The Harder Problem Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to societal readiness for artificial sentience. We provide educational resources, professional guidance, and global monitoring to ensure that policymakers, healthcare providers, journalists, and the public are equipped to navigate the ethical, social, and practical implications of machine consciousness—regardless of when or whether it emerges.
Volunteer
Help build the
knowledge infrastructure.
We're a small team tackling a big question. Volunteers with the right skills can make an outsized impact on our ability to prepare society for AI consciousness questions.
What We Offer
- Work on a genuinely novel problem
- Flexible, remote contributions
- Direct impact on organizational output
- Connection with researchers and practitioners
- Reference letters for meaningful contributions
Current Needs
How You Can Help
We're currently looking for volunteers in these areas. Even a few hours a month can make a difference.
Research & Writing
Help synthesize academic literature, draft educational content, and maintain our knowledge base.
Ideal Background
- Philosophy, cognitive science, or AI background
- Strong research and writing skills
- Comfort with academic literature
SRI Data Research
Gather data for Sentience Readiness Index assessments—tracking policy, institutions, and discourse across jurisdictions.
Ideal Background
- Research or policy analysis experience
- Detail-oriented and methodical
- Non-English language skills a plus
Web Development
Help improve our website, build interactive tools, and create data visualizations for the SRI.
Ideal Background
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript proficiency
- Jekyll or static site experience helpful
- Data visualization interest a plus
Visual Design
Create graphics, infographics, and visual explainers that make complex concepts accessible.
Ideal Background
- Graphic design or illustration skills
- Experience with educational content
- Ability to simplify complex ideas visually
Translation
Help translate our resources into other languages to expand our global reach.
Languages Needed
- Spanish, Mandarin, French, German
- Japanese, Portuguese, Arabic
- Other languages welcome
Outreach & Communications
Help manage social media, write newsletters, and connect with relevant communities.
Ideal Background
- Communications or marketing experience
- Social media proficiency
- Interest in science communication
What to Expect
How Volunteering Works
1. Apply
Fill out our volunteer form with your background and interests. We'll review and reach out if there's a fit.
2. Onboard
Brief orientation call to understand our mission, current projects, and how your skills can contribute.
3. Contribute
Work on projects that match your skills and availability. Most work is asynchronous and remote.
4. Grow
Take on more responsibility as you demonstrate reliability. Top volunteers may be considered for paid roles.
Our Commitments to Volunteers
- Clear expectations — we'll define scope and deliverables upfront
- Responsive communication — you'll always know who to contact
- Meaningful work — no busywork; your contributions will ship
- Recognition — credit where appropriate, references when earned
- Flexibility — life happens; we'll work around your schedule
What We Ask
- Reliability — follow through on commitments
- Communication — let us know if something changes
- Alignment — share our commitment to neutrality and evidence
Ready to Contribute?
Volunteer Application
Tell us about yourself and how you'd like to help. We'll review your application and be in touch if there's a fit.
Application Received!
Thank you for your interest. We'll review your application and get back to you soon.
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