[RFC] Trial run a Recognised Delegate Program to improve governance participation

Shutter DAO DAO Proposals
6

Thank you @jengajojo for initiating this important discussion about governance participation, and to @Baer_DAOplomats for your continued focus on strengthening the 0x36 DAO.

While I appreciate the intent behind this proposal, I have some fundamental concerns about its approach:

  1. KPI-Driven Participation: Creating a system where delegates must hit specific KPIs (70% participation, attendance, etc.) risks incentivizing box-ticking behavior rather than thoughtful governance. Quality of participation matters more than quantity.

  2. Administrative Overhead: Adding a paid program manager to track metrics, process payments, and monitor delegate compliance seems to create unnecessary bureaucracy. At this stage in our DAO’s development, we should be focusing on reducing complexity, not adding layers of administration. A quick reminder, this DAO has no revenue.

  3. Alternative Approach: If our goal is to increase meaningful delegation and participation, we might consider:

    • Implementing periodic retroactive rewards for delegates who have demonstrated consistent, valuable participation
    • This would naturally reward genuine engagement without creating artificial incentives
    • It would also be simpler to administer and be more capital efficient

  4. Treasury Considerations: With our current treasury, we should be particularly mindful of creating ongoing payment obligations. Retroactive rewards for demonstrated value might be more prudent than forward-looking commitments.

Rather than creating a delegate management program, what we might really need is focused governance facilitation that:

  • Improves delegate tools and documentation
  • Streamlines proposal processes
  • Provides better information flows to delegates
  • Makes it easier for token holders to make informed delegation decisions

If DAOplomats is interested in helping strengthen our governance, perhaps we could discuss a governance facilitator role that serves the DAO by focusing on these improvements rather than administering a delegate incentive program. It would be interesting to see a proposal that offers this service, with a list of bulleted obligations and deliverables.

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