Topl Spotlight #22: Activating Communities for Local Action With Green Pill Network’s Sejal Rekhan
Topl Spotlight showcases innovators and changemakers who are reimagining economic systems through web3 technologies. Today, we’re excited to be featuring Sejal Rekhan, the Founding Member of Green Pill Network, a worldwide network of over 20 local chapters working to create a more regenerative world. Sejal has prior experience in growth management, as well as partnerships and strategy, having worked for organizations such as DaoLens. She channels her passion for education, user experience, and community-building into the web3 space.
Let’s jump right in! Can you tell us about yourself and your journey in web3?
Hey, I’m Sejal! I started my career with a non-profit organization that offered services for senior citizens living by themselves. My college theatre days, where we spotlighted social issues, fueled my passion for impact and led me to this role. But, as a Gen Z, I craved more freedom than the traditional 9–5 offered. The pay wasn’t what I’d hoped for, and there’s this notion in the impact world that you must settle for less. Plus, the work felt outdated and manual, almost like being stuck in the 80’s!
My introduction to web3 came through my cousin, the founder of Biconomy. His passion and the way he embraced the web3 space were truly inspiring. While I had a basic understanding of crypto, his insights into DAOs caught my attention. I began to think, “This is where I need to be.”
I began my involvement with multiple DAOs, contributing in various capacities, from taking meeting notes to creating content. As I immersed myself deeper into the world of DAOs, I became increasingly aware of the inefficiencies within these organizations, primarily due to the absence of the right tools. This realization prompted me to actively search for solutions, leading me to discover DaoLens, where I decided to embark on my Web3 journey on a full-time basis.
During my research journey, I stumbled upon Gitcoin, which felt like a revelation. The platform’s unwavering commitment to fostering positive impact and supporting public goods resonated strongly with my personal passion. This discovery led me to dive headfirst into the world of Gitcoin, immersing myself in their content, including the captivating Green Pill podcast. I distinctly recall dedicating an entire day to absorbing Kevin Owocki’s profound insights. His unwavering dedication and visionary approach convinced me that I wanted to be an integral part of this transformative movement.
After finishing the Green Pill book, I joined a Telegram group linked via a QR code in the book. There was a lot going on — and it was awesome. To my surprise, Kevin was actively engaging with everyone. It was refreshing to see someone so influential being so approachable and open to new ideas. I ended up on the Supermodular forum, where discussions revolved around expanding the reach of Green Pill beyond just a podcast and book.
Then came the exciting news from DaoLens: We were heading to EthDenver. With the popularity of the Green Pill podcast, I thought, “Why not organize a meetup?” Nothing like that had been done before. I took a shot and proposed the idea in our Telegram group and got an immediate “Yes, let’s do it!” from Kevin and the community.
However, something was nagging me. The web3 space was full of jargon, making it daunting for newcomers. How could we make it more accessible for everyone, from my mum to my friends? Not everyone can go to EthDenver. So, the idea of local Green Pill chapters began to take shape in my mind. I wanted to create spaces in our own cities where these intricate concepts could be broken down and discussed. While I was still in the ideation phase and hadn’t discussed it with anyone, I began to dig deeper. The tools being developed in the web3 public goods space felt complex, but I believed in their potential — we just had to bring them to the local level.
I created a form to see if there was interest in Green Pill chapters. When I shared this in Denver, along with pamphlets and QR codes, the response was overwhelming, with sign-ups from over 30 countries. That’s how the Green Pill Network was born. We outlined our vision, set up a Discord, launched a website, and initiated local meetups. Our focus is on education — covering public goods, Gitcoin, and regenerative finance (ReFi) — and broadening our reach to those new to web3, making our narrative more inclusive.
What were some of the key lessons you learned building this network?
I want to acknowledge that building a community is tough — big shoutout to those who’ve got an engaged one. Sometimes, social media can trick you. You might think, “Wow, this community’s buzzing!” but there might not be much going on behind the scenes.
My key lesson is to make your community members feel like they’re in the driver’s seat. Like they’re equal partners. Stakeholders. Sure, Green Pill Network began centralized and isn’t a DAO yet, but making folks know they have a say in decisions and that we’re all in this together, that’s the magic. I learned this the hard way because I’d brainstorm with a few and then tell the rest our plans. But it didn’t resonate because they felt no ownership. Over time, I began asking, “What’s your take?” And wow, the ideas flowed! It became, “You’re passionate about this? Why not lead it?” Ultimately, Green Pill Network is as much yours as it is mine.
In the beginning, you probably don’t have the money to incentivize activity. But you can still offer something beyond bounties and fun giveaways. I’ve learned it’s often the small gestures, like giving people a shoutout on social media or featuring them in content, that work wonders. It’s more than just appreciation; it genuinely motivates people.
Another thing I’d suggest is to engage with people one-on-one. Many say, “Keep it on Discord; avoid DMs.” But I don’t buy that. DMs can be personal, allowing someone who may be too shy to share an idea publicly to open up. It’s about building genuine connections. Knowing my community members personally has been invaluable. It’s a two-way street; they feel this is their space, and I feel they’re my people. :)
Always include everyone. Listen. Empower them to act. Everything we’ve achieved stems from our community’s involvement. We only started in April, but it’s been an exciting journey of experimentation and learning!
What’s one of the biggest mistakes you see communities make today?
That’s a tough one. With DaoLens, we had this community on Discord that just… didn’t take off. We were so caught up in our growth mindset: “We’ve got this product; let’s bring people in, host a podcast, gather feedback.” But we missed a crucial point: What did our community members actually want?
Sure, every community has its mission and vision. But while chasing those goals, it’s vital to consider the desires and needs of your community members. Why are they here? They’ll pitch in and help realize that mission only if their own aspirations are being met. Are they looking to enhance their personal brand? Looking for a job? Eager to learn? Wanting to network? Identifying and addressing these needs is the key to a thriving community. You can start small; ask community members where they are from or what they’re up to. It’s about showing genuine interest and care.
Where is the Green Pill Network headed in the future?
At its core, Green Pill Network is all about activating communities. We experiment, fail, learn, and do again. Zooming out, our ambition is to introduce tools and mechanisms, particularly those related to public goods funding, like quadratic funding, to grassroots levels. Imagine if, in India, Green Pill India could rally organizations, impact groups, individuals, universities, NGOs, and more to grasp and harness these innovative funding models for projects that truly matter.
We’re proud to have over 20 chapters and counting, and we’re keen on nurturing their growth. We aim to bring these new funding ideas to local areas, get organizations involved, and even get local leaders on board. We believe that when people see these ideas in action, they’ll want to spread the word themselves.
Moreover, we shouldn’t discard the fact that English isn’t the only language out there. Sometimes, it’s even a barrier, really. We want to set up an initiative to translate our content into many languages because our mission’s success hinges on inclusivity. Everyone, no matter their language, should be able to access and understand our message.
Green Pill Network is a hub of innovation. We’re always brainstorming ways to measure the success of our chapters. Right now, we’re exploring hypercerts to do more funding rounds with retroactive funding for our chapters. I’m super optimistic about what’s ahead!
What do you want to see more of in the web3 space?
First, the web3 space needs to be more accessible. Right now, it’s filled with jargon and technical terms. Communities like ours, along with ReFi DAO and Regens Unite, should collaborate to create resources that are easy to understand. We need more local voices in the mix, not just tech experts working in the background. I’d love to see more local communities coming together and making sense of the space and how they can leverage it together.
Second, there’s a steep learning curve in web3. As you dive deeper, the knowledge gap between you and newcomers widens. We shouldn’t assume everyone’s on the same page. I’ve been there. I quickly picked up terms like “QF”, but when I spoke with others, I realized we’re all at different learning stages. Many might hesitate to admit they’re unfamiliar with certain concepts. That’s why personal interactions and open, inclusive spaces are crucial. Everyone should feel welcome, regardless of their knowledge level.
Third, I’d love to see more efforts to connect web3 with traditional web2 institutions and organizations. Building these bridges is critical. By integrating them, we can amplify our impact and drive broader adoption. Some of this bridging is happening, but accelerating it could be a game-changer for web3.
Curious to learn more about Sejal? Follow her on Twitter or find her on LinkedIn. And to explore similar content and stay up to date with Topl, make sure to join our Discord. 🍃
