Cardano in Action: Equipping Legislators for the Decentralized Future

[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] Horizons

Policy Advocacy

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The objective of this project is to develop the Toolkit for Legislators, an educational material designed to provide legislators with a clear understanding of the basic concepts of blockchain, focusing on the Cardano ecosystem. This material will be an essential tool to support the formulation of policies and regulations in Brazil, fostering discussions on smart contracts, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), and the use of blockchain for public administration transparency, as already implemented in São Paulo through Law No. 17901 of 2023.

Context and Justification

Blockchain technology, especially the Cardano ecosystem, offers transformative potential for both public and private sectors in Brazil. However, many legislators lack a thorough understanding of the technology, limiting the ability to create robust policies.

The Toolkit for Legislators aims to address this gap, helping lawmakers understand how blockchain can be applied effectively and securely. It will highlight international success stories, such as:

• Argentina, which has advanced in legalizing smart contracts, showing how clear legal frameworks can boost innovation and security.
• Japan and Wyoming (USA), which have provided legal recognition to DAOs, enabling these decentralized organizations to operate as legal entities and form stronger partnerships.
• Law No. 17901 of 2023, recently enacted in São Paulo, which mandates the use of blockchain technology in public administration to improve transparency and efficiency. The toolkit will advocate expanding this law to other cities and states in Brazil, demonstrating how blockchain can bring greater accountability to public governance.

Details of the Proposed Solution:

• Development of the Specialized Toolkit:

• Objective: To produce educational material that explains the basics of blockchain technology, with a focus on Cardano’s capabilities, smart contracts, and DAOs, and how blockchain can be used to improve public sector transparency.
• Process: Insights will be gathered through discussions with blockchain experts, legal professionals, and the Cardano community. The toolkit will be developed through a workshop and reviewed to ensure it presents accurate and clear information for legislators, drawing from international examples and local legislation like São Paulo’s Lei nº 17901.

• Engagement and Launch:

• Launch Event: A formal launch will be organized at the National Congress of Brazil to introduce the Toolkit for Legislators to legislators, political advisors, and other key stakeholders. The event will initiate discussions on expanding the use of blockchain in public administration and exploring smart contracts and DAOs.
• Promotion Strategy: The toolkit will be promoted through both traditional and digital media channels, ensuring widespread distribution. Direct approaches will also be taken to ensure that legislators and decision-makers receive the material.

• Impact Assessment and Feedback:

• Feedback from Event Participants: Feedback will be collected from legislators and stakeholders at the event, focusing on how effectively the toolkit explains blockchain, smart contracts, DAOs, and public administration applications.
• Legislator Feedback: Surveys will capture the impressions of legislators regarding the toolkit and how it may influence their understanding and legislative activities, particularly with the expansion of blockchain initiatives like those in São Paulo.
• Community and Expert Feedback: The Cardano community and experts involved in the toolkit’s creation will provide feedback to ensure the material's continuous relevance and impact.
• Social Media and Press: Engagement with social media and press coverage will be tracked to measure the public interest and dissemination of the toolkit.

By promoting a clearer understanding of blockchain and its applications, including the potential expansion of São Paulo’s Lei nº 17901, this toolkit will lay the groundwork for future regulatory developments and more informed decision-making in blockchain, smart contracts, and DAOs in Brazil.

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

Quantitative Metrics:

• Toolkit Publication: Verify the publication and availability of the toolkit to legislators, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Launch Event Execution: Confirm that the launch event at the National Congress of Brazil occurred as planned, with the participation of key political figures and stakeholders.
• Legislative Engagement: Measure how many legislators and political advisors express interest in promoting blockchain-based laws, particularly drawing inspiration from São Paulo’s Law No. 17901 of 2023, which uses blockchain for public transparency, and from international examples such as Argentina, Japan, and Wyoming.
• Press Mentions: Quantify mentions of the project in mainstream media and legislative discussions, particularly focusing on how blockchain can improve governance and public services.
• Social Media Engagement: Analyze interactions and engagement on social platforms to measure the discussions and support for blockchain legislation and public administration reforms.
• Participation in the Launch Event: Record the number and profile of participants, particularly legislators and government decision-makers.
• Community Contribution to Toolkit Development: Evaluate the involvement of the Cardano community in shaping and refining the toolkit through online consultations and forums.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Stakeholder Feedback: Collect impressions from legislators, advisors, and other stakeholders who accessed the toolkit, assessing its clarity, effectiveness, and potential to drive blockchain-related legislation.
• Willingness to Promote Blockchain Legislation: Assess the willingness of legislators to promote the expansion of blockchain-based laws for transparency and efficiency, inspired by São Paulo’s Law No. 17901 of 2023, and examples from Argentina, Japan, and Wyoming.
• Community Engagement: Measure the engagement of the Cardano community in discussing the toolkit and its role in promoting blockchain legislation, both online and at 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 blockchain-related conferences and events in the Cardano community, both in Brazil and internationally, showcasing how the toolkit has helped drive legislation and blockchain adoption in public administration.

Feedback Integration:

• Continuous Community Feedback: Use platforms such as Cardano forums and community meetups to gather ongoing feedback about the toolkit, ensuring it remains up-to-date and effective as new legislation around blockchain evolves.

Value to the Cardano Community

The project will:

• Strengthen the Cardano Community in Brazil: By educating legislators and promoting the adoption of blockchain solutions like Cardano for government transparency and efficiency, as demonstrated by São Paulo’s Law No. 17901 of 2023, this project will enhance Cardano’s role in governance.
• Promote the Adoption of Cardano: The toolkit will help legislators understand the potential of Cardano and blockchain technologies, encouraging the promotion of laws and frameworks that foster adoption in both the public and private sectors, including smart contracts and DAOs.
• Enhance Government Efficiency: By reducing bureaucracy, automating processes, and improving interoperability in public services, blockchain, as highlighted in the toolkit, can help governments operate more efficiently, positioning Cardano as a key enabler of such innovations.
• Deepen Understanding of Cardano: Legislators will gain a deeper understanding of Cardano’s technological capabilities, particularly regarding smart contracts and DAOs, equipping them to create legislation that fosters innovation, transparency, and efficiency.

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?

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

The successful execution of the initial project funded by the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant exemplifies the strong foundation of trust and accountability established by pioneering members Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo. Their proven track record within the Cardano community, coupled with their deep understanding of decentralized governance, positions them well to lead this new phase of the project.

Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo recently published an article on the BM&C NEWS portal, a platform that receives over 30 million monthly visits, providing significant exposure. The article delves into the Catalyst program and offers reflections on the Voltaire era, exploring how decentralized governance will shape the future of the Cardano ecosystem. This collaboration highlights the importance of promoting decentralized governance and showcases insights shared by Charles Hoskinson on the future of Cardano's decentralized innovation fund.

The full article can be accessed here: BM&C NEWS - Fundador da Blockchain Cardano fala sobre futuro do maior fundo de inovação descentralizado do mundo.

Achievements Under Intersect

1. Creation of GovChainLab: Under the Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria successfully launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to developing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative has included the production of online and in-person workshops, as well as informative content on Substack and tutorial videos in Portuguese, significantly expanding educational outreach. For more details, visit GovChainLab Substack.

1. Successful Workshops and Events:

• DRep Pioneer Workshop: Organized by Daniela and Maria Carmo in partnership with the Institute of Technology and Society, this workshop in Rio de Janeiro generated substantial interest and led to future collaborative opportunities. More information can be found here.

• Local Event in Curitiba: Held at the Hard Rock Café, this event focused on decentralization in the Cardano ecosystem and received high praise, sparking interest from other institutions for future collaborations. Learn more about the event here.

• Constitutional Workshop in São Paulo: This workshop, co-organized with ESPM, marked a milestone in discussions about decentralized governance and led to requests for additional activities. Details are available here.

• Insper Workshop: A workshop on Cardano governance was successfully conducted at Insper, further contributing to the community's understanding of decentralized governance. More details can be found here.
• Online Workshop with the Youth of Portuguese-Speaking Countries: This collaborative online workshop reached participants from five countries, promoting a broader understanding of decentralized governance across the Portuguese-speaking world. More information is available here.
• Presentation at ExpoBlockchain: A presentation was delivered at ExpoBlockchain, highlighting the initiatives of GovChainLab and engaging a diverse audience in discussions about decentralized governance. Details can be found here.

Profiles of Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo

• Maria Carmo: brings extensive and diverse experience within the Cardano ecosystem and Intersect, showcasing her unwavering commitment to promoting Cardano in Brazil. Her significant contributions include:
• Cofounder of Cardanistas Pool: This initiative plays a vital role in the Cardano network, contributing to transaction processing and educational content creation through weekly live sessions.
• Cofounder of Lovelace Academy: This platform provides free educational resources about Plutus, enhancing accessibility for the community.
• Cardano for Beginners Course: A practical introduction to Cardano available on Cardano Feed, aimed at helping newcomers navigate the ecosystem.
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/mariacarmo369

• Daniela Alves: A dedicated member of the Brazilian Cardano community since 2021, Daniela has actively contributed to Catalyst reviews and community events, focusing on decentralization and governance. As a pioneering member of Intersect, she has collaborated on projects aimed at expanding decentralized governance within the Cardano ecosystem.

Both Daniela and Maria’s active engagement in the Cardano community since its inception, alongside their roles as pioneering members of Intersect, establish a strong capability for delivering projects with trust and accountability.

Validation of Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of the approach and ensure continued success, the following strategies will be implemented:

1. Community Engagement Metrics: Regularly track participation levels in online and offline educational initiatives, assessing community involvement and interest.
2. Feedback Mechanisms: Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants to gauge the effectiveness of educational resources and events. This will provide insights into areas for improvement and adaptation.
3. Promotional Campaign Monitoring: The planned promotional campaign at Shopping Cidade São Paulo will employ unique QR codes for each advertisement, allowing for precise tracking of engagement and conversion rates. This data will inform future marketing strategies and enhance overall campaign effectiveness.
4. Continuous Collaboration: Building on previous partnerships formed under the Intersect funding, ongoing collaborations with institutions such as Insper, ESPM, and the Institute of Technology and Society will ensure a strong support network, further validating the approach and enhancing credibility.

• By leveraging proven expertise and effective strategies, the project aims to deliver a significant impact within the Cardano community, fostering informed participation in governance and strengthening the ecosystem as a whole.

[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)

Cost: 30%

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Detailed project plan developed, including objectives, timeline, and resources.
• Community participation form created and disseminated to collect feedback on toolkit needs.
• Engagement channels established and operational (online forums, social media groups, etc.).

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Project plan documented and approved by all stakeholders.
• Initial responses to the participation form collected and analyzed.
• Engagement plan defined based on community feedback.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Approved project plan document.
• Report with summary and analysis of community feedback from the participation form.
• Screenshots or records of the activated engagement channels.

Milestone 2: Content Development and Prototyping (Month 3-5)

Cost: 30%

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Initial drafts of the Toolkit for Legislators content developed, with sections on blockchain governance, smart contracts, DAOs, and examples like São Paulo’s Law No. 17901 of 2023 and international cases (Argentina, Japan, Wyoming).
• Prototyping sessions conducted with selected legislators and Cardano community members for early feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• 50% of the toolkit content developed and documented.
• Positive feedback received and documented from prototyping sessions.
• Necessary adjustments made based on feedback received from stakeholders.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Partial version of the toolkit (50% developed).
• Feedback report from the prototyping sessions with stakeholders.
• Documentation of adjustments made to the content based on feedback.

Milestone 3: Final Development and Launch Preparation (Month 6-7)

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Full development of the Toolkit for Legislators completed, ready for distribution.
• Promotional materials (flyers, press kits, social media posts) and launch event plan finalized for the National Congress of Brazil.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Toolkit 100% developed and approved by the review team.
• Promotional materials and the event launch plan ready for execution.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Final version of the toolkit (ready for dissemination).
• Samples of the promotional materials created for the event.
• Detailed plan of the launch event, including logistics, invitees, and marketing.

Final Milestone: Launch and Impact Assessment (Month 8-9)

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Successful execution of the launch event at the National Congress of Brazil, with high participation from legislators and stakeholders.
• Distribution of the toolkit to target groups.
• Collection and analysis of initial feedback post-launch.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Launch event conducted with high participation and positive feedback from attendees.
• Evidence of the target audience’s understanding and engagement with the toolkit.
• Initial feedback analyzed, resulting in a positive impact report.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Launch event report with attendance records and feedback from participants.
• Statistics on the download and distribution of the toolkit.
• Feedback and impact report based on the toolkit’s reception and early impact.

D: Final Report and Video:

• Project Close-out Report summarizing key results (including legislative interest, toolkit distribution, and feedback).
• Video presentation showcasing the project’s journey, the launch event, and testimonials from legislators and Cardano community members.

[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

Total Funding Request: 95,000 ADA

Price per ADA: $0.3529

Total in USD: $33,525.50

1. Personnel Expenses:

• General Coordination, Project Management, Reports, and Final Video:
• 40 hours/month * 8 months x $37.12 per hour = $12,180
• (Milestones 1-2-3-Final)
• Lobby Strategy and Mobilization at the National Congress:
• 40 hours/month * 8 months x $36.50 per hour = $11,680
• (Milestones 1-2-3-Final)
• Toolkit Diagrammer/Designer:
• Design and layout of the Toolkit for Legislators = $800
• (Milestone 3)

2. Communication Expenses:

• Press Officer:
• Handling press relations, media outreach, and communication strategy = $2,500
• (Milestone 3)

3. Marketing and Promotion:

• Graphic materials, Promotion, and Campaign Boosting:
• Creation of promotional materials for Cardano, Catalyst, wallets, etc., and campaign boosts across social media = $1,365.50
• (Milestone 3)

4. Travel and Speakers Expenses for the Event in Brasília:

• Travel and logistics for the event at the National Congress:
• Travel, accommodation, and expenses for speakers and team members to host the event = $4,500
• (Milestone 3)

[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.

1. 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
2. The average salary for a Project Coordinator in Brazil is R$10,000 per month according to Glassdoor: Glassdoor Salaries.
3. 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.
4. 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.