Preparing for 2024: Grassroots Activism & NFT's
In preparation for the 2024 election cycle, the FBBA plans to experiment with a new form of incentive—a commemorative NFT for those engaging with politicians.
As the 2024 elections approach, grassroots activism, an often overlooked yet potent form of political influence, is gaining recognition. This force constitutes the foundation of the Florida Blockchain Business Association (FBBA), an organization I launched in 2017, with the goal of fueling community-led initiatives across the Sunshine State. The achievements we aim for would be unattainable without grassroots engagement.
Florida has seen a burgeoning number of meetups. In 2017, the FBBA conducted an assessment revealing over a hundred distinct Web3-related meetups, reaching over 20,000 different individuals across the State through Telegram channels, Discord servers, and physical gatherings. Each of these meetups featured between two to five leaders: individuals energized by their commitment to community and an enthusiasm for Bitcoin & Web3 education.
Empowering these passionate individuals to disseminate the knowledge and benefits of Web3 and Bitcoin throughout Florida has always been a principal objective of mine. As the 2024 elections loom, it is vital to underline the significant role these community leaders can play in every State.
The ambition to create political influence and infrastructure capable of advancing pro-Web3 and Bitcoin legislation is paramount. In 2018, the FBBA unveiled the Community Leaders Initiative. This scheme not only acknowledges the pioneers who have spearheaded grassroots movements in Florida since Bitcoin's inception but also furnishes them with resources to engage with their local political communities and expand their influence.
Take, for instance, the Tampa Bay meetup, meticulously organized by my good friends, Gabe Higgins and Rosa Shores. This meetup, depending on the day and format—virtual or in-person—draws between 50 to 100 attendees, some traveling from as far as 20 miles away. Such gatherings could potentially comprise constituents from over 20 different State representatives and at least 10 Senators within that meetup's influence area.
By equipping community leaders with the necessary resources to understand proposed bills, formulate talking points, and guide their meetup attendees in effective communication, we can significantly amplify the outreach and influence of a single meetup.
For example, should the aim be to enact a law forbidding banks from discriminating against Web3 businesses in Florida, I could provide meetup leaders with carefully tailored talking points. These leaders, with the right resources, could then identify the various congressional, state, and county, and city districts their members inhabit. If these constituents consistently approach their respective representatives with the same talking points, it could exponentially magnify our lobbying power.
Looking at Florida, with most representatives based in urban areas—Miami, Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, and Jacksonville—where the largest meetups are held, we could potentially develop talking points that might resonate with over 50% of Florida's legislative body.
Yet, there's a catch. The efficacy of local area lobbying depends entirely on how active those within the community choose to be. My role is to ensure these leaders are equipped with resources to create talking points for diverse legislative agendas. The responsibility then rests on these community leaders to act on these points.
This decentralized approach carries both merits and challenges. While some communities may lack the time or motivation to interact with their local representatives, others might step up to the task if given appropriate incentives and recognition.
In preparation for the 2024 election cycle, the FBBA plans to experiment with a new form of incentive—a commemorative NFT for those engaging with politicians. This NFT, devoid of any monetary value, serves as a public acknowledgement of those who are advocating for our cause and promoting responsible Bitcoin and Web3 policies.
In these tumultuous times—local, national, global—the need to explore and encourage grassroots activism has never been more pertinent. As we continue to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, the FBBA will not forget its origins or the grassroots movements that have been instrumental to our success.