Getting Started: Laying the Foundation
Becoming a DAO delegate isn’t just about collecting delegations—it’s about earning trust, building credibility, and making an impact. The best delegates don’t just show up and expect voting power; they take the time to understand how the DAO works, engage with the community, and define their own approach to governance.
If you want to stand out, it starts with the right foundation.
Step 1: Understand the DAO’s Governance Model
Every DAO has its own rules, voting mechanisms, and delegation structures. Some rely on on-chain governance, where votes are executed automatically through smart contracts. Others use off-chain processes, where token holders signal their preferences before decisions are finalized manually.
Before stepping into the delegate role, ask yourself:
How does voting work? Is it on-chain, off-chain, or a hybrid model?
What’s expected from delegates? Are they simply voting, or are they also expected to engage in discussions, join working groups, or contribute to governance research?
Is there compensation? Many top DAOs pay delegates, but some rely on voluntary participation. If incentives exist, how do they work?
How is voting power distributed? Some DAOs limit delegation power to prevent governance capture, while others allow large token holders to consolidate influence.
Skipping this step is like jumping into a game without reading the rules—you’ll be lost before you even get started.
Where to Find This Information:
The DAO’s governance documentation (Notion, Docs, forum).
Past proposals and voting records.
Conversations with current delegates and governance facilitators.
For reference, reviewing governance documentation from well-structured DAOs like Optimism and Arbitrum can provide valuable insights into best practices, delegation expectations, and incentive structures.
Step 2: Show Up Before You Ask for Votes
Delegation isn’t automatic. Token holders want to see you in action before they trust you with governance power. The best way to gain that trust? Engage early and often.
Here’s how to make an impression before you even become a delegate:
Join governance discussions – Don’t just lurk. Comment on active proposals, ask good questions, and provide thoughtful feedback.
Attend community calls & AMAs – Get involved in live discussions. It’s easier to build credibility when people recognize your name and voice.
Study past proposals – Understanding past governance decisions will help you assess current ones more effectively.
Follow governance analytics – Use platforms like Tally, Boardroom, or Dune to track voting trends, proposal outcomes, and delegate activity.
A strong delegate doesn’t just vote—they contribute to governance discussions, build trust, and prove their value before they ever receive a single delegation.
Step 3: Define Your Governance Philosophy
Token holders delegate to people, not profiles. The best delegates attract support because they have a clear stance on governance—one that aligns with the interests of their delegators.
Ask yourself:
What principles guide your decision-making? Are you prioritizing decentralization, sustainability, innovation, or risk management?
How do you evaluate proposals? What factors matter most—financial impact, security risks, long-term growth?
How will you communicate with delegators? Will you publish governance reports? Engage directly on forums? Provide voting rationales for key decisions?
Being predictable is a good thing. Token holders want to know what to expect from you—how you think, how you vote, and what you stand for.
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