Earlier this year, I took the initiative to attend Metacamp in Costa Rica out of pocket, driven by a vision to onboard new builders and participants into the NounsDAO ecosystem. This was a deliberate experiment aiming to convert talented individuals at a pop up, into active members of our community. I delivered a presentation, and hosted “Noundboarding” workshops, allowing a deep dive into funded props, proposal process, and Nouniverse communities.

My efforts at Metacamp directly led to:

• 2 new Nouns buyers who have become active participants in governance.
• 3 new candidates created by metacampers, potentially contributing to the future of NounsDAO. Already presented at Nouncil calls.
• Helped establish a community-driven governance group (Metacouncil) where metacampers actively discuss and vote on NounsDAO proposals.

This wasn’t a fluke, nor was it the result of personal connections. Before my trip, I had no prior relationship with the Metacamp participants now active in NounsDAO. This success underscores that targeted in-person engagement can bring tangible, measurable results for NounsDAO.

In total 5 Nouns have been purchased as a direct result of my contributions to NounsDAO Yalor - Ecosystem eigenfoundation Claudio - Co founder - Meta Pool Dara Head of Marketing decentdao NounsMX

Why It Worked:

The event provided a concentrated environment of like-minded builders, innovators, and creators who were open to exploring new decentralized communities like NounsDAO.

Want to learn more about Zuzalu and Pop Up Cities? Click the image below to hear from Vitalik himself.

Introduction

N.O.U.N.S. is a year-long exploration of network societies through the established pop-up cities. This initiative targets three unique global locations, including the Network State Conference in Singapore, Edge City Lana in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and ZuFloripa in Florianópolis, Brazil. These pop-up cities, inspired by events like Zuzalu, represent an emerging movement where communities of innovators, builders, and creators come together to explore new ideas, collaborate, and build projects with lasting impact. By engaging with these dynamic communities, NounsDAO can attract talented individuals to join its ecosystem and amplify its mission.

Project Overview

• Project Name: N.O.U.N.S. Initiative - Network of United Nouns Societies
• Duration: 1 Year
• Goal: To explore and establish network societies in global locations, attracting and nurturing talent, fostering collaboration and innovation, and offering ongoing support to new Nouns builders and bidders.

Objectives

1. Attract Builders and Innovators: Engage with talented individuals across the Ethereum ecosystem and beyond to participate in the N.O.U.N.S. Initiative at various global pop-up cities.
2. Foster Governance Participation: Encourage participants to take active roles in governance, submit proposals, and become engaged contributors within NounsDAO.
3. Create Long-Lasting Impact: Collaborate with local organizations focusing on social and environmental issues, ensuring that each pop-up city visit leaves a meaningful impact.
4. Expand NounsDAO’s Reach: Strengthen the global presence and influence of NounsDAO by connecting with international communities and creating new partnerships.
5. Promote NounsDAO’s Impact: Showcase the positive impact of community-driven innovation funded by NounsDAO.
6. Provide White Glove Onboarding: Offer new Nouns builders and bidders a personalized onboarding experience for up to three months after each activation, connecting them with ecosystem builders, guiding them to funding sources (in and out of Nouns), and helping them grow their participation in the DAO.
7. Launch the N.O.U.N.S. Podcast: A monthly podcast featuring interviews with core team members and builders from each activation, providing insights and sharing stories from the pop-up city experiences.
8. Distribute Nouns Ecosystem Merchandise: A budget dedicated to creating and distributing merchandise from Nouns ecosystem builders to enhance visibility and engagement at each event.
9. Active Core Teams: The core teams of each pop-up city become active participants in NounsDAO, with the potential for scaling governance to the entire community.
10. Grant Proposals: A minimum of three props are submitted by builders present at the pop-up cities.
11. Noun Sales: Nouns are sold as a direct result of our presence at these pop-up cities.
12. Engagement through Media: Successful launch and regular updates of the N.O.U.N.S. Podcast to engage a broader audience and deepen community ties.

Desired Outcomes

1. Active Core Teams: The core teams of each pop-up city become active participants in NounsDAO, with the potential for scaling governance to the entire community.
2. Grant Proposals: A minimum of three props are submitted by builders present at the pop-up cities.
3. Noun Sales: Nouns are sold as a direct result of our presence at these pop-up cities.
4. Engagement through Media: Successful launch and regular updates of the N.O.U.N.S. Podcast to engage a broader audience and deepen community ties.

Proof of Concept: Success at MetaCamp

The potential impact of the N.O.U.N.S. Initiative is evidenced by the success achieved at MetaCamp in Costa Rica. During this event, attendees were deeply engaged and subsequently integrated into the NounsDAO ecosystem. They currently participated in governance, purchased Nouns, drafted their own candidate proposals, provide feedback on props, joined Nouncil calls, and actively engaged with various Nouniverse communities. This experience underscores the value of NounsDAO’s presence at such events and the opportunity to replicate and expand this success across multiple locations through N.O.U.N.S.

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Key Locations and Activities

Network State Conference & Related Events (Singapore)

Dates: September 15 - October 7th, 2024

Events:

TOKEN2049: September 18-19, 2024

EthGlobal Singapore: September 20-22, 2024

Network State Conference: September 22, 2024

Event Details:

TOKEN2049: This is a premier global conference series where the crypto ecosystem’s decision-makers connect to exchange ideas, network, and shape the industry. It’s a gathering place for entrepreneurs, institutions, investors, and builders, offering NounsDAO an unparalleled opportunity to connect with key figures and establish new partnerships.

EthGlobal Singapore: As part of the EthGlobal series, this event is dedicated to fostering innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem. It brings together developers, builders, and creators to collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of decentralized technology.

Network State Conference: This conference is a focal point for discussions on decentralized governance, network societies, and the future of global communities. With speakers like Brian Armstrong, Vitalik Buterin, and Anatoly Yakovenko, it provides a unique platform for NounsDAO to engage with thought leaders in the space.

The Network School: This institution is designed to empower the “dark talent” of the world—those often overlooked by traditional educational systems. The school focuses on continuous education, personal health optimization, financial growth, and community life. It is structured around four core principles: Learn, Burn, Earn, and Fun.

Objective: Engage with key figures in the decentralized world, connect with influential builders and creators.

Activities:

• Attend and participate in discussions at the Network State Conference.
• Network with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders at TOKEN2049.
• Engage with Ethereum developers at EthGlobal Singapore.

Budget Allocation:

Total: $9,899

Breakdown:

• TOKEN2049 Ticket: $1,299
• Network State Conference Ticket: $100
• Flights to Singapore: $1,000
• Accommodation: $1,500
• Network School: $4,000
• Additional Expenses: $2000

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Edge City Lanna (Chiang Mai, Thailand) & Devcon/Bangkok Events)

Edge City Lanna (Chiang Mai, Thailand) & Devcon/Bangkok Events

Dates: October 10th - November 10th, 2024

Additional Events:

Eth Bangkok: November 11th, 2024

Devcon: November 12th - 15th, 2024

Event Details:

Edge City Lana: This is a popup village designed as an experimentation lab for new ideas, tech, culture, and organizations. Edge City convenes leaders from diverse fields, including Crypto, AI, BioTech & Longevity, Philosophy, and Governance. The goal is to create a multidisciplinary environment dedicated to accelerating human flourishing. The event will integrate family life with creative activities, offering child care and wellness programming to ensure that participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Eth Bangkok: This event stands as the heart of Bangkok’s dynamic web3 developer and builder community. Aligned with Devcon, it aims to foster collaboration across Southeast Asia, connecting local web3 players with global ecosystems.

Devcon: Known as the most significant gathering in the Ethereum community, Devcon serves as both an intensive introduction for new Ethereum explorers and a global reunion for those already in the ecosystem. The conference covers content ranging from deeply technical sessions to discussions on the social impact of decentralized systems.

Objective: Incubate novel technologies and ways of living in a community-focused, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to accelerating human flourishing. Also, engage with the Southeast Asian web3 community at Eth Bangkok and Devcon, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Activities at Edge City Lana:

Child Care and Education Programming:

Budget: $25,000

Purpose: Provide a nurturing environment for children to engage in educational and recreational activities, integrating family life with creative pursuits. This aligns with the mission of Edge City to foster deep connections and partnerships among innovators across diverse fields.

Health and Wellness Programming:

Budget: $25,000

Purpose: Create a dedicated wellness space with sauna and cold plunge facilities, along with workshops focused on health and wellness. These activities will support the physical and mental well-being of participants, enhancing their capacity to innovate.

Community Design and Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

Objective: Edge City is an IRL experimentation lab for new ideas, tech, culture, and organizations. The village’s environment, is ideal for innovators to work alongside peers in Crypto, AI, BioTech & Longevity, Philosophy, and Governance. The goal is to tackle major societal challenges and enhance prosperity and fulfillment.

Activities at Eth Bangkok and Devcon:

Eth Bangkok: Engage with the local web3 developer and builder community in Bangkok, sharing insights and fostering collaboration across Southeast Asia.

Devcon: Participate in sessions and workshops at Devcon, an intensive introduction for new Ethereum explorers and a global family reunion for those already in the ecosystem. The goal is to push the boundaries of possibility in decentralized protocols, tools, and culture. I have been invited to speak on two panels, providing an opportunity to showcase Nouns.

Budget Allocation for Travel and Accommodation:

Total: $12,000

Breakdown:

• Flights to Thailand: $3,000
• Transportation and Accommodation for Edge City Lana: $5,000
• Accommodation and Additional Expenses for Eth Bangkok and Devcon: $4,000

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ZuFloripa & ETH Floripa (Florianópolis, Brazil)

Dates: January 15- February 15, 2025

Event Details:

ZuFloripa: This event is part of the broader “Zu-Villages” movement inspired by Zuzalu, a pop-up city initiative co-created by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. ZuFloripa focuses on creating a vibrant community of innovators and builders dedicated to exploring new governance models and decentralized technologies. The event will integrate health and wellness programming, aiming tosupport the local community and create a lasting impact in Florianópolis.

ETH Floripa: This event is centered around blockchain technology and its potential to harmonize with governance models inspired by nature. Hosted on the “Island of Magic,” ETH Floripa will explore how the adaptability and collaboration found in natural systems can inform the future of decentralized governance. The event will include talks, panels, and workshops designed to engage participants with the NounsDAO ecosystem.

Sponsorship Details:

ZuFloripa Sponsorship: Budget: $15,000 Purpose: Sponsor health and wellness programming at ZuFloripa, supporting the local community and creating a positive impact.

Scholarships: Budget: $10,500 Purpose: Provide 15 scholarships of up to $700 each to young Brazilian developers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to attend ETH Floripa and gain valuable skills in governance and coding. This will promote inclusion and foster the participation of emerging talents in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Nouns House for Public Goods:

Budget: $1,830

Purpose: Rent a space for three days that can accommodate over 16 guests, dedicated to discussions and workshops on public goods and decentralized governance. This will serve as a hub for NounsDAO activities at ETH Floripa, offering a space for collaboration and engagement.

Ice Cream/Snacks/Sofa for Nouns Space:

Budget: $2,500

Purpose: Create an inviting and comfortable space where participants can relax, enjoy refreshments, and learn about NounsDAO. The space will feature sofas, ice cream, and snacks, creating a welcoming environment for discussions about the Nouns ecosystem.

Budget Allocation for Travel and Accommodation:

Total: $12,000

Breakdown:

• Flights to Brazil: $5,000
• Accommodation: $3,000
• Additional Expenses: $4,000

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N.O.U.N.S. Podcast

Objective: Share insights and experiences from each activation, featuring interviews with core team members and builders.

Bi Weekly episodes and recaps of each event. Episodes will feature thought leaders attending these Pop Up Cities.

Budget Allocation:

Total: $5,840

Breakdown:

• Podcast Equipment: $5,000
• AI Tools Fee ($20/month): $240
• Podcast Software: $600

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Merchandise Distribution

Objective: Enhance visibility and engagement at each event by distributing Nouns ecosystem merchandise.

Budget: $10,000

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Team Compensation

Budget: 35 ETH

Purpose: Compensate the core team responsible for organizing and executing the N.O.U.N.S. Initiative, including event planning, community engagement, podcast, and post-event onboarding support.

Justification: Long Travel: The N.O.U.N.S. Initiative requires extensive travel across multiple countries, including Singapore, Thailand, and Brazil. The core team will spend significant time away from their homes and families, often in challenging and unfamiliar environments. This travel is crucial for building relationships, attending events, and representing NounsDAO on the global stage.

Long Times Away from Home: The initiative spans a full year, with several events requiring the team to be away from home for extended periods. This time away not only involves the physical toll of travel but also the mental and emotional strain of being separated from loved ones. Adequate compensation ensures that the team can focus fully on their mission without undue stress about their personal commitments.

Ongoing Support for Builders: Beyond just attending events, the core team will provide ongoing support to builders and participants they engage with at each location. This includes mentoring, guidance on navigating the Nouns ecosystem, and helping them to develop and submit proposals. The value of this support extends well beyond the events themselves, fostering long-term engagement and contribution to NounsDAO.

Stewarding Core Team Participation in NounsDAO: The core team plays a pivotal role in stewarding new and existing participants within the Nouns ecosystem. This involves continuous involvement in governance, facilitating discussions, and ensuring that the initiative aligns with the broader goals of NounsDAO. Their ongoing participation is essential to maintaining the momentum of the initiative and integrating new members into the community.

Carlos Melgar

Ex Gitcoin 2X Optimism RPGF recipient Onboarded thousands of people around the world through Impact Onboarding TNS contributor and Co-host of Based Builders with Toady Hawk Gitcoin, Optimism, Arbitrum, ZKsync delegate

Total Budget

Conclusion

The N.O.U.N.S. Initiative offers NounsDAO a unique opportunity to engage with global communities of innovators, builders and creators. By establishing a presence at key pop-up cities and fostering collaboration, the initiative aims to attract new members, and create lasting impact. The proven success at Metacamp demonstrates the potential of these activations to deeply integrate talented individuals into the NounsDAO ecosystem. Edge City Lanna in Chiang Mai, combined with the high-impact opportunities at Eth Bangkok and Devcon, provides a comprehensive approach to engaging with the Southeast Asian onchain community, fostering innovation, and driving the adoption of decentralized systems.

Other pop up cities will be included once their dates are finalized. Potential pop ups include Viatlia in Honduras, ZuGarden in Berlin, Crecimiento in Argentina, Zuitzerland in Switzerland. This proposal outlines a clear and structured plan to leverage the momentum of the NounsDAO community and extend its reach through meaningful, global activations. The initiative is designed to build lasting connections, foster new innovations, and showcase the value of decentralized collaboration to a broader audience.