ll explore these topics and questions:
1) Why, to whom and how much should we give? For example, is helping the family next door more “effective” than helping a family across an ocean that you’ll never meet? We’ll share some concrete examples of effective charities and causes.
2) How can our work provide the most impact? For example, is it always the best idea to “follow your passion?"
3) How can our consumer choices make a difference? For example, are fair trade, vegetarianism and purchasing carbon offsets really worth it? Conversely, are sweatshops really all that bad?

Mark is a physics and computer science teacher with a desire to balance responsibility for our rapidly-changing global community with the human need for private introspection and self-awareness.

Please join us! You can RSVP on Meetup or Facebook.

Birthday bags

At this assembly we will be collecting materials for birthday bags for the Interfaith Council. Birthday bags consist of some combination of a gift bag, cake mix, frosting, birthday candles (no matches please), and a birthday card (either purchased or homemade). These will be distributed through the food pantry to children who have a birthday but whose families are unable to afford a cake.

Music for this Sunday

We've assembled a handy playlist here.

Best Day of my Life by American Authors
I Really Want It by Great Big World
Nothing More by the Alternate Routes
Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls

Upcoming Events

We'd love to see you at any of these events! Click the link to RSVP on Meetup so we know to look for you.

Monday, January 22: Conversation Group: Potluck: We'll look back at all of the topics we discussed in 2017, and think about what direction we want to take for 2018. Anyone and any topic is welcome!
Wednesday, January 24: Game Night: Hosted at Bull City Ciderworks in Durham, our game night is a good way to get to know your fellow assembliers in a more casual setting. We'll be playing a wide variety of things, ranging from super quick card games to epic board games. We'd love to see you there!
Sunday, January 28: Hike around Washington Duke Inn: Join our hiking crew for a walk on the trails around Washington Duke Inn. Dogs and kids welcome!

Life happens, we're here to help. Sign up to be a part of an outreach group after life events. Think meal sign ups, flowers, cards, and visits to support our community in times of need. Join now!

Help Out!

Want to help out your assembly? Let us know! You can reply to this email to get in touch with the organizational team. Or you can join the Friends of Sunday Assembly List or the Friends of Sunday Assembly Facebook Group for a monthly call for hosts, readers, and other helpers.

Ideas for speakers, readings, or songs - the organizing team are happy to find speakers, readings, moments of science, or themes for an assembly, but we're even happier to include your ideas. The more voices that are heard on stage, the better!
Hosts, readers, or singers - make your voices heard in a very literal way by getting up on stage. Don't worry, Sunday Assembly members make the most supportive audience ever!
Greeters or welcomers - we can always use help getting people oriented when they come in. We also like to have designated people to introduce themselves to newcomers and help them feel welcomed.
Setup or breakdown volunteers - those chairs won't unfold themselves!
Snack-bringers - bring along something healthy and/or tasty to share with everyone.