Daniel ROUQUETTE

Cause Areas of Interest in EA:

• Alternative protein

• Climate change

• Farmed animal welfare

• Global coordination & peace-building

• Global health & development

• Long-term future

How did you first get involved with the EA community?

I first heard about Effective Altruism on a podcast while on a road trip many years back. It immediately resonated with me because of some of my prior experiences (in particular charity work in West Africa). 

However, it is only in 2020, during the global lockdown that I thought of connecting with the rest of the community.

How has Effective Altruism influenced you in your journey of trying to do the most good?

I have signed the Giving What We Can Pledge in 2017 and, mostly, lived up to it since. I also have a much better understanding of charity work, and how it can benefit from some rationality.

Finally, it helps me be more confident about talking about my giving journey more publicly (see To Inspire People to Give, Be Public About Your Giving by Peter Wildeford on the EA Forum).

What interests you the most about being a part of the EA community?

I enjoy meeting like-minded individuals who are not afraid to think big, rationality, and of others. And more importantly, people who act on those convictions.

What would you like to see more in your EA community?

I joined the EA community during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus I haven’t had the chance to meet most people in person. I hope this will change soon.

Can you share your own giving journey with us?

My parents always told me about the importance of thinking of others. During my teenage years, my family started a charity after seeing some of the inefficiencies of existing structures in West Africa. This experience introduced me to thinking about how to do good better. 

Years later, after paying off my student debt, I looked for ways to give back. I learned about EA in a podcast featuring Peter Singer. A few weeks later, I followed the “Earn to Give” journey and signed the Pledge.

What would you advise someone who is keen on giving more effectively?

Just do it.

Can you share one (random) fact which you think most people would not know about?

I enjoy running a bit too much (but don’t follow my example if you’re looking for an effective way to train :p). I can run multiple half marathons in the same week as a way to catch up with friends, or clear my mind. This is also how I explore the island so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for new running routes.