Grassroots Policy Advocates Are Key to Seeding Crypto Innovation

In the early days, cryptocurrency was an uncharted territory, often perceived as a niche or obscure investment option. As a practicing lawyer specializing in software development, I found myself immersed in the intricacies of this burgeoning field. My work focused on providing legal guidance for developers pushing the boundaries of innovation within the crypto sector.

Rebecca Rettig is a speaker at this year’s Consensus festival, in Austin, Texas, May 29-31.

I find myself in a new reality where the idea of blockchain holds more significance than it once did. This shift is propelled by passionate advocates and innovative builders working diligently at the edges of technology.

As a researcher exploring the realm of technology innovation, I can’t help but be captivated by the transformative potential of blockchain-based solutions. This game-changing technology isn’t just about revolutionizing financial transactions; it also holds the key to redefining the very fabric of all internet-centric interactions. The emergence of cryptocurrencies has brought the concept of a decentralized internet to the forefront, and global policymakers and regulators are now paying closer attention than ever before to this burgeoning industry.

Policymakers and regulators are faced with the challenge of defining and setting boundaries for the regulation of decentralized software systems. What constitutes a decentralized software system, and when do financial hazards arise from cybersecurity threats in such contexts? How can we effectively address and minimize these risks? Additionally, what measures are essential to preserve the overall security and reliability of the system?

A significant transformation is taking place in instructing legislators on how to address these issues. The policy sector of the industry has evolved and specialized at an equal pace with the advancement of technology. However, this professionalization might make advocacy appear complex and detached for those directly engaged in creating and utilizing the technology. Nevertheless, it’s essential for builders and users to engage with lawmakers now more than ever. This is particularly relevant following the recent bipartisan approval of the first cryptocurrency market structure bill in the House.

As a passionate crypto investor and builder in this space, I possess distinct knowledge and perspectives on how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the internet. Grassroots initiatives are crucial for spreading awareness about cryptocurrencies, and I’ve frequently been approached by members of Congress seeking insight from individuals like us. The role of advocacy is to bridge the gap between regulators and the crypto community, providing valuable information that can contribute to the development of forward-thinking policies.

So how can you get started? There are a couple easy ways to engage.

Find friends

Several institutions have been set up with the primary goal of providing you the necessary resources for advocating strongly on a particular topic, such as Crypto Policy Bootcamp.

As a crypto analyst, I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Crypto Policy Bootcamp hosted by Polygon Labs, Solana Foundation, and DeFi Education Fund in October 2023. This unique event brought together industry leaders such as founders, CEOs, venture capitalists, and other stakeholders for engaging discussions with policy experts, political advocates, and Congressional staffers and members of Congress. The primary focus of these conversations was to effectively communicate the significance and value of blockchain technology.

Starting in October, we have organized a total of four extra bootcamps, joining forces with other industry leaders like Wormhole Foundation and Ledger. The fifth bootcamp is scheduled for late May at Consensus. Furthermore, a prominent crypto advocate in Congress, Tom Emmer, has confirmed his attendance to address the bootcamp attendees in Austin.

Bootcamps offer accessible routes for individuals involved in the blockchain sector – be it building, investing, or working – to acquire essential skills and resources, enabling them to effectively champion the development of the industry, ecosystem, and community in political arenas like Capitol Hill and beyond. Additionally, organizations such as Stand With Crypto serve as valuable allies in this endeavor by fostering collaboration among builders and advocating together.

Tell YOUR story, like only you can

As a dedicated crypto investor, I’d like to emphasize from my personal experience that engaging directly with policymakers, particularly my own Congressional representatives, carries immense weight.

As a dedicated researcher, I believe one effective way to gather valuable information for a project is by reaching out to experts in the field through various means of communication. For instance, I could send personalized emails expressing my interest in their work and requesting if they would be open to answering some questions or even having a conversation over the phone or video call. By doing so, not only will I expand my knowledge base, but I’ll also have the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with professionals who are passionate about their research. Additionally, establishing these connections could potentially lead to fruitful collaborations and long-lasting professional relationships.

There are various resources available that compile stories and serve as educational tools for lawmakers, enabling you to deliver persuasive testimony. Additionally, I was part of the team that initiated The Value Prop (TVP), an open, interactive platform. This website collects blockchain applications into a user-friendly database, featuring projects ranging from community-created GPS and hotspot networks to tracking supply chains and verifying digital records and information.

Over an extended period of time, the dedicated community actively contributed hundreds of use cases to the project. Consequently, TVP has emerged as a valuable tool for clarity in grassroots decision-making processes. Policymakers and regulators frequently utilize it as a resource.

Members from the cryptocurrency sphere, including the Ethereum Foundation, Celo Foundation, and Mercy Corps Ventures, have significantly enhanced the platform. Now, it showcases video interviews of innovators and leaders in the sector, where they share insights on their projects, motivations, and the broader implications of their endeavors.

The Value Prop could greatly benefit from authentic user experiences with cryptocurrency being shared. These personal stories highlight the real-life individuals who have utilized crypto and the transformative effects it has brought them.

As a passionate crypto investor and active user of Polygon technology, I’m excited to share my experiences with the dedicated team members of Polygon Labs during the Consensus event on May 30th. During this interview, I’ll be sharing why I chose to use this technology, how it has positively impacted my investment portfolio and daily life, and what makes it stand out from other solutions in the market.

As a crypto investor, I believe that you and I, the builders and the users, hold significant power in this industry. Our voices matter greatly when it comes to shaping policies that impact us. Let’s make our opinions heard and contribute to the growth and development of the crypto space.

As a dedicated researcher, I strongly encourage you to get involved in advocating for causes that matter to you, regardless of the location or resources at your disposal. You don’t necessarily need to visit Washington D.C., or even your state representative’s office, to make a difference. Instead, seize opportunities to engage during events such as Consensus in Austin. Consider recording a user testimony as a powerful way to express your perspective and influence the conversation. Remember, every action counts towards creating meaningful change.

Your time is now.

As a data analyst, I’d like to emphasize that the opinions shared in this article are my own personal perspective and do not represent the views of CoinDesk or any of its affiliated entities.