#ExperimentalGovernance

Introduction

In this article, we step back in time to reflect on and document the creation process of the Optimism delegation, Optimism Español, and the work of SEED Latam during both events. We will focus on analyzing their respective evolutions, paying special attention to the branding aspect, as it reflects the internal transformation, the commitment of SEED Latam, and the contributions attributed to the Optimism ecosystem.

First Steps in Optimism

Some time ago, when SEED Latam was still known as DeFi Latam, our collaborators began digging into the world of Optimism for several reasons. The first, in line with SEED Latam's mission, was our commitment to raising awareness and educating about existing and emerging decentralized technologies. At that time, Optimism presented itself as an interesting and accessible alternative on the rise.

This article is a clear example of how SEED Latam explored the proposal with which we deeply identified: a new optimized model of digital democratic governance to promote fast and sustainable growth in a decentralized ecosystem, one that supports public goods. From that moment, after research and debates, we decided to adopt the Optimistic vision, and this is how the Optimism delegation was created within SEED Latam.

The growing interest in this ecosystem and our active participation in governance, led by delegate Joxes and his team, inspired us to consider the creation of an independent community focused on generating educational content in Spanish: Optimism Español. This led to the migration of some initiatives that had previously emerged within SEED Latam to the new Optimistic community.

Initially, SEED Latam collaborators actively contributed to both the delegation and Optimism Español. Both communities were aligned with each other and maintained close relationships, resulting in an intersection of roles and a lack of clear distinction in communication, mostly emanating from SEED Latam (DeFi Latam). At that time, the current structure we know today was not yet established.

The simultaneous growth of both communities and the need to maintain an educational space about Optimism in the region, independent of the delegation's activities, highlighted the importance of restructuring our organization.

It was then decided that SEED Latam (DeFi Latam) and Optimism Español should evolve separately.

After this journey, we can confirm that our experience in delegation management has been developing as we progress on this path, just like the Optimism delegation itself, which, from the beginning, opened the door to experimentation and exploration.

The Night: Our Beginning point

The first flyer was created by a contributor. The current structure did not exist, nor did the tools that now allow us to maintain the characteristic fast pace of the ecosystem. When it reached the designer in charge of the POAPs, he was just provided with a black background and a mix of red elements, without any context. At that moment, the concept lacked meaning. Nevertheless, the idea of creating something from nothing itself was embraced, a kind of genesis.

The suggested concept by Optimism was taken as a starting point, which revolved around the idea of a city, and work began around it. The city represented an idea, and everything else became pure idealization. Back then, we were certain that the concept of governance in Optimism was based on experimentation and, as a result, on constant iteration. This was deeply rooted in our principles from the very beginning.

"So I decided that the first POAP should have nothing, just a dark background, and let whatever needs to emerge come from there. In the second POAP, the stars appear. What is the first thing to emerge after nothing? The light."

It's important to highlight that SEED Latam has embraced POAP from its beginnings (2020), and each of them is special. We believe it's valuable for people to participate in each of SEED Latam's initiatives. SEED Latam's POAPs were not just isolated designs; they had a specific purpose: to make our work transcend within the framework of experimentation and iteration, visually communicating the time that has passed. To ensure that the fruits of iterative work over time are enjoyed by all. This same philosophy was reflected in the POAPs of the Optimism delegation, which today represent the voting power of the community.

The Dawn: Spreading the Optimistic Vision

Regarding the branding of Optimism in Spanish, a rework of the original branding was carried out instead of a mere replication. Despite seeking differentiation as we are not an official account, a consistent visual communication was maintained to convey our commitment, considering essential elements but giving them new meaning.

For example, the logo incorporated the abbreviation "OP" with the tilde of the letter "Ñ" as a reference to the language. In the other images, some figures were reused, such as the two 'houses,' maintaining a visual style in line with that of Optimism. This strategy was designed to convey the community's identity and its commitment to the Foundation.

The adoption of our own branding clearly reflects our affinity with the optimistic vision of 'experimenting and iterating.' This is not only evident in our branding but also in the commitment and dedication we invest in each of our actions. The flexibility of the official proposal from the Optimism Foundation allows us not only to create but also to apply this creativity to educational aspects and our participation in governance.

In other words, we opted for the regional redefinition and adaptation of the branding rather than simply using official branding. The Foundation does not oppose its use, so we decided to make adjustments considering certain elements to give it new meaning. Additionally, we believe it is wise to avoid potential confusion and, instead, give prominence to the entire Optimism ecosystem, as it is this ecosystem that we aim to enrich.

Just as we focus on conveying and communicating the optimistic vision, we invite others to explore their creativity with the available tools. We believe that by leaving our mark, proposing ideas, and encouraging the community to explore and experiment with a positive purpose for the Optimism ecosystem, we contribute to its enrichment and continuous development.

Similarly to how we share contributions, it is crucial to acknowledge that in our process of iteration and experimentation, we have faced challenges that required quick resolutions and, at times, have resulted in outcomes that may appear discordant. These situations have been influenced by transformations in our structure and communication channels over time, but we believe they are an inherent part of the cycle: experimentation, iteration, implementation; exploration, adjustment, deployment.

Currently, the Optimism delegation has remained separate from Optimism Español as part of the SEED Latam governance platform, resulting in the visual communication of governance calls coming from the SEED Latam branding. Nevertheless, we have chosen to maintain the criteria of the visual narrative for the POAPs.

The Sunrise: A Period of Reflection

Before starting a new cycle, it is essential to dedicate time to the process of reflection. SEED Latam has gone through several key moments in its journey:

• The launch of the Optimism delegation.

• The creation of Optimism Español.

• The independence of Optimism Español from the Optimism delegation within SEED Latam.

• The incorporation of social consensus procedures in decision-making through the use of POAPs (Proof of Attendance Protocol).

Just as the POAPs reflect the level of governance maturity, they also illustrate the developmental status of both the SEED Latam delegation's structure and its usage.

Starting from scratch, in the darkness without a clear path, we have faced moments of uncertainty and self-assessment. This branding, modified over time, now represents what it means to experiment within governance. With time, our visions have become clearer.

Today, these POAPs go beyond their original function as mere attendance certificates. For SEED Latam, they represent the community's engagement history in Optimism's governance, allowing us to use them as an eligibility criterion in decision-making, granting members the ability to exercise their vote. The community's decision is ultimately what the delegate will take to the forum. Community voting is a fundamental element in the delegate's voting composition.

The process of collective voting is the cornerstone that defines our contribution and the quality of our delegation in all its aspects. Our branding is an expression of our identity and the desire to differentiate ourselves, carrying the values and vision of SEED Latam into each of our actions: (S.E.E.D Sovereignty - Education - Evolution - Decentralization). We do not represent personal interests, companies, or projects; we are advocates for the community. Our distinctiveness is reflected in the visual aspect, where we seek to foster and value community commitment and participation.

The opportunity to experiment in Optimism's governance motivated us to implement processes that reflected these same values, as well as to seek solutions to address challenges that respected our democratic and decentralized vision as much as possible.

The Optimism ecosystem was so significant that it drove us to create a delegation, establish a new community, change our name, and expand our team. Just as we've had the opportunity to grow, we wish to provide this possibility to others by sharing our experiences and challenges so they can replicate and enhance what we've built.

Nadie nos va a regalar la historia

Team SEED Latam