Campus Organizing Circles

Encode Africa has built its reputation by organizing numerous grassroots workshops in various parts of Africa. To ensure the work of organizers has the most impact, we're making organizing circles more impact-driven and specific to AI Safety dialogue while building career capital.

Open for Organizers

What We Expect from Organizers

Enrolled in a 4-year Bachelor's or on a Master's Track

At least a campus position or past experience in running events

A short proposal on what you want your group to focus on

Terms are renewed based on yearly output

Ability to attend bi-weekly check in meetings with Sheriff the regional organizer director

Submit proof of curriculum completion to the regional organizer director

One monthly meeting with the regional lead

Campus Organizing Curriculum

Setting up

Find a space for meeting on campus. Ensure your members are connected via a group chat. Report the progress to Sheriff and ask for help.

Between the first and second week of January

AI and ML fundamentals week

Run a short virtual or in-person meeting depending on capacity to introduce members to AI and ML.

From 3rd to first week of February

Paper reading set-up

Introduce members to paper reading and share tips on building a good reading habit.

Till the end of February

Paper reading sessions

Start with papers around X risks posed by AI, move to AI Safety problems and finally papers on specific themes your group is following. Fix paper reading sessions once every week from February. Increase reading frequency based on vacation timeline and member availability.

Ongoing from February

Learning by doing

Always check out Apart Research for hackathons and participate if it's a field you want to explore. Check out Encode Africa Action weeks and guide members on how to participate.

Apart Research Hackathons every 2 weeks. Action weeks on 3rd and 4th week of every month

Training Sessions

A session with Sheriff to guide you on how to do most stuff right as an organizer.

Happens once every 3 months

Application support

Guide exceptional members on how to submit applications to ongoing global AI Safety initiatives they are eligible for.

Typically during summer and before winter/spring most initiatives open for applicants

Important Note

Campus organizing is currently an unpaid role. Organizers from various campus departments contribute to this work. The organizing roles offer a valuable opportunity to enhance professional portfolios and build career capital in a field that creates significant impact.

Organizers receive branded merchandise and sometimes financial support for impactful events based on funding availability.

Always check out AI Safety Roadmap and Application Timeline for organizing resources.

Become a Campus Organizer

Lead AI Safety initiatives on your campus. Build community, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in the field.