[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant
Daniela Alves
[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)
Entity (Not Incorporated)
[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)
9
[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)
Creation of an educational toolkit on Cardano blockchain to equip decision-makers with the necessary knowledge for policy formulation and effective implementation of technological solutions.
[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.”
The only dependency of our project is to hold the event inside the Chamber of Deputies and to gain its support. We have a government relations expert to facilitate this process. If it is not feasible to hold the event at the Chamber of Deputies, we will choose another location in Brasília.
[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
The toolkit will be available to everyone on the website https://govchainlab.substack.com/ and can be used under the license: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED. Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
[METADATA] SDG rating
Goal 8 - Decent Employment and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all;
Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation;
Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Effective Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels;
Goal 17 - Partnerships and Means of Implementation: Strengthen means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution
The proposed solution aims to address the critical knowledge deficit about blockchain among political decision-makers in Brazil, specifically focusing on the potential of Cardano technology to reform governmental practices and policies. This gap in understanding hinders the formulation of informed policies and the effective implementation of technological solutions that could benefit society in multiple dimensions.
Although policymakers may not have the tools to respond swiftly to a critical political issue, they often suffer not only from a lack of information but also from an "avalanche" of unstructured information that negatively impacts decision-making. Overcoming these obstacles often requires access to rigorous, reliable, and accessible information and analysis.
A "toolkit" is designed as a comprehensive set of recommendations for configuring or reforming policies based on insights obtained from research. In other words, its primary goal is to inform policymakers about the key parameters that need to be considered for specific political decisions relevant to a particular issue, in this case, blockchain. The toolkits establish relevant existing evidence, present potential solutions, address their applicability, and assess their long-term impact.
There are various types of toolkits, and we should focus on presenting basic concepts and best practices about blockchain and the Cardano ecosystem. The most basic analytical tool consists of identifying good practices. Good practice status is achieved based on the positive evaluation of an initiative, typically through expert opinions. It is the simplest but possibly also the most powerful analytical tool. It emphasizes the virtues of cases that have achieved good results, highlighting the defining elements or characteristics considered responsible for their excellent performance. Identification is usually based on predominantly qualitative analyses that employ interpretive research methods involving a case-oriented and context-sensitive perspective. Despite being research, it must be presented in simple and straightforward language.
Details of the Proposed Solution:
1-Development of a Specialized Toolkit:
- Objective: To produce educational material on blockchain, especially focusing on Cardano blockchain functionalities and use cases to educate decision-makers.
- Process: We will start with an online forum to collect insights from the community and experts, followed by a workshop involving blockchain and decentralized governance experts. The content will be carefully reviewed and adapted to ensure its relevance and accuracy, culminating in the production of the toolkit.
2-Engagement and Launch:
- Launch Event: We will organize an event at the National Congress to present the toolkit, targeting legislators, political advisors, and relevant stakeholders.
- Promotion Strategy: The promotion will be conducted through traditional and digital media channels to reach a broader audience and engage different segments of civil society, as well as a direct approach in legislators' offices.
3-Impact Assessment and Feedback:
- Direct Feedback from Event Participants: We will collect and analyze feedback on how the event and the toolkit were received.
- Decision Maker Feedback: We will conduct specific surveys with the legislators who participated in the launch event to capture their impressions and perspectives on the event, blockchain, and how it may influence their work and decisions. This information will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the toolkit in terms of communication and education.
- Feedback from the Brazilian Cardano Community: We will conduct a specific survey with the Brazilian Cardano community that was involved and participated in the event, as well as in the development of the toolkit, to gather their general perception of the project, toolkit, and event.
- Social Media Engagement and Press Inserts.
[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The effective implementation of this project will result in a substantial strengthening of the Cardano community in Brazil, highlighting increasing engagement across various sectors and promoting deeper knowledge about the technology.
Measuring Impact
Quantitative Metrics:
- Toolkit Publication: Verify the publication and availability of the toolkit.
- Launch Event Execution: Confirm that the event occurred as planned.
- Adoption Rates: Monitor the number of toolkit downloads and its application in governmental policies.
- Press Mentions: Quantify mentions of the project in the media.
- Social Media Engagement: Analyze interactions and engagement on social platforms.
- Participation in the Launch Event: Record the quantity and profile of the participants.
- Community Contribution to Toolkit Development: Evaluate the Cardano community's involvement in creating the toolkit.
Qualitative Metrics:
- Stakeholder Feedback: Collect impressions from policymakers, advisors, and other stakeholders who accessed the toolkit to evaluate its effectiveness and clarity in presenting Cardano technology.
- Community Engagement: Measure the engagement of the Cardano community in discussions and feedback about the toolkit, both in online forums and in-person events.
Sharing Results and Opportunities
Dissemination of Results:
- Reports and Publications: Prepare and distribute detailed reports on the project's impacts, which will be accessible on public platforms and shared with the Cardano community.
- Conference Presentations: Present findings at conferences and events of the Cardano community, both in Brazil and internationally.
Feedback Integration:
- Continuous Community Feedback: Use platforms such as Cardano forums and community meetups for ongoing feedback collection, ensuring that the toolkit remains relevant and effective.
Value to the Cardano Community
The project will:
- Strengthen the Cardano Community in Brazil: By expanding the spaces of its operation and enhancing the role of Cardano and its community.
- Promote the Adoption of Cardano: Increase interest and adoption of Cardano both within and outside the blockchain community.
- Deepen Understanding of Cardano: Enrich knowledge about Cardano's technological innovations and the community's commitment to solving real-world problems.
These efforts will significantly contribute to the practical use and appreciation of Cardano in Brazil, consolidating its leadership position in the blockchain space and attracting new users, developers, and policymakers.
[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?
Maria Carmo and Daniela Alves bring a proven track record of achievement and significant contributions in the field of blockchain education and public policy influence. Maria, with her extensive experience in education and as co-founder of Lovelace Academy and Cardanistas, demonstrates the ability to simplify and convey complex knowledge to a broad audience. Daniela, with her deep experience in public policy consulting, brings a strong network of governmental contacts and lobbying skills, essential for interfacing with political decision-makers.
Validation of the Approach
The approach will be validated through:
- Continuous Monitoring: Tracking and analyzing the community's engagement in the development of the toolkit and the organization of the event, considering their perspectives to ensure the content is relevant and reflects the vision of the Brazilian community.
- Participant Feedback: Collecting feedback directly from the end-users of the toolkit and event participants, including politicians and advisors, to assess the impact and continuously improve the materials and teaching strategies.
Existing Resources
- Proven Experience: The past achievements of Maria and Daniela, especially in educational and consulting contexts, demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a complex education project.
- Network of Contacts: Access to an extensive network of contacts in the educational, governmental, and press sectors, which facilitates the dissemination and adoption of the project.
- Professional Recognition: Both are recognized for their excellence and integrity in their respective fields, strengthening confidence in their ability to successfully lead the project.
[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?
Milestone 1: Planning and Initial Engagement (Month 1-2)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Detailed project plan developed, including objectives, timeline, and resources.
- Community participation form created and disseminated.
- Engagement channels established and operational.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Project plan documented and approved by all stakeholders.
- Initial responses to the participation form collected.
- Analysis report of the suggestions received with a defined engagement plan.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Project plan document.
- Report with summary and analysis of the form responses.
- Screenshots or records of the activated engagement channels.
Milestone 2: Content Development and Prototyping (Month 3-5)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Initial drafts of the toolkit content developed.
- Prototyping sessions conducted with a selected group of stakeholders.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- 50% of the toolkit content developed and documented.
- Positive feedback received and documented from prototyping sessions.
- Necessary adjustments made based on the feedback.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Partial version of the toolkit.
- Feedback report from the prototyping sessions.
- Documentation of the adjustments made to the content.
Milestone 3: Final Development and Launch Preparation (Month 6-7)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Complete development of the toolkit.
- Promotional materials and launch plan finalized.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Toolkit 100% developed and approved by the review team.
- Marketing materials and event launch plan ready for execution.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Final document of the toolkit.
- Samples of the marketing materials.
- Detailed plan of the launch event.
Final Milestone: Launch and Impact Assessment (Month 8-9)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Successful execution of the launch event.
- Distribution of the toolkit.
- Collection and analysis of initial feedback.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Launch event conducted with high participation and positive feedback.
- Evidence of the target audience's understanding of the toolkit.
- Initial feedback analyzed, resulting in a positive impact report.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Launch event report.
- Statistics on the download and distribution of the toolkit.
- Feedback and impact report.
D: Final Report and Video
[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?
Project Team
- Maria Carmo: A pioneer of Catalyst Fund 1, Maria specializes in education and content creation focused on community integration. An enthusiastic educator and entrepreneur in the cryptographic universe, she is known for her ability to make complex concepts accessible to all. As a co-founder of Pool Cardanistas, she has contributed significantly to spreading knowledge about the Cardano ecosystem. She is also a co-founder of Lovelace Academy, an educational platform offering free educational content on all aspects of blockchain technology. She hosted the Cardano Summit 2022 and the CIP 1694 workshop in 2023. Co-founder of the Intersect-funded project, GovChainLab, which conducts educational actions on the governance phase of Cardano.
- Project Role: Responsible for the overall coordination of the project, development of educational content, and leadership in community engagement initiatives.
- Contacts:
- X: https://twitter.com/MariaCarmo369
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MariaCarmo369
- Daniela Alves: Daniela is a consultant in Public Policy and Bioethics with over 10 years of experience in advocacy in Brasília. She has worked in communications, appearing as a commentator on various TV in Brazil, and has also served as a university professor at the IBMEC-SP business school. She holds a master's degree in medical sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), has published scientific research, and received international awards. During the 2020 municipal elections, she was the General Coordinator of Andrea Matarazzo's Government Plan for the São Paulo Mayoralty. Since 2021, Daniela has delved into the world of cryptocurrencies and Web3, becoming an enthusiast and scholar of emerging technologies in this field, with a special focus on Cardano and seeking to engage in the Brazilian community through both online and in-person events. She is currently a Community Advisor at Catalyst and a co-founder of the GovChainLab project, focusing on educational actions on the governance phase of Cardano, and was recently elected as a Drep Pioneer Leader.
- Project Role: Coordination of governmental relations, organization of the toolkit, events, and press.
- Contacts:
- X: https://x.com/DanielaAlvesRI
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DanielaAlves.Web3/
Daniela interviewed Senator Carlos Portinho on the "Direto ao Ponto" program from Jovem Pan, questioning the Senator about DREX (digital real) and mentioning the governance of Cardano. Following the interview, the Senator expressed his interest in learning more about the topic. Watch the interview segment at: https://x.com/DanielaAlvesRI/status/1704264237743317234
[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
1- Personnel Expenses :
- Responsible for General Coordination, Project Management, Reports, and Final Video - 40 hours/month * 9 months x $41.07 per hour = $14,785 (Milestones 1-2-3-Final)
- Responsible for Lobby Strategy and Mobilization at the National Congress - 40 hours/month * 9 months x $41.07 per hour = $14,785 (Milestones 1-2-3-Final)
- Toolkit Diagrammer/Designer: $800 (Milestone 3)
2- Communication Expenses - Press Officer: $2,250
3- Marketing and Promotion - $1,950 (Milestone 3)
- Graphic materials about Cardano, Wallets, Catalyst, etc.
- Promotion and campaign boosting
4- Travel and Speakers Expenses for the Event in Brasília: $4,500 (Milestone 3)
89,000 Ada – Ada price on May 12th: $0.4339
[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
The cost of the project has been carefully calculated to ensure excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, taking into account market rates for professionals in Brazil, as evidenced by reliable sources.
- Personnel Expenses: According to an article from JOTA, a portal specialized in legal and governmental affairs in Brazil, "a lobbyist in a managerial position is tasked with controlling team activities. Generally, the remuneration ranges from R$12,000 to R$20,000, varying by institution. According to the research, private companies tend to pay the highest salaries to lobbyists in managerial positions, ranging from R$10,000 to R$35,000 (...) The role of an analyst involves creating technical notes, monitoring relevant topics, analyzing normative impact, and anticipating scenarios. The remuneration ranges from R$5,000 to R$12,000, varying by the type of institution, with private companies paying between R$6,000 and R$25,000." The added value for the lobbyist in the project is within this average, ensuring efficient resource use without compromising work quality. Source: JOTA
- The average salary for a Project Coordinator in Brazil is R$10,000 per month according to Glassdoor: Glassdoor Salaries.
- Communication and Marketing Expenses: The remuneration for the press officer is within the salary floors defined by the Union of Professional Journalists in the State of São Paulo. According to the union, the salary for a press officer ranges from R$4,731.58 to R$7,570.53: SJSP Pisos.
- Travel and Event Expenses: Travel and events are planned to maximize the project's impact and reach, enabling direct interactions with decision-makers and key influencers within the National Congress, a vital component for policy change and promoting a regulatory environment favorable to blockchain technology.
Thus, every budget component has been meticulously planned to ensure that each dollar invested significantly contributes to the project's goals, maximizing the return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem and ensuring the effective implementation of the proposed technological solutions.