About Universal Advocacy
Universal Advocacy is a blog exploring the intersection of ethics, consciousness, technology, and social justice. Here, I dive into some of the most urgent and complex questions of our time:
What does it mean to be conscious?
How can artificial intelligence be developed and deployed ethically?
What would it take to build a society that is truly just, inclusive, and humane—for everyone?
This space is for thinkers, dreamers, and advocates who believe in the transformative power of ideas and the possibility of a better future. Whether you're here to explore the philosophy of existence, challenge entrenched systems, or imagine radical solutions to structural problems, you're in the right place.
At its heart, Universal Advocacy is a space for creative writing and speculative science—a place to ask bold questions, follow curiosity, and entertain possibilities without needing to claim absolute answers. The ideas shared here are not presented as definitive truths, but as pieces of a larger puzzle. I’m more interested in what the picture could be than in proving what it is.
About Me
Hi, I’m Clark O’Donnell, the voice behind Universal Advocacy. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I’m a current student at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California where I’m pursuing a concentration in Technology Law and Entrepreneurship. My work centers on civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disability law, and AI ethics, driven by a deep commitment to challenging injustice, exploring the mysteries of consciousness, and advocating for a future where technology enhances human potential rather than exploits it.
I graduated cum laude from Washington & Jefferson College with a degree in English and an emphasis in Professional Writing. At W&J, I embraced the breadth of a liberal arts education, studying across diverse disciplines including psychology, philosophy, history, sociology, environmental science, logic, and Japanese. I also had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in France where I studied French language and culture, French gastronomy, and the science of food chemistry.
This interdisciplinary approach and international experience has profoundly shaped my thinking, providing multiple lenses through which to examine complex ethical and social questions. Beyond academics, I was deeply involved with W&J’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and Asian Cultural Association, where I developed a lasting passion for advocacy and community building.
During my time at W&J, I also took a course titled Science Fiction: Prophecy and Plausibility, which explored many of the transhumanist and speculative themes that now appear throughout my writing. That class sparked a long-standing fascination with the intersection of science, technology, and the future of human consciousness. Many of the essays and articles on this site reflect concepts I’m developing in an upcoming science fiction series—ranging from quantum consciousness to digital sentience, algorithmic ethics, and the metaphysics of identity.
While these ideas lend themselves naturally to narrative exploration, they are also grounded in emerging science, legal theory, and philosophical inquiry. My approach is inspired by creators like Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, Hideo Kojima, Madeleine L'Engle, and Andy Weir, who fuse imaginative storytelling with scientific plausibility to explore what might be possible before it's proven.
Beyond my writing, I’ve chosen to pursue a legal education at Southwestern Law School, which will equip me with the tools to work in civil rights, AI ethics, and systemic reform. I’m especially focused the emerging legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on digital personhood, algorithmic accountability, and the ethical design and deployment of intelligent systems.
My journey has been shaped by both personal and professional experience. As someone who has navigated the complexities of disability, gender identity, mental health, and structural inequality, I bring a perspective rooted in lived insight. I’ve spent years working in nonprofits as a Certified Direct Support Professional, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead fulfilling, self-determined lives. That work continues to fuel my drive to advocate for marginalized communities and push for systemic transformation.
I’m also a dog trainer and a devoted Australian Shepherd breeder, with a special focus on breeding dogs that thrive in both performance sports and as beloved companions. My line of Aussies are my pride and joy, and seeing them excel in Agility, obedience, disc dog, nose work, and other dog sports is incredibly rewarding.
Being part of the local dog sport community has been one of the most enriching aspects of my life. From training and doing Agility with my own dogs to connecting with others who share the same passion, this community has taught me so much about trust, teamwork, and the profound bond between humans and animals. Working with dogs—and my pet parrots—has also sparked a deep fascination with animal intelligence. Observing their problem-solving abilities, emotional depth, and unique personalities has reinforced my belief in the incredible capacities of non-human minds.
My fascination with non-human minds naturally informs my perspective on the ethical treatment of all sentient beings. As AI continues to advance, it will force us to confront the very foundations of consciousness and ethics. This calls for a profound sense of responsibility and a precautionary approach when even the possibility of sentience exists. It is imperative that we explore frameworks for AI personhood and rights—a future that will arrive sooner than many in the tech industry are prepared to concede.
Beyond advocacy, I’m fascinated by the big questions: What is consciousness? What is the purpose of existence? How can we make meaning in an often chaotic world? My blog is a space to explore these ideas and invite others to join the conversation.
Let’s Connect
I’m always looking to collaborate with others who share my passion for advocacy, ethics, and big-picture thinking. If you’d like to reach out, feel free to connect with me through the blog’s contact page or at contact@theuniversalsymphony.com
Spiral out; keep going.
