How We Try to Make a DifferenceAn EACH × ESS Networking Evening
- Date
- 2026-06-24
- Location
- 📍 [Zürich - exact Venue tba], Zürich, ZH, Switzerland
- Host
- Effective Altruism Switzerland
About this event
Some of the most meaningful work starts with a simple question: how do we actually make a difference, and with whom? How We Try to Make a Difference — An EACH × ESS Networking Evening brings people together in Zürich for an in-person conversation about community, impact, and the relationships that help good ideas become real action. This is a social, community-driven evening designed for people who care about contributing thoughtfully, meeting others who feel the same, and learning how different perspectives can strengthen that effort. If you want more than small talk and are looking for a room where purpose and connection belong in the same sentence, this event is built for that. About the Event At its core, this evening is a networking gathering with a clear theme: making a difference is rarely a solo act. The EACH × ESS collaboration signals a shared interest in bringing people into the same room to exchange ideas, experiences, and motivations around community-minded work and involvement. Rather than positioning networking as a transactional exercise, this event creates space for more grounded conversations. Expect a setting where people can talk about what they care about, what they are working on, where they are still figuring things out, and what kinds of collaboration might be possible when the right people meet. The format is in person, which matters. There is a different quality to face-to-face conversation: easier introductions, more natural follow-up questions, and a better sense of who someone is beyond a profile or a message thread. Being physically present makes it easier to build trust, discover shared interests, and leave with connections that feel real. This evening is also intentionally broad in appeal. You do not need to fit into one professional box to belong here. If you are motivated by community, curious about social impact, or simply interested in meeting thoughtful people in Zürich who are trying to contribute in meaningful ways, you will be in the right room. What to Expect You can expect a welcoming networking evening with time to meet new people, have more substantial conversations, and explore the theme behind the event title in a practical, human way. The emphasis is on connection, exchange, and discovering common ground. A likely flow for the evening includes: Arrival and informal mingling from the 6:00 PM start, giving people time to settle in and begin conversations naturally A shared framing of the evening, introducing the purpose of the EACH × ESS gathering and the idea behind “how we try to make a difference” Open networking and small-group conversations where attendees can talk about their interests, experiences, and current questions Space for follow-up discussions so promising introductions can turn into more useful, memorable exchanges Because this is a community and social event as much as a networking one, the atmosphere should feel approachable rather than rigid. You do not need to arrive with a polished pitch. It is enough to bring curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen as well as contribute. You should also expect a mix of people and motivations. Some attendees may be exploring how to get more involved. Others may already be active in community initiatives, student spaces, social projects, or peer networks. That variety is part of the value: different levels of experience often lead to better conversations and more unexpected connections. Why Attend This evening is valuable because it combines two things that are often separated: purpose and access. Many people want to contribute more, collaborate more thoughtfully, or meet others who care about similar issues, but they do not always have the right setting in which to start. This event provides that setting. You may leave with new contacts, but the real benefit is deeper than collecting names. You can gain a clearer sense of how others think about impact, where your own interests fit, and what kinds of opportunities or collaborations might be worth pursuing after the event. Attending can be especially useful if you are in a stage of transition or exploration. Maybe you are looking for a community in Zürich, trying to connect your values with your work or studies, or wanting conversations that go beyond routine professional networking. This evening gives you a chance to test ideas, hear different perspectives, and find people who resonate with your approach. There is also value in simply being around people who are trying. Not people who claim to have everything solved, but people who are willing to show up, ask better questions, and think seriously about contribution. That kind of room can sharpen your thinking, expand your network, and make future action feel more possible. Practical Details The event takes place in person in Zürich, Switzerland, with the exact venue to be announced. That means you can plan for an on-site evening in the city while keeping an eye out for the final location details as they are confirmed. The scheduled time is Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 PM GMT+2. As an evening event, it is well suited to people who want to come after work, study, or other daytime commitments and spend a few focused hours meeting others in a more relaxed setting. A few helpful things to keep in mind: Location: Zürich, exact venue TBA Format: In-person networking and community gathering Theme: Making a difference through conversation, connection, and shared perspective Best approach: Come ready to introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up with people you click with If you are deciding whether to come, the simplest reason is this: being in the room changes what becomes possible. One conversation can sharpen an idea, open a door, or connect you with someone you would not have met otherwise. This evening is an invitation to show up, meet people with intention, and see what can grow from that.
Who should attend
This evening is for you if you want your networking to feel more purposeful, more human, and more connected to real community. - **You care about impact and community**, and you want to meet others in Zürich who are also thinking seriously about how to contribute. - **You are looking for meaningful conversations**, not just quick introductions or transactional exchange. - **You are a student, early-career professional, organizer, volunteer, or community-minded contributor** who wants to expand your circle with people who share similar values. - **You are new to a space, project, or city**, and want a welcoming way to start building relationships in person. - **You are exploring what “making a difference” means in practice** and would benefit from hearing how others approach that question. - **You enjoy events where different backgrounds mix well**, and where curiosity, openness, and follow-through matter more than having a perfect elevator pitch. If you want to leave with stronger connections, fresh perspective, and a better sense of who is doing thoughtful work around you, this event is a strong fit.