Cardano House | RNC & DNC 2024 Policy & Education Centers (Awen)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ian McCullough

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

180000

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

8

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will run blockchain education centers at the Republican and Democrat National Conventions that provide talks and resources to educate delegates, bridge the knowledge gap, and support good policy.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies.

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All educational materials produced will be released on CC BY-SA 4.0, Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. It allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, even for commercial purposes. If others remix, adapt, or build upon the material, they must license the modified material under identical terms.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

16.6 - Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

16.7 - Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The proposed solution will be to establish a "Cardano House" to serve as Blockchain Education Centers at the Republican National Convention (RNC) and Democrat National Convention (DNC). This initiative is driven by the recognition that a significant knowledge gap exists among American political representatives and party leaders when it comes to blockchain technologies. The RNC takes place July 15-18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The DNC takes place August 26–29 in Chicago, IL.

The core idea is to provide educational events and content that helps visitors develop a deeper understanding of blockchain systems, their potential applications, and the implications for policymaking. The unique aspect of this solution lies in its direct engagement with political representatives and party leaders, two influential groups that can shape the regulatory landscape for blockchain technologies.

Key elements of the solution include:

1. Speakers and Panels: The education center will host interactive seminars and discussions led by blockchain experts. These sessions will cover fundamental blockchain concepts, governance models, and real-world use cases to demystify the technology.
2. Educational Resources: Comprehensive educational materials, including whitepapers, case studies, and policy briefs, will be made available to attendees, ensuring they have access to reliable information.
3. Networking Opportunities: The center will facilitate networking and discussion forums, enabling attendees to connect with blockchain professionals and thought leaders. This fosters a collaborative environment for informed discussions on blockchain governance.
4. Demonstrated Impact: Members of the Cardano Community and Intersect MBO will be invited to take part in the event, giving testimony to how their projects positively effect the economy and lives of citizens.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

The beneficiaries of this solution include not only the attendees of the National Conventions but also the broader blockchain community. By equipping political decision-makers with the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed choices regarding blockchain policy, this initiative contributes to the broader blockchain ecosystem's growth and regulatory clarity.

This initiative is crucial for Cardano and the wider blockchain industry as it paves the way for more informed and blockchain-friendly policies. It aligns with Cardano's commitment to education and its belief in the transformative potential of blockchain technologies in various sectors.

1. Increased Awareness: By educating political representatives and party leaders about blockchain technologies and governance, the project will raise awareness of Cardano and its innovative solutions within the political sphere. This increased awareness can lead to more informed discussions and potential support for blockchain-friendly policies.
2. Positive Regulatory Environment: Informed political decision-makers are more likely to create a favorable regulatory environment for blockchain projects, including Cardano. This can lead to reduced regulatory uncertainty and support for blockchain adoption, which is essential for the growth of Cardano and the broader blockchain ecosystem.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations: The project can facilitate connections between Cardano representatives and influential political figures who attend the National Conventions. These connections can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for Cardano to contribute its expertise to policy discussions and potentially influence the development of blockchain regulations.
4. Educational Resources: The educational materials and resources produced as part of the project can be shared with the Cardano community. These resources can serve as valuable tools for community members to engage in discussions about blockchain governance and advocate for supportive policies in their respective regions.

Ultimately, a well-informed political leadership can help create an environment conducive to blockchain innovation and adoption, benefiting Cardano and the entire blockchain community.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Boots on The Ground

Our team's roots in both Milwaukee and Chicago uniquely position us to navigate the landscape of the RNC 2024 and DNC 2024 events, fostering invaluable connections, relationships, and leveraging local expertise. This geographic relevance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our proposed project, focused on establishing blockchain education centers during these high-profile political conventions.

Transparent Project

We emphasize transparency in our project planning processes. The detailed project plan, including milestones, timelines, and responsibilities, will be made available for to open review. This ensures that our approach is clear, accountable, and aligned with the project's overarching objectives.

Proven Track Record

Our team members bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields. Their proven track record in blockchain education, event coordination, and project management instills confidence in our ability to successfully execute the proposed initiative.

Continuous Iteration and Adaptation

Feasibility is an ongoing evaluation process. We commit to a culture of continuous iteration and adaptation based on real-time feedback and changing circumstances. This agile approach ensures that our strategies remain responsive to evolving needs and challenges, enhancing the overall feasibility of the project.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Initialization (Feb - Mar 2024)

Key Activities:

• Project Plan Creation: Develop a comprehensive project plan, detailing the roadmap, timelines, and responsibilities for establishing blockchain education centers during the RNC and DNC events.

Success/Acceptance Criteria:

• An initialized project plan

Design (Apr 2024)

Key Activities:

• Education Center Design: Craft a detailed blueprint for the education centers, outlining the structure, content, and logistics. This includes designing the curriculum, programming, and logistical interfaces.
• Venue Identification: Identify and assess potential venues in Milwaukee and Chicago, considering factors such as capacity, accessibility, and alignment with convention schedules.
• Speaker and Expert Identification: Identify and secure commitments from key speakers and experts in blockchain and Cardano governance to contribute to the educational content.

Success/Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of a project plan that encompasses all aspects of the blockchain education center initiative
• An engagement strategy for identified venues, partners, and talent assets.

Preproduction (May - Jun 2024)

Key Activities:

• Venue Confirmation: Finalize and confirm venues in Milwaukee and Chicago, securing necessary permits and agreements for educational events during the RNC and DNC.
• Speaker Engagement: Finalize speaker agreements, ensuring all necessary arrangements, travel plans, and accommodations are in place.
• Community Outreach Campaign: Launch targeted campaigns to engage the Cardano community, encouraging participation and creating anticipation for the upcoming education centers.
• Logistics Preparation: Initiate logistical preparations, including setting up registration systems, coordinating event staffing, and ensuring all necessary equipment and materials are secured.

Success/Acceptance Criteria:

• Confirmation of secured venues with all required permits and agreements.
• Finalized agreements with all speakers, including travel and accommodation plans.
• Launch and active engagement in community and media coverage outreach campaigns.
• Commencement of logistical preparations, ensuring readiness for the upcoming events.

Production (Jul - Aug 2024)

Key Activities:

• Event Logistics Implementation: Execute the planned educational events during the RNC in Milwaukee (July 15 - July 18) and the DNC in Chicago (August 19 - August 22), ensuring all logistical aspects run smoothly.
• Community Engagement: Facilitate active participation and engagement with the Cardano community during the events, providing opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing.
• Post-Event Surveys and Feedback: Implement post-event surveys to gather participant feedback, assess the impact of the education centers, and identify areas for improvement.
• Media Coverage and Documentation: Ensure comprehensive media coverage of the events, including interviews, press releases, and event documentation for wider visibility and future reference.

Success/Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of educational events with positive participant experiences.
• Active community engagement and networking opportunities during the events.
• Completion of post-event surveys and collection of valuable feedback.
• Comprehensive media coverage and documentation for effective communication of the events' outcomes.

Post-production & Analysis (Sep 2024)

Key Activities:

• Impact Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire project, assessing the impact of the blockchain education centers during the RNC and DNC events. Analyze metrics such as participant engagement, feedback, and media coverage.
• Documentation and Reports: Prepare comprehensive reports that document the outcomes, lessons learned, and areas for improvement throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes insights gathered from the planning, preproduction, and execution phases.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Gather feedback from stakeholders involved in the project, including participants, speakers, sponsors, and community members. Use this feedback to understand the project's overall success and areas for enhancement.

Success/Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed report analyzing the results of the the blockchain education centers, with clear insights into participant engagement, feedback, and media coverage.
• A compilation of feedback from various contributors and users providing a holistic view of the project's overall impact and effectiveness.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Dr. Adam Rusch

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

LinkedIn

Role:

• Program Director / "Cardano House" Architect

Relevant Experience:

• Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Core contributor at Summon Platform
• Organizer & host for Chicago CIP-1694 workshop
• Cardano Chicago meetup.com owner

Ian McCullough (Cullah)

Milwaukee, USA

LinkedIn

Role:

• Event Coordination / Creative Direction

Relevant Experience:

• Events Coordinator for EthChi
• Founder of NFTMKE
• Founder of Awen creative media & software agency.

Maggie Schmidt

Milwaukee, USA

LinkedIn

Role: Project Manager / Talent Buyer

Relevant Experience:

• 5 years of project management
• 10 years of entertainment industry experience

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Assuming a $0.3 USD to 1 ADA exchange rate and average cost per team work hour:

Events Coordinator: 95 ADA per hour

Program Director: 100 ADA per hour

Project Manager: 95 ADA per hour

M1: Initialization (12,000 ADA - Approximately 6.7%):

• Project Plan Creation: 12,000 ADA

M2: Design (50,000 ADA - Approximately 27.8%):

• Education Center Design: 20,000 ADA
• Venue Deposit Fee: 15,000 ADA
• Speaker and Expert Identification: 15,000 ADA

M3: Preproduction (50,000 ADA - Approximately 27.8%):

• Venue Rental Fee: 15,000 ADA
• Speaker Engagement: 20,000 ADA
• Community Outreach Campaign: 10,000 ADA
• Logistics Preparation: 5,000 ADA

M4: Production (41,000 ADA - Approximately 22.8%):

• Event Logistics Implementation: 15,000 ADA
• Community Engagement: 15,000 ADA
• Post-Event Surveys and Feedback: 5,000 ADA
• Media Coverage and Documentation: 6,000 ADA

M5: Post-production & Analysis (27,000 ADA - Approximately 15%):

• Impact Assessment: 10,000 ADA
• Documentation and Reports: 7,000 ADA
• Video editing, content production: 10,000 ADA

Total Funding Request: 180,000 ADA

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

The project costs have been diligently considered, taking into account industry standards, market-driven rates, and the comprehensive skill sets required.

This ensures that every ADA spent contributes to the successful execution of the project, aligning with Cardano's vision for a decentralized and informed community.

The budget reflects not only the project's immediate needs but also its enduring impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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