Empowering Cardano Governance: Project-Based Learning Modules for CIP-1694 Voltaire Participation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

ODIN Community

[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)

5

[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)

Develop project-based learning modules to educate the Cardano community on CIP-1694 governance roles: becoming a DRep, engaging SPOs in governance, and understanding the CC's role and election.

[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

We will publish all course materials on GitHub as Creative Commons licenses content for the community to remix, reuse, and contribute.

[METADATA] Horizons

Governance

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We propose developing a series of project-based learning modules aimed at educating the Cardano community on active participation in governance roles introduced by CIP-1694. Our solution addresses the need for comprehensive education on becoming a Delegated Representative (DRep), engaging Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) in their governance duties, and understanding the role and significance of the Constitutional Committee.

The first module will focus on DReps, explaining their importance in Cardano's governance structure, outlining their responsibilities, and providing a step-by-step guide on how to register and become an effective DRep. The second module targets SPOs, highlighting how they can go beyond staking to actively contribute to governance processes. The third module will demystify the Constitutional Committee by exploring the Cardano Constitution, detailing the committee's oversight role, and guiding interested individuals on how to get elected.

By offering these interactive, project-based courses, we aim to empower community members with the knowledge and tools necessary for meaningful participation. This education initiative will foster a more informed and engaged community, strengthen the decentralized ethos of Cardano, and ensure that governance decisions reflect the collective will. Ultimately, our solution will build a robust foundation for Cardano's future by promoting active civic duties and enhancing the effectiveness of its governance mechanisms.

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

Our project will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by fostering a more informed and actively engaged community in governance processes. By providing comprehensive, project-based learning modules on CIP-1694 governance roles, we empower community members to participate meaningfully as Delegated Representatives (DReps), engage Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) in governance duties, and demystify the Constitutional Committee's functions.

This education initiative will:

• Strengthen Decentralization: Encouraging wider participation ensures that governance decisions are more representative of the entire community, reinforcing Cardano's decentralized ethos.
• Enhance Governance Quality: An informed community can make better decisions, leading to more effective and resilient governance structures.
• Promote Transparency and Trust: Educating members about governance processes builds transparency, increasing trust in the system and among participants.
• Foster Community Growth: By lowering barriers to participation, we invite diverse perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions and a more vibrant ecosystem.
• Ensure Sustainability: Active civic engagement is crucial for the long-term health and evolution of Cardano, aligning the network's development with the community's collective vision.

Ultimately, our project contributes to building a robust, democratic, and participatory governance model within Cardano, ensuring that the platform continues to grow and evolve in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

[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 High Levels of Trust and Accountability:

• Experienced and Qualified Team:
• Our team consists of professionals with extensive experience in blockchain education, curriculum development, and a deep understanding of Cardano's ecosystem and CIP-1694.
• We have a proven track record of successfully delivering educational projects and engaging community initiatives within the blockchain space.
• Transparent Operations:
• We are committed to maintaining transparency throughout the project's lifecycle.
• Regular progress updates will be shared with the community and stakeholders via newsletters, webinars, and social media platforms.
• We will provide detailed reports on milestones achieved, challenges faced, and how we are addressing them.
• Community Collaboration:
• Actively involving the Cardano community ensures that our modules meet the actual needs of users.
• We will establish open channels for feedback, suggestions, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Accountability Measures:
• Clear timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities will be defined and adhered to.
• Financial accountability will be maintained by transparent budgeting and expenditure reporting.
• An external review by educational and governance experts will be conducted to ensure content quality and relevance.

Validation of Feasibility:

• Pilot Testing with Target Audience:
• Before the full-scale launch, we will conduct pilot tests with selected community members, including potential DReps, SPOs, and those interested in the Constitutional Committee.
• Feedback from these pilots will be used to refine content and delivery methods.
• Expert Consultation:
• Collaborate with governance experts, existing DReps, and members of the Cardano
• Community to validate our approach.
• Ensure that the modules are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the latest developments in Voltaire and CIP-1694
• Iterative Development Process:
• Employ an agile development methodology that allows for flexibility and iterative improvements based on continuous feedback.
• Regularly assess and adjust our strategies to address any unforeseen challenges promptly.
• Measurable Success Metrics:
• Establish clear KPIs, such as enrollment numbers, completion rates, and participant engagement levels.
• Use these metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the modules and make data-driven decisions.

By leveraging our expertise, committing to transparency, and engaging in continuous validation of our approach, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. Our goal is to empower the Cardano community through education, thereby strengthening the network's governance and contributing to its long-term success.

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

Kick off and Team Forming

• Outputs
• A kick off meeting is held
• A team is formed with the following roles filled
• Project Manager
• Catalyst Administrator
• Curriculum Designers
• Governance Experts
• A project plan is created outlining the high level goals and timelines for the project
• Evidence
• A list of the team members is created with their roles and responsibilities
• A recording of the kick off meeting is captured with an AI Note taker
• A link to the project plan for this initiative
• Acceptance Criteria
• kick off meeting is held and roles assigned.
• a formal project plan is created and lists the approach the team will take to deliver this proposal

Curriculum Development

• Outputs:
• Detailed Curriculum Outlines for three modules:

1. Becoming a Delegated Representative (DRep)
2. Governance Duties for Stake Pool Operators (SPOs)
3. Understanding the Constitutional Committee

• Learning Objectives and Outcomes for each module.
• Evidence:
• Comprehensive curriculum documents for each module, including learning objectives
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Curriculum covers all essential topics related to CIP-1694 governance roles.

Content Creation

• Outputs:
• Educational Materials for each module, including:
• Video lectures and tutorials.
• Assessments and evidence is understood
• Hands-on project-based learning guidelines and resources.
• Learner Handbooks with supplemental readings and resources.
• Required Evidence of Completion:
• Access to all created content in the chosen learning platform or repository.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• All content is complete, accurate, and aligns with the curriculum outlines.
• Materials are engaging, accessible, and cater to diverse learning styles.

Platform Integration and Pilot Testing

• Outputs:
• Online Learning Platform with integrated modules using Andamio
• User Features such as registration, progress tracking, and forums for discussion.
• Pilot Test Execution, including participant recruitment and engagement.
• Pilot Test Report summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Required Evidence of Completion:
• Live demonstration of the platform with fully functional modules.
• User accounts and test data showing platform features in action.
• Collected data from pilot participants, including usage analytics and survey responses.
• List of identified issues and documented resolutions.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Platform is fully operational
• All modules are interactive and function without technical glitches.
• Pilot participants successfully navigate the modules and complete assessments.
• Feedback indicates that users find the platform intuitive and the content valuable.
• All critical issues identified during pilot testing are resolved before full launch.

Official Launch and Community Outreach

• Outputs:
• Public Release of the learning modules to the entire Cardano community.
• Marketing Materials such as announcements, flyers, and social media content.
• Support Infrastructure, including FAQs and community forums.
• Initial User Engagement Data capturing enrollments and participation rates.
• Required Evidence of Completion:
• Links to official announcements on Cardano forums, websites, and social media platforms.
• Copies of marketing and promotional materials used.
• Analytics reports showing user engagement metrics.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• The modules are accessible globally without technical barriers.
• Early user feedback is predominantly positive, with constructive suggestions noted for future improvements.

Project Closeout

• Outputs
• Project closeout report
• Project closeout vide
• Required Evidence
• link to closeout report
• link to closeout video
• Acceptance Criteria
• Closeout report is complete and shows the project goals and how they were achieved.
• Closeout video is a concise summary of the closeout report

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

Nori Nishigaya: Project Lead and Catalyst Coordinator

I've been full-time involved with the Cardano ecosystem since 2021. I have been deeply involved with CIP-1694 from the beginning. I hosted the CIP-1694 workshop in Vancouver, and represented that workshop in Edinburgh at the CIP-1694 synthesis meeting. I also hosted the Constitutional Workshops in both Geneva and Vancouver, and will be a Constitutional delegate to Argentina in December. I am an SPO and dRep and have extensive experience with Cardano's on-chain governance technology, the Cardano Constitution, and the role of being a dRep. As a co-founder of Bridge Builders, I have strong experience creating workshops and educational offerings in Governance, and am deeply steeped in Project Based Learning methodology as a co-founder of Andamio.

Felix Weber: Governance Specialist and Advisor

Im, Felix and i'm full time Cardano since 2021.. since then i served the ecosystem through bunch of different roles and i learned as much as one can and arrived to get myself a solid expertise on all things Cardano. However, my focus has been and still is everything around governance and i hope that my experiences in the Cardano ecosystem add value to the creation of a CIP 1694 PBL.

ODIN Community: Community Specialists and Content Creators

The ODIN community is a network of individuals in the Cardano ecosystem representing organizations such as Gimbalabs, Andamio, Bridge Builders, Swarm, Cardano After Dark, and many others. We are a community of builders, educators, and community builders. We believe that decentralized innovation networks will be the primary way we solve hard problems in the world.To that end, we will experiment with and mentor evolutionary organizational principles, and create ways to scale through connecting high-trust spaces so that innovation networks and their members can flourish.

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

Cost Breakdown of the Budget (Total: 95,000 ADA)

Milestone 1: Curriculum Development

Budget: 10,000 ADA

• Educational Content Specialist (Curriculum Designer):
• 1 person x 1 month x 7,000 ADA = 7,000 ADA
• Subject Matter Expert Consultations:
• 3 experts x 500 ADA per consultation = 1,500 ADA
• Project Management for Milestone 1:
• 2000 ADA

Total for Milestone 1: 10,500 ADA

Milestone 2: Content Creation

Budget: 34,000 ADA

• Content Developers (Instructional Designers):
• 2 people x 3 months x 4,000 ADA = 24,000 ADA
• Multimedia Production (Video Recording and Editing):
• 4,000 ADA
• Graphic Design and Interactive Elements:
• 3,000 ADA
• Quality Assurance and Review:
• 1,500 ADA
• Project Management for Milestone 2:
• 2000 ADA

Total for Milestone 2: 34,500 ADA

Milestone 3: Platform Integration and Pilot Testing

Budget: 34,000 ADA

• Andamio Platform:
• 26,000 ADA
• Testing and Bug Fixing:
• 3,000 ADA
• Pilot Testing Expenses (Participant Incentives, Surveys):
• 2,000 ADA
• Technical Support Setup:
• 1,500 ADA
• Project Management for Milestone 3:
• 2000 ADA

Total for Milestone 3: 34,500 ADA

Milestone 4: Official Launch and Community Outreach

Budget: 12,000 ADA

• Support Infrastructure (Support, FAQs, Forums):
• 3,000 ADA
• Ongoing Support and Maintenance:
• 2,500 ADA
• Community Engagement Events (Webinars, Q&A Sessions):
• 3,000 ADA
• Project Management for Milestone 4:
• 2,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 4: 10,500 ADA

Contingency Fund

Budget: 5,000 ADA

• Reserved for Unexpected Expenses, Overruns, FX changes:
• 5,000 ADA

Summary of Budget Allocation

• Milestone 1: Curriculum Development: 10,500 ADA
• Milestone 2: Content Creation: 34,500 ADA
• Milestone 3: Platform Integration and Pilot Testing: 34,500 ADA
• Milestone 4: Official Launch and Community Outreach: 10,500 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 5,000 ADA

Total Budget Requested: 95,000 ADA

Notes:

• Curriculum Development: Funds allocated to hiring a curriculum designer and consulting with subject matter experts to create detailed course outlines and learning objectives.
• Content Creation: The largest portion of the budget is dedicated to developing high-quality learning targets, educational materials, including videos, and assessments. This ensures that the modules are engaging and effective.
• Platform Integration and Pilot Testing: Developing or integrating with a learning management system, testing the platform's functionality, and conducting pilot tests to refine the user experience.
• Official Launch and Community Outreach: Marketing efforts to promote the modules, setting up support channels, and engaging with the community to encourage participation.
• Contingency Fund: A reserve to cover any unexpected costs or overruns or changes in the exchange rate from ADA to USD, ensuring the project can be completed successfully even if unforeseen expenses arise.

Justification:

• Reasonable Compensation: The ADA amounts allocated for personnel are competitive and reflect fair market rates to attract qualified professionals.
• Resource Allocation: The budget prioritizes content creation, which is critical for the success of the educational modules.
• Risk Management: Including a contingency fund provides a safety net for the project, demonstrating prudent financial planning.

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

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem

The proposed budget of 95,000 ADA represents a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem with significant returns in terms of community civic engagement, governance effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of the ecosystem. Here's how the cost offers value for money:

Strengthening Decentralized Governance

• Empowering Participants: By educating community members on CIP-1694 governance roles, we enable wider participation, ensuring decisions are more representative and democratic.
• Enhanced Decision-Making: Informed DReps, SPOs, and Constitutional Committee members contribute to more thoughtful and effective governance outcomes, benefiting the entire network.

Value: Investing in education enhances the quality of governance, which is critical for the network's success and integrity.

High-Quality Educational Resources

• Comprehensive Content: The budget allocates substantial resources to create engaging, accessible, and high-quality educational materials that cater to diverse learning styles.
• Sustainable Assets: Once developed, these modules will serve as long-term resources that can be updated and reused, providing ongoing value without recurring significant costs as they will be Creative Commons licensed and Open Sourced.

Value: One-time investment yields durable educational assets that continually benefit new and existing community members.

Fostering Community Growth and Engagement

• Increased Participation: By lowering barriers to understanding governance roles, more community members are likely to get involved, leading to a more vibrant and active ecosystem.
• Community Trust and Transparency: Education builds trust in the system by making governance processes transparent and accessible.

Value: An engaged community is more likely to contribute to the network's growth, adoption, and resilience.

Cost-Effective Resource Allocation

• Efficient Use of Funds: The budget is carefully allocated to areas that maximize impact—content creation and delivery.
• Avoiding Future Costs: Proactively educating the community can prevent issues related to misunderstandings or mismanagement in governance, which could be costly to address later.

Value: Strategic investment now reduces potential costs and risks in the future, ensuring smoother network operations.

Alignment with Cardano's Mission

• Supporting Decentralization: The project aligns with Cardano's goal of creating a fully decentralized network by equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to govern and make decisions effectively.
• Enhancing Ecosystem Value: Educated participants can better contribute innovations, propose valuable governance actions, and improve the Cardano's overall improvement.

Value: The project supports the broader mission of Cardano, enhancing the value of the ecosystem for all stakeholders.

Measurable Outcomes and Accountability

• Clear KPIs: The project outlines specific, measurable outcomes (e.g., increased DRep registrations, higher governance participation rates) that demonstrate tangible returns on investment.
• Transparent Budgeting: A detailed cost breakdown ensures funds are used responsibly, with accountability at each project stage.

Value: Stakeholders can see exactly how funds are utilized and the direct impact of their investment.

Leveraging Expertise for Maximum Impact

1. Professional Quality: Employing experienced educators and developers ensures that the modules are of high quality, increasing their effectiveness and adoption rates.
2. Collaboration with Experts: Consulting governance experts ensures accuracy and relevance, enhancing the credibility of the educational materials.

Value: High-quality outputs are more likely to achieve project goals, providing better returns on the investment.

Scalability and Future Expansion

• Modular Design: The educational modules are designed to be scalable, allowing for updates and additions as Cardano's governance evolves.
• Foundation for Further Initiatives: This project can serve as a model for future educational programs within the ecosystem.

Value: The initial investment lays the groundwork for ongoing educational efforts, multiplying the benefits over time.

The investment is a prudent allocation of resources that offers substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem. By focusing on education and empowerment, the project addresses a critical need that, if unmet, could hinder the network's governance and growth. The benefits—ranging from improved governance participation to strengthening the decentralized nature of Cardano—far outweigh the costs.

By ensuring that community members are well-informed and actively engaged, the project contributes to the long-term health, stability, and success of Cardano. This represents excellent value for money, as it not only addresses immediate educational needs but also fosters a more robust and resilient ecosystem for the future.