Educating California Lawmakers on Blockchain with Strategic Partnerships

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Agnostica

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Kevin Trommer

Nate Bradley

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

10

[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)

Collaborate with Emurgo Academy and successful California public policy advocates to educate and certify lawmakers on blockchain, ensuring robust and informed policy development.

[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.”

Dependency on Emurgo Academy for blockchain education content and certification process. Essential for leveraging expert knowledge and credibility in training lawmakers.

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

No

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

Our outputs, and findings, including critical reflections, pain-points, lessons learnt, draft legislation, and anything else useful to the Cardano community will be made available under an open-source license, allowing unrestricted access and reuse.

Note: Proprietary educational content developed by delivery partners, personal information of policymakers, lawmakers, and other participants will remain private and confidential.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution is a collaborative effort with Digital Currency Trader's Alliance, to educate public policy makers, including lawmakers, and their staff, with the goal of successfully educating lawmakers on the benefits and applications of blockchain technology, particularly Cardano, this project aims to transform these officials into advocates within the legislative arena.

Lawmakers with a deep understanding of blockchain can become powerful allies, proposing and supporting legislation that facilitates blockchain adoption and creates a more favorable regulatory environment for blockchain initiatives. Furthermore, it is in the best interest of lawmakers, policy advocates, and their staff to be better informed about an important and growing constituency: the blockchain industry at large.

Our consultancy intends to partner with Emurgo Academy, on SmartBlocks, to develop bespoke blockchain certification courses and credentialing programs, and increase overall awareness of blockchain as a technology and an industry, seeking to influence a positive regulatory frameworks for blockchain technology.

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

Broadening Legislative Support and Adoption:

• Educated Lawmakers as Blockchain Advocates: By successfully educating lawmakers on the benefits and applications of blockchain technology, particularly Cardano, this project aims to transform these officials into advocates within the legislative arena. Lawmakers with a deep understanding of blockchain can become powerful allies, proposing and supporting legislation that facilitates blockchain adoption and creates a more favorable regulatory environment for blockchain initiatives.
• Strategic Policy Influence: As these educated lawmakers engage in policy formulation and debates, they are more likely to influence their peers and contribute to the development of policies that recognize and integrate blockchain solutions effectively. This could lead to an increase in blockchain-friendly regulations, reduced barriers to entry for blockchain projects, and more governmental and public projects utilizing the Cardano blockchain.

Enhancing Cardano’s Visibility and Credibility:

• Showcasing Cardano in Governmental Contexts: The project will highlight Cardano’s capabilities in handling secure, transparent, and efficient transactions, which are critical in public governance. Demonstrating these capabilities in a context that lawmakers understand and respect helps enhance Cardano’s credibility and positions it as a viable solution for public sector applications.
• Building Trust Among Key Decision-Makers: Trust in blockchain technology significantly increases when decision-makers have a clear and accurate understanding of its potential and limitations. This project helps build trust at high levels of government, potentially leading to more substantial support and investment in the Cardano ecosystem.

Creating Lasting Impacts through Continuous Education and Collaboration:

• Sustainable Educational Framework: By establishing a recurring educational program for current and future lawmakers, the project ensures ongoing impact beyond the initial funding period. This continuous education effort will keep the legislative body up-to-date on blockchain advancements and how they can be leveraged to improve public services and governance.
• Collaborative Opportunities: The interactions between lawmakers, blockchain experts, and the Cardano community fostered through this project are likely to result in collaborative opportunities. These might include pilot projects using Cardano’s blockchain in public administration, further research initiatives, or public-private partnerships.

Metrics for Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Measures: Number of lawmakers educated and certified, policies proposed or amended favoring blockchain technology, increase in legislative inquiries about blockchain applications.
• Qualitative Assessments: Surveys and interviews with participating lawmakers to gauge changes in their understanding and attitudes towards blockchain, anecdotal evidence of increased engagement or discussions around blockchain in legislative sessions.

Dissemination of Knowledge and Success Stories:

• Publication and Case Studies: Findings, success stories, and case studies from the project will be documented and published, spreading the knowledge gained to broader audiences and replicating success in other regions or countries.

[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?

Agnostica, brings a team of PhD researchers, technology program managers, with deep academic ties and expertise in educational psychology. We specialize in developing and delivering high-caliber educational programs, particularly in emerging technologies. Our collaboration with Emurgo Academy, a leader in blockchain education and one of Cardano's founding entities, ensures access to cutting-edge educational resources and certification programs tailored for government officials.

Emurgo Academy's pedigree in blockchain instruction enhances the credibility and depth of our training modules.

Further bolstering our project's capabilities, the Digital Currency Traders Alliance, known for their pivotal role in shaping California's cannabis legislation, brings a strategic advantage. Their proven track record as influential lobbyists demonstrates their capability to navigate complex legislative environments and influence policy. They will leverage their extensive network within the California state government to facilitate essential introductions and engagements, ensuring our educational initiatives reach the most impactful audience.

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

Milestone 1: Curriculum Development and Partnership Formalization

• Outputs:
• Finalized curriculum tailored for lawmakers, developed in collaboration with Emurgo Academy.
• Formalized partnership agreements with Emurgo Academy and the Digital Currency Traders Alliance.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Approval of the curriculum by consulting parties.
• Signed partnership agreements.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Documentation of the approved curriculum.
• Copies of signed partnership agreements.

Milestone 2: Launch Educational Workshops

• Outputs:
• Conduct the first series of workshops for lawmakers in California.
• Distribute informational materials developed with Emurgo Academy.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• At least 50 lawmakers attend the workshops.
• Positive feedback from attendees on workshop content and delivery.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Attendance records.
• Post-workshop survey results.

Milestone 3: Certification Process and Advocacy Engagement

• Outputs:
• Lawmakers undergo certification process (course and exams).
• Initial advocacy meetings facilitated by the Digital Currency Traders Alliance.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• At least 30 lawmakers pass the certification.
• Meetings held with at least 20 different legislative offices.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Certification records.
• Meeting logs and attendee lists.

Milestone 4: Impact Assessment and Feedback Integration

• Outputs:
• Collect and analyze feedback from certified lawmakers.
• Adjust educational content and delivery based on feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Feedback indicates a comprehensive understanding of blockchain applications in governance.
• Suggestions for curriculum adjustments implemented.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Feedback summary report.
• Documentation of curriculum adjustments.

Final Milestone: Reporting and Future Planning

• Outputs:
• Comprehensive report detailing the project’s impact on policy discussions and blockchain understanding among lawmakers.
• Outline future steps for the continuation of the educational program.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Report shows increased blockchain advocacy among certified lawmakers.
• Established plans for ongoing education sessions.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Final impact report.
• Strategic plan for future educational initiatives.

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

Alex James - Project Lead

• Alex, Managing Director of Agnostica, specializes in integrating educational programs with technological innovations. He will oversee project management, ensuring strategic alignment with project goals and effective resource allocation.

Robert Danielson, PhD - Lead Researcher

• As Agnostica's lead researcher, Robert will lead the curriculum development and educational outreach. With extensive experience in educational psychology and blockchain technology, he will ensure the content is pedagogically sound and effectively tailored for lawmakers.

Kevin Trommer - Director of Advocacy, Digital Currency Traders Alliance

• Kevin brings his deep expertise in policy advocacy and a successful track record in legislative reform, particularly in blockchain, technology, and community outreach initiatives in California. He will lead the advocacy efforts, facilitating key meetings and building relationships with policymakers.

Nate Bradley - Director of Outreach, Digital Currency Traders Alliance

• Nate, renowned for his instrumental role in cannabis reform, will use his extensive network to engage lawmakers and ensure the educational sessions reach a broad and influential audience. His expertise in crafting effective outreach strategies will be critical in maximizing the project's impact.

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

Personnel Costs

Research and Curriculum Development: 30,000 ADA

Compensation for educational content developers and researchers from Agnostica to advise on creation and customization of the blockchain curriculum.

Project Management and Coordination: 20,000 ADA

Salaries for project managers (including Alex James) to oversee the project, manage logistics, and ensure timely completion of milestones.

Advocacy and Outreach: 30,000 ADA

Fees for Kevin Trommer and Nate Bradley to engage with lawmakers, organize meetings, and facilitate educational sessions.

Educational Materials and Resources

Production of Educational Materials: 7,500 ADA

Costs associated with printing, designing, and distributing educational booklets, infographics, and other learning materials.

Online Platform Access: 7,500 ADA

Subscription fees for online learning management systems to host digital content and track lawmaker progress and certification.

Contingency and Miscellaneous

Unexpected Costs: 5,000 ADA

Set aside for unforeseen expenses or opportunities to expand the project scope, such as additional materials based on demand.

Total Budget: 100,000 ADA

• Allocation Justification:
• The majority of the budget is allocated to personnel costs, reflecting the intensive effort required to develop high-quality educational content and manage a project of this scale.
• Investment in educational materials and event logistics ensures that the learning experience is engaging and accessible to lawmakers.
• A small contingency fund is crucial for flexibility and responsiveness to project needs as they evolve.

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

Comprehensive Return on Investment:

• Direct Impact on Legislation: By investing in the education of lawmakers, this project directly influences the legislative environment for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Educated lawmakers are more likely to support and enact policies that favor the adoption and growth of blockchain technologies, particularly Cardano. This can lead to a more favorable regulatory climate, which is crucial for the broader adoption and success of Cardano.

Leveraging Expertise:

• Efficient Use of Resources: The funds requested will be meticulously allocated to maximize outcomes. Emurgo Academy's involvement ensures that educational content is of the highest quality and relevance, eliminating the need for preliminary research and trial-and-error content development, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with the Digital Currency Traders Alliance amplifies the impact of the project without the need for extensive lobbying expenses. Their established relationships and credibility within the California state government reduce barriers to entry, providing cost-effective access to key policymakers.

Sustainable Impact:

• Long-Term Benefits: The knowledge imparted to lawmakers goes beyond the duration of this project, having a lasting effect on policy decisions that will shape the blockchain landscape for years. This is not just a one-off intervention; it is an investment in creating a knowledgeable base of influencers within the government, which will continue to reap benefits for the Cardano ecosystem.
• Multiplier Effect: Lawmakers who understand blockchain technology are more likely to engage with and support the Cardano community, potentially influencing others and advocating for blockchain-friendly initiatives. This creates a multiplier effect from the initial investment.

Cost-Effectiveness:

• Budget Allocation:
• Curriculum Development: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to the time and effort required to develop a tailored curriculum, ensuring that all materials are precisely targeted to the unique needs of policymakers.
• Workshops and Certification: Funds will also cover the cost of conducting workshops.
• Outreach and Advocacy: Resources allocated to the hours required for advocacy and outreach ensure that educational efforts are not isolated events but part of a broader strategy to integrate blockchain into public policy.

Accountability and Measurement:

• Transparent Tracking and Reporting: Detailed records of expenditure will be maintained and reported to the funding body. Regular updates and audits will ensure that funds are used as intended, enhancing trust and accountability.
• Success Metrics: The effectiveness of the spending will be measured through pre-defined success metrics, including the number of lawmakers educated, the number of policies influenced, and the level of engagement from the public sector.