AI Safety Quest

AI Safety Quest was founded in early 2023 by a team of volunteers who had gathered around Alignment Ecosystem Development (AED), a nonprofit that builds infrastructure for the AI existential safety ecosystem. The organization was created to fill a gap left when AI Safety Support (AISS) shut down, stepping in as a distributed, grassroots alternative to provide navigation and career support for people entering the AI safety field.

The organization's primary offering is Navigation Calls: free 30-minute one-on-one advising sessions where volunteers learn about a newcomer's background, interests, and goals, then direct them to the most relevant resources, communities, and opportunities in the AI safety ecosystem. These calls are open to individuals at any career stage — from students to mid- and late-career professionals — who believe AI poses catastrophic risks and want to contribute meaningfully.

AI Safety Quest also runs Quest Parties, small cohort-based groups that work through the AI Safety Fundamentals curriculum published by BlueDot Impact over 12 weeks. A mentorship initiative called MAGIS (Mentorship in AGI Safety), a joint pilot with Sci.STEPS launched in mid-2024, pairs emerging talent with experienced professionals for six one-hour meetings over three months. The organization also hosts Tavern Time, a virtual open-hours session for informal questions and discussion.

The team includes Chris (IT and cybersecurity background), Joseph (writer and data analyst), Mick (operations manager), and Ricky (developer advocate manager), along with over ten former volunteers from diverse fields including engineering, law, medicine, and policy. All roles are unpaid. AI Safety Quest operates as a sub-fund under Alignment Ecosystem Development's fiscal sponsorship and has no paid staff.