The Morning Note — Diversity — The Basis for Collective Achievement
A morning bulletin offering fresh news, pithy opinions and pioneering insights cultivated straight from the heart of blockchain ideology and technology.
— Brought to you by the Keynote team.
20 August 2018
Diversity — The Basis for Collective Achievement
Recently at Keynote we have been talking about diversity and inclusion. A lot. We are aware of the under-representation of women and other minority groups in blockchain and want to learn and understand how we can meaningfully take steps to bring new perspectives and lived experiences into the blockchain ecosystem.
In two weeks time at WBF London we will launch a new $6 million Keynote Fund to support diversity and inclusion in the blockchain industry. The fund exists to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play an active role in the development and evolution of blockchain and opportunities to work and develop in blockchain are open to all regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or any other equality characteristic. We want any person — young or old — to look at a blockchain company or event and see themselves represented in a meaningful way.
Diversity (and therefore inclusion) makes sense to us.
Firstly, because its fair. It’s just how things should be. Secondly, because blockchain really should be the perfect space for inclusivity and diversity to thrive. As we explored last week — the underlying spirit of blockchain lies in decentralisation, low barriers to participation and collaboration (in opposition to rigid or standard systems put in place by conventional finance companies or the internet’s data kings). And thirdly, because living systems (of which blockchain is one) require diversity to adapt, thrive and evolve. The ecosystem of blockchain is a whole living system made up of different parts and intersecting relationships. As with any living system — the more diverse the parts, the more open the relationships the more self-integrating and therefore robust the whole.
We will take a deeper dive into the living system of blockchain on Friday. In the meantime we thought we’d share with you the work of some really cool peeps doing really good things to open up and expand the world of blockchain.
1. Why the LGBT Community Is Launching Its Own Cryptocurrency
The latest trend in digital tokens is the purchasing power of minority communities. While everyone from Kodak to Atari have some sort of blockchain in background (or foreground) fringe organisations are also exploring how this new technology can benefit their futures.
In February this year the LGBT Foundation, a Hong Kong-based non-profit aimed at supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals globally, announced that it would launch its own digital token on the blockchain.
“The LGBT Foundation will tokenize the Pink Dollar so that the LGBT community can play an even greater role in shaping its destiny in countries across the world. By harnessing the Community’s economic might, the Foundation and its members can accelerate the efforts of local communities, organizations, and individuals in their quest for equal rights and acceptance in society.”
2. Blockchain Technology — Humanized!
“Let’s Learn Crypto Together!” is the slogan and public literacy and the mass adoption of cryptocurrency is the vision. As the first crypto discovery portal in Singapore, IKIGUIDE’s emphasis is on the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies.
They exist to empower the masses. There are no “silly questions” and they live by the mantra of never stop learning.
If you are new to crypto — this is a great place to start. Everyone is welcome.
3. Ten Amazing Women to Follow in Blockchain
The impact of blockchain runs deep. So far crypto enthusiasts, investors, and entrepreneurs have led the conversations. But things are moving fast and now is the time for everyone to understand how blockchain will change the future.
- Maybe you’re a music lover who wants to see artist’s make a good living?
- Or a consumer who wants to know where your burger came from?
- Perhaps you’re a citizen fed up with the lack of transparency in governments?
- Or a student looking to build a career in ultra contemporary technologies?
- Maybe you are interested in new solutions for social and environmental challenges?
Blockchain will have an impact on all of these things, and innovators are currently designing applications that serve these needs. It’s important to remember it’s a new technology for everyone.
The thing is — it doesn’t matter who you are, anyone can use blockchain to create change, reimagine what we know, and drive innovation. Everyone can play an active role its growth and evolution. And it needs everyone to reach its full potential. The very nature of blockchain requires diversity to thrive.
At Keynote, when we talk about diversity, we mean diversity of all kinds. But we also know women are currently under-represented and needing encouragement to move into this space, so in 2018 this is a key focus for us.
Here are ten awesome women who are already there, and making a difference. Share them far and wide.
The Morning Note
We are always on the look out for the hearty stories and pithy ideas underpinning the future of blockchain. If there is something you’d like us to include in The Morning Note, please email clare@keynote.ae and we will be sure to take a look.
