₳ Cure for CBDCs: ADA's Official Adoption as Legal Tender Currency

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Philip de Souza

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

info@adabrics.com

Additional applicants

In negotiation

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Ultimately, our definition of success will depend upon the acceptance of those in positions of power within the various governments of the world, to adopt ADA as legal tender currency. Fortunately, Cardano's unique advantages in this regard, and suitability, are easily demonstrable, and clearly surpass those of the only other crypto to have been adopted as official currency, by two nation states already, Bitcoin.

In addition to this, reaching this level of success will also depend on the establishment of a project working group, yet to be assembled, consisting of people from multiple sectors (marketing, PR, legal, & consulting) who are ideally positioned to assist us towards this end.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Incubation

[METADATA] SDG rating

The UN's program of SDGs have gained some justifiable notoriety as being the vehicle by which CBDCs are largely to be introduced, together with a digital ID completely owned and controlled by the state, and not the sovereign individual for whom it is meant. This effectively serves not just as a continuation of the status quo, but even a "doubling down" on the shackles that cryptocurrencies, like Cardano, were created to liberate us from in the first place.

Sustainable Development Goals we'd consider appropriate are those excluding enticement to peonage in the form of numerous, undisclosed conditions for the use of their notices of liability (i.e., - debt notes, be they paper or electronic CBDCs), issued under color of law, assumed as money, yet merely capable of a continued transference (aka "discharging") of debt (with interest) instead of extinguishing of same (i.e., payment); in other words - a reinstatement of "money" as per its true and limited (aka FINITE) definition. Albeit no longer in the form of a metal specie, its attributes in accord to this limited nature all the same (and not precluding its use in connection with specie either); the systemic characteristics of a unit of ADA matching, to a great extent, those of a commodity metal coin.

That said, and without seeking to detract from the public-facing spirit of SDGs, we consider the following goals, subgoals, and KPIs as remaining appropriate, but with the caveat that it in no way, shape or form means we accept or condone the issuance or use of CBDCs, or digital IDs not self-owned (like SSI), as the primary goals of the UN's SDG program, which they unfortunately appear to be:

SDG Goals:

• Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

SDG Subgoals:

• By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
• By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
• Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions
• By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent
• Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
• Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
• Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
• Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
• Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance
• Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
• Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
• Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
• Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

• Proportion of adults (15 years and older) with an account at a bank or other financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider
• Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit
• Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organizations
• Remittance costs as a proportion of the amount remitted
• Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, by sex, age, disability and population group
• Proportion of members and voting rights of developing countries in international organizations
• Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services

Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI):

• The State party should recognize the existence of the various ethnic and linguistic minorities in each regional State and ensure their adequate political representation and participation at regional State and federal levels.
• The Committee notes the recognition of the rights of ethnic and linguistic communities to self-determination at the level of the regional State according to the “ethnic federalism” established by the Constitution, but is concerned about the lack of recognition and participation in public life of the ethnic and linguistic minorities living outside their designated “ethnic regions” (arts. 1, 2, 25, 26, 27).

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

If the enormity of a problem directly corresponds to the level by which it's willfully ignored, are we to be condemned if it's the natural result of subconscious, human behavior to ignore it, and keep "whistling past the graveyard" of our future freedoms as their end draws near?

A terrifying truth can often compel the most irrational of responses, but anything that can be destroyed by the truth, in our view, most certainly should. The truth of the matter - of the problem as we perceive it - is that many of our basic freedoms may soon disappear, and that's not something being addressed sufficiently, nor directly, enough. Much more needs to be done to address it; communication and education being only the beginning.

Those who will soon be convening in Johannesburg, South Africa, at this year's BRICS summit, will be doing so with the express and primary intent of choosing an alternative to the world's de facto, global reserve currency. It is a founding reason for the formation of their economic bloc, but these BRICS member nations, and their aspiring applicants, already harbor justifiable liquidity concerns, among other factors, as they consider the appropriateness of selecting one their own national currencies for the task, or even a basket of them combined.

Significant open-mindedness in the consideration of their selected alternative currency exists, and the prospect of it being a major cryptocurrency, for this reason, is substantial. The opportunity for ADA here is enormous, but how many of those convening for this discussion are even aware of how incredibly suitable Cardano's ADA is as a candidate?

Many power brokers will likely be jostling for their favorites, and consensus will probably take some time, but if just one nation is inspired by these debates to adopt Cardano's ADA as legal tender currency for themselves first, it will have immediately and dynamically restored much of what America itself lost upon the creation of the Federal Reserve Bank/System: a decentralized, commodity-based currency, with all the stabilizing benefits and controls that will redound to its people as a result.

Raising the awareness of government officials, however, particularly those in charge of a nation's currency, requires a unique strategy because of the nature of their roles and the intricacy of the issues at hand. They will require detailed, evidence-based communication that demonstrates a thorough understanding of both the technology behind Cardano and the complexities of national economies.

Our approach must be broken into several phases:

1. A Fact Finding phase dedicated to the research and collection of names and contact details of those officials, from a shortlist of candidate nations, that are best positioned within their respective governments for such an adoption. This can be accelerated with the formation of a project working group consisting, if possible, of members who are already connected in some way that could help.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: This involves conducting workshops and one-on-one sessions with the now-identified, relevant government officials (either virtually or in person). The aim is to provide them with an in-depth understanding of how Cardano can help their respective economies, the underlying technology (replete with details of existing partnerships, collaborations, case studies, and pilot projects - like the work already done in Ethiopia's education sector), and how it can be regulated.
3. Public Relations and Advocacy: Developing relationships with influential figures in the blockchain space, economics, governments, and the public can help get this idea across more effectively. To help with this more widespread level of engagement and raise awareness of this project within the public view, we have also launched a Stake Pool precisely with this goal as its mission: BRICS on Cardano

Above all else, awareness is key, and building trust with government officials takes time. Patience, consistency, and openness are vital. It's also essential to be prepared for regulatory scrutiny and to have a solid plan in place for managing the challenges that can arise in such a complex and rapidly evolving space. Direct liaisons with key personnel from IOG and the Cardano Foundation will be desirable for this reason as well.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Catalyst Open "aims to seed the ideas which might, in time, grow the ADA economy and inform our future funding priorities."

There are very few moments in history that are defined by such a monumental shift away from the prevailing, global reserve currency, towards a more equitable alternative as the one at present. With the imminently pending announcement of the Federal Reserve's 'FedNow' CBDC, and the already announced international CBDC, the Universal Monetary Unit (UMU), or 'Unicoin', it is clear the BRICS nations represent the only major, politico-economic bloc in the world that can alter the direction already committed to in the West, monetarily and economically.

The official adoption of ADA as legal tender currency, by any nation-state, would have several significant benefits to the Cardano ecosystem:

1. Increased Adoption and Awareness: Official recognition by a country would result in increased visibility and awareness of Cardano, encouraging more people to explore, adopt, and start using ADA, which would, in turn, foster a larger user base.
2. Price Appreciation: Increased demand due to adoption as legal tender could lead to price appreciation of ADA, benefiting those who already hold it.
3. Regulatory Clarity: By adopting ADA as legal tender, the adopting nation would likely set out clear regulations about its use, reducing uncertainty that can inhibit the adoption and application of blockchain technology.
4. Infrastructure Development: A significant increase in users could lead to increased investment in Cardano's infrastructure to support scalability, security, and usability.
5. Innovation and Development: The adoption could trigger a wave of innovation as businesses, developers, and entrepreneurs seek to exploit the opportunities provided by the Cardano ecosystem. This could include new dApps, smart contracts, financial services, and more.
6. Economic Stability and Inclusion: For countries with unstable economies, the adoption of ADA could provide an alternative medium of exchange and store of value. It could also offer financial inclusion for unbanked populations who have access to digital devices but are excluded from traditional banking services.
7. Environmental Sustainability: Cardano's a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism is, by orders of magnitude, far less energy-intensive compared to Proof-of-Work systems like Bitcoin. So, countries seeking to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies could see Cardano as an attractive option, especially considering how much more utility and true decentralization is on offer by comparison as well.

Determining whether this would serve as a stand-alone effort, or will require further development longer-term, really depends on the outcomes of the three phases identified in our aforementioned approach (Fact Finding, Stakeholder Engagement, & PR + Advocacy). Either way, our progress for each phase will be shared via regular, biweekly video updates on our YouTube channel and on Twitter.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

There are multiple ways in which success can be measured with a project of this kind, the most obvious being the desired end-result itself, of a nation state officially adopting ADA as legal tender currency. But even this, as monumental as it would be, represents only the beginning of the wave that could spread as a counter to the direction things are going in the West. The privacy, economic identities, and financial freedoms of literally billions of people are currently at stake, and, incredibly - that is putting it mildly.

If Bitcoin can achieve adoption by two nation states already, and without all of the vast improvements Cardano's brought to the industry (by itself), the prospect for ADA achieving the same - and even more - are better than good, in our frank and conservative view.

Perhaps this will occur spontaneously and without any effort on our part. Could we claim success then?

Perhaps our efforts will prove decisive and we'll have plenty of acknowledgements from government officials, declaring how all of it was thanks to our endeavor. To be clear, this is unlike anything we've ever embarked upon before, but the importance of this goal is a profound one and not lost on us in any way.

We will mark, measure and share our successes wherever, and whenever we can, be they the attainment of some new government official's interest and their contact information* and follow-through, or the promotion of this cause via a new and significant channel, be it via a social media influencer, a subject matter expert, an interview, or a BRICS summit insider. The success of our pool (ticker: BRICS) will also go far in spreading this message to anyone even casually interested in staking on Cardano, as the higher in the pool rankings it may climb, the better!

Even if six months should pass and no nation has adopted ADA yet, the results of our efforts, from each of the 3 phases of our approach, will be shared, including developments, as and when they occur, with respect to the formation of our working group.

*- Personally Identifiable Information, from any of the various, respective governments' officials that we are able to identify, will be kept in the strictest of confidence and only shared with the express approval and agreement by them.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Details concerning progress made in each of the 3 phases of our approach (Fact Finding & Research, Stakeholder Engagement, & Public Relations and Advocacy), including any developments made with respect to the formation of our working group, will be shared via biweekly progress reports made on our YouTube channel and via Twitter.

Concerning specifics related to contacts and interactions with various government officials, these will be handled on a case by case basis, and in strict accordance with any privacy concerns or regulations that may apply.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Philip de Souza is an Enterprise Architect for the official stock exchange of Germany & the EU, Deutsche Börse Group (home of the DAX); formerly having worked in their Regulatory Reporting Hub's OTC Trading Unit, where he was team-lead for the FCA's certification of the exchange in a post Brexit scenario. He now serves as Central Information Architect for the Data Management & Governance (DMG) initiative for the office of the CTO. He has been a full-time employee at Deutsche Börse since 2018.

Since 2006, Philip has been working as Head of CRM for the boutique, LA-based consultancy firm, IT Strategists, whose consultancy practices were later acquired by Accenture, and for whom he continues to provide services part-time, on retainer.

Working in the highly regulated financial industry, Philip brings significant expertise from years of IT consulting for large-scale projects across multiple industries, with an understanding of enterprise level architectural concerns that depend on integrity of design and implementation for ensuring trust in the marketplaces of today. He is an excellent communicator with a down-to-Earth, personable, and respectfully considerate approach; always thinking of his clients and their needs.

In addition to being the SPO for BRICS on Cardano Stake Pool, Philip has also deployed, continues to maintain, and oversees, as SPO, the Cardano Stake Pool, SVRN ~ Commercial Sovereignty Restoration, for the registered environmental NPO, Sleeping Natives, along with production assembly oversight, as "Chief Volunteer", for the organization's numerous technical and educational projects.

For SVRN, he was honored with the Cardano Foundation's roving delegation (of 15 Million ADA), but was diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma shortly thereafter, leading to a year spent attempting a very time-consuming, non-invasive approach as a remedy, but ultimately undergoing surgery for its removal in May of 2022. Fortunately, while the surgical approach held many risks, it was a total success (lasting 11.5 hours), and yielded a 100% removal of the life-threatening tumor. Philip's appreciation for the precious gift of this life has only skyrocketed since then!

An avid follower of all things Cardano since 2017, Philip also submitted the Fund3 proposal, Decentralization of Public Services (aka Project de Tocqueville), which, while received very positively, will make a return when the Fund has expanded sufficiently in size as to make such an ambition more attainable.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Goal #1: ADA is Officially Adopted, by Any Nation State, as Legal Tender Currency

This goal is of such a scale that, should it be achieved, there is little chance of it escaping the attention of everyone.

That said, it might prove difficult to quantify whether a successful adoption of ADA could be traced back to us if it should occur as a result of the efforts of our Public Relations and Advocacy phase efforts alone, as this may inspire the adoption but from a distance. Should it happen, it's far more likely to be acknowledged via feedback from our efforts during the Stakeholder Engagement phase.

Obviously, if it should be adopted by a nation that we have not had any (direct) interaction with, we cannot validate it as clearly as would be the case if we had, but outreach methods will be made to try and assess what inspired the adoption, either way, and the feedback duly shared.

Goal # 2: Progress via Stakeholder Engagement

In this scenario, no nation has adopted ADA as official currency yet, but progress has been made with relevant officials from various governments that are amenable to the idea and are continuing in their assessment.

This will be validated by maintaining good relations with any contacts obtained from our Fact Finding & Research phase, who we've already taken into the Stakeholder Engagement phase, with one or more engagements to aid them in their knowledge of Cardano and help them with their decision. Depending on the applicable policies and/or NDAs we might be required to abide by, any information we are permitted to share with the community in this regard will be done so as part of our biweekly progress reports.

Goal #3: Progress via Public Relations and Advocacy

In this scenario, no nation has adopted ADA as official currency yet either, but progress has been made via our PR efforts and Advocacy. These efforts range from developing relationships with influential figures in the blockchain space, economics, governments, and the public. To help with this more widespread level of engagement and raise awareness of this project within the public view, we have also launched a Stake Pool precisely with this goal as its mission: BRICS on Cardano.

This phase will run alongside the other two simultaneously, since a more public approach (from the outside-in) will always be essential, so the validation of any progress made from these efforts will be reported from the beginning.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Phase 1: Fact Finding

The objective of this phase is to research and collect contact information for relevant government officials from a pre-selected list of countries.

Milestone 1: Define Selection Criteria (Week 1) Tasks:

• Define criteria for selecting officials. This might include their role within the government, their stance on blockchain technology, and their influence on policy decisions.
• Define the criteria for selecting the shortlisted countries. These might include economic stability, openness to innovation, and existing regulations around digital currency and blockchain technology.

Milestone 3: Conduct Preliminary Research (Week 2-4) Tasks:

• Conduct initial research on the selected countries, focusing on their economic environment, current state of digital currency regulations, and key players in the government.
• Create a database for organizing and storing information.

Milestone 4: Detailed Research and Contact Compilation (Week 5-7) Tasks:

• Perform detailed research on each government official identified in the preliminary research.
• Gather contact information and any relevant background information, including previous statements or actions related to blockchain technology.
• Update the database with the collected information.

Milestone 5: Finalize Contact List and Prepare for Next Phase (Week 8) Tasks:

• Review the compiled data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prioritize contacts based on selection criteria.
• Prepare a brief report summarizing the findings from the fact-finding phase.
• Plan for the next phase, outlining key tasks, potential challenges, and strategies.

Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement

The objective of this phase is to conduct workshops and one-on-one sessions with the identified officials to give them an in-depth understanding of Cardano's benefits and regulatory framework.

Milestone 1: Prepare Engagement Material (Week 9-11) Tasks:

• Develop content and presentation materials detailing how Cardano can benefit their respective economies.
• Compile information on existing partnerships, collaborations, case studies, and pilot projects to illustrate Cardano's track record.
• Draft a regulatory guide to address concerns related to the governance and control of digital currencies.
• Prepare an FAQ document to address common questions and misconceptions about Cardano and blockchain technology in general.

Milestone 2: Schedule Meetings and Workshops (Week 12-13) Tasks:

• Reach out to the contacts collected in the first phase to schedule meetings or workshops.
• Coordinate with the working group and the officials' offices to decide on the meeting format (virtual or in-person), date, and time.
• Prepare a meeting agenda and share it with the participants in advance.

Milestone 3: Conduct Meetings and Workshops (Week 14-18) Tasks:

• Conduct the scheduled meetings and workshops.
• Present the prepared material and address any questions or concerns.
• Record the details of each meeting, including the concerns raised by the officials, their feedback, and any other observations.

Milestone 4: Post-Engagement Follow-Up (Week 19-20) Tasks:

• Send follow-up emails to the officials thanking them for their time and providing any additional information requested.
• Analyze the data collected from the meetings and prepare a summary report.
• Based on the officials' feedback, create a strategy for addressing their concerns and potential next steps.

Milestone 5: Review and Conclusive Follow-Ups (Week 21-24) Tasks:

• Review the results and feedback from the engagement phase.
• Prepare a brief report summarizing the outcomes and key insights gained.
• Plan for the potential next phase, outlining key tasks and potential challenges.

This timeline assumes that there are no significant delays in scheduling meetings and workshops. It also presumes that the prepared materials adequately address the officials' concerns and questions.

Phase 3: Public Relations and Advocacy

The objective of this phase is to foster relationships with influential figures in the blockchain space, economics, and government. Raising public awareness about the project and leveraging the "BRICS on Cardano" stake pool are integral parts of this phase. Given the nature of these activities, they will occur in parallel with Phases 1 and 2 and extend throughout the entire project timeline.

Milestone 1: Identify Influential Figures and Public Channels (Week 1-2) Tasks:

• Identify influential figures within the blockchain, economics, and government sectors who could advocate for Cardano.
• Identify public channels for outreach (social media, forums, conferences, etc.)
• Formulate a message that aligns with the "BRICS on Cardano" stake pool mission and the broader project goals.

Milestone 2: Begin Outreach and Relationship Building (Week 2-8) Tasks:

• Reach out to the identified figures with personalized messages.
• Regularly share project updates, relevant content, and news on the identified public channels.
• Engage in discussions, forums, and social media platforms to raise awareness and maintain visibility.

Milestone 3: Promote 'BRICS on Cardano' Stake Pool (Week 9-16) Tasks:

• Share news and updates about the "BRICS on Cardano" stake pool on various platforms.
• Engage with the Cardano community and broader public, highlighting the stake pool's mission and relevance to the project.
• Use success stories, updates, or relevant happenings around the stake pool to maintain public interest and engagement.

Milestone 4: Leverage Relationships for Advocacy (Week 17-24) Tasks:

• Seek endorsements or public support from the developed relationships with influential figures.
• Encourage these figures to share their support on their own platforms or to their own networks.
• Continue promoting the project and stake pool in public channels, incorporating any endorsements or statements of support.

Milestone 5: Review and Summarize Outcomes (Week 24) Tasks:

• Review the outcomes of the public relations and advocacy efforts.
• Summarize key insights, successes, and challenges in a brief report.

Note that these milestones may overlap, and activities within this phase are ongoing and iterative. Adjustments and changes may be needed based on the public's response, the project's progress, and feedback from the influential figures. It's also important to respond promptly to public queries and comments and stay active in public discussions to ensure the project maintains a high level of visibility and engagement.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Deliverables and Intended Outcomes of Each Milestone

Phase 1: Fact Finding

1. Define Selection Criteria: The deliverables will be a clearly documented set of criteria for selecting officials and countries. The intended outcome is a standardised approach to identify relevant officials and countries for further research.
2. Conduct Preliminary Research: Deliverable is a preliminary report on each selected country's economic environment, digital currency regulations, and key government players. The intended outcome is a comprehensive understanding of the blockchain landscape in each of these countries.
3. Detailed Research and Contact Compilation: The deliverable is a comprehensive database with contact information and relevant background information on each identified official. The intended outcome is a ready-to-use contact list for the next phase.
4. Finalize Contact List and Prepare for Next Phase: The main deliverable is a comprehensive report summarizing the findings from the fact-finding phase. The intended outcome is a complete and vetted contact list and a strategic plan for the next phase.

Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement

1. Prepare Engagement Material: Deliverables include presentation materials, a regulatory guide, and an FAQ document. The intended outcome is a well-prepared team ready to engage with government officials.
2. Schedule Meetings and Workshops: The deliverable will be a schedule of meetings and workshops, and the intended outcome is a secured platform for engagement with relevant stakeholders.
3. Conduct Meetings and Workshops: The deliverable is a detailed record of each meeting, while the intended outcome is increased awareness and understanding among officials about Cardano.
4. Post-Engagement Follow-Up: The deliverable is a summary report on the feedback and concerns raised by officials. The intended outcome is a solid understanding of their feedback to inform next steps.
5. Review and Prepare for Next Phase: The main deliverable is a report summarizing the engagement phase's outcomes, and the intended outcome is a clear understanding of their position with relation to Cardano and, if possible, any insight as to their intended next steps regarding adoption.

Phase 3: Public Relations and Advocacy

1. Identify Influential Figures and Public Channels: The deliverable is a comprehensive list of influential figures and relevant public channels. The intended outcome is a clear outreach strategy.
2. Begin Outreach and Relationship Building: The deliverable is a record of outreach efforts. The intended outcome is the initiation of relationships with influential figures.
3. Promote 'BRICS on Cardano' Stake Pool: The deliverable is regular updates and promotional content shared across various platforms. The intended outcome is increased public awareness and interest in the stake pool.
4. Leverage Relationships for Advocacy: The deliverable is public endorsements or support from influential figures. The intended outcome is increased credibility and influence for the project.
5. Review and Summarize Outcomes: The main deliverable is a comprehensive report summarizing the outcomes, successes, and challenges of the advocacy phase.

Measuring Progress

1. Timeline Adherence: Compare actual progress with the planned timeline for each milestone.
2. Deliverable Completion: Track the completion of the planned deliverables for each milestone.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Measure the number of meetings/workshops conducted, the number of officials reached, and their feedback.
4. Outreach Success: Track the number of endorsements received, the increase in public engagement (measured through likes, shares, comments, etc.), and the growth of the BRICS on Cardano Stake Pool

Ouputs / Progress Reports

Details concerning progress made in each of the 3 phases of our approach (Fact Finding & Research, Stakeholder Engagement, & Public Relations and Advocacy), including any developments made with respect to the formation of our working group, will be shared via biweekly progress reports made on our YouTube channel and via Twitter.

Concerning specifics related to contacts and interactions with various government officials, these will be handled on a case by case basis, and in strict accordance with any privacy concerns or regulations that may apply.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Phase 1: Fact Finding

1. Project Working Group - 15,000 ADA: Assuming a small team of 3 members working part-time over 2 months. This will cover their compensation.
2. Research Software & Tools - 1,500 ADA: Subscriptions for research databases, and business information platforms (like LinkedIn Premium, Crunchbase, etc.).

Phase 2: Stakeholder Engagement

1. Development of Materials - 3,000 ADA: This is for software or third-party services to develop high-quality presentations, graphics, and documents.
2. Meetings & Workshops - 6,000 ADA: This includes potential costs for virtual meeting platforms (like Zoom's business plan), or for in-person meetings, travel, venue, and refreshments costs. We've considered virtual meetings due to current global conditions.

Phase 3: Public Relations and Advocacy

1. Public Relations Agency - 30,000 ADA: This cost involves hiring a PR agency or freelance professionals to help with PR activities.
2. Social Media Promotions - 5,000 ADA: This could include promoting posts or tweets, sponsored content, or other forms of online advertising.
3. Community Engagement - 5,000 ADA: This includes potential costs for community events, giveaways, contests, or other engagement activities.

Cross-Phase Costs

1. Project Management - 4,000 ADA: This includes potential costs for project management software, tools, or third-party services.
2. Documentation & Reporting - 3,000 ADA: This includes potential costs for documentation software or services, video editing software for our YouTube channel, or other reporting tools.
3. Contingency - 2,500 ADA: This is a buffer for unexpected costs or overruns in other categories.

Total = 75,000 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed budget represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

1. Promotion of Cardano to Government Officials: By targeting key decision-makers within various governments, the project has the potential to significantly increase Cardano's adoption at a national level, resulting in a broad and impactful change that can increase ADA's utility and demand.
2. Community Building and Public Relations: This project, through the public relations and advocacy phase, will expand Cardano's influence and visibility in the broader public and blockchain community, enhancing its reputation and attractiveness for other potential users and developers.
3. Knowledge Creation: Through the fact-finding and stakeholder engagement phases, we will gain deep insights into the concerns, interests, and needs of government officials regarding blockchain and digital currencies. This knowledge can guide future Cardano projects, helping them to be more effective and impactful.
4. Workforce Costs: The costs allocated to the project working group are proportional to typical wages for similar roles in the tech industry. Given the skill and experience level required for this project, the team needs to be compensated accordingly. The rate used is a standard rate for project-based work in the blockchain space.
5. Third-Party Services: The costs allocated to PR agencies, research tools, and promotional activities are based on average market rates. By leveraging these services, we can ensure high-quality output and maximize the project's effectiveness and reach.
6. Value-Added Activities: All costs in the budget are tied to specific activities that add value to the project and the Cardano ecosystem. For example, costs for developing materials, conducting meetings and workshops, and carrying out PR activities are all necessary to engage with officials and the public and to promote Cardano effectively.

In sum, the budget is a reflection of the project's ambitious goals and the substantial potential benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. Every ADA spent is an investment towards making Cardano a more widely adopted and highly regarded platform. All expenses paid for by the requested Fund10 proposal, if granted, will be accounted for by thorough documentation for auditing purposes.

My expenses as SPO for BRICS on Cardano Stake Pool, moreover, are paid for entirely by me as part of my own personal investment towards this goal. I would transfer more ADA, as pledge, from SVRN, but this is locked as part of our NPO's Pledge-Donations initiative. Any delegations to our BRICS pool that comes as the result of its exposure here within this forum and this proposal are greatly appreciated!

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept