Decentralized Voices — Cohort 4 Delegates Announced
The Web3 Foundation is excited to announce the six delegates selected for Decentralized Voices Cohort 4, who will take on the important role of stewarding and supporting governance of Polkadot and Kusama. With 42 million DOT and 180,000 KSM voting power entrusted to them, these delegates will participate in shaping the future of decentralized decision-making in OpenGov.
This cohort brings together a dynamic mix of experience, innovation, and regional representation, mirroring the diverse voices that make up our ecosystem. Building on the progress of previous cohorts, Cohort 4 also introduces feedback-driven updates to advance greater inclusivity and ensure the program continues to evolve in support of long-term decentralization
A Note of Thanks to Our Community
As we announce Cohort 4, we would like to express our profound appreciation to our dynamic community for the rich tapestry of feedback and insights you have shared with us. Your voices have been instrumental in shaping this cohort, and we’ve worked to integrate your suggestions and concerns into its fabric.
We remain committed to listening and embracing change and growth, to make sure that our programs continue to serve the evolving needs of Polkadot and Kusama. Thank you for being an amazing community that drives us forward!
A Note of Appreciation for Cohort 3
A heartfelt thank you to the delegates of Cohort 3; ChaosDAO, KusDAO, Le Nexus, Lucky Friday Labs, Hungarian Polkadot DAO, and Saxemberg for your incredible contributions to governance. Your commitment to thoughtful discussions, active participation in AAG sessions, and meaningful engagement across the ecosystem has been truly invaluable. You’ve played a vital role in amplifying the voices of the community and shaping the future of decentralized decision-making.
As Cohort 3 concludes, we encourage all delegates to stay involved, whether continuing in the program or transitioning. For those moving on, we hope you’ll consider mentoring and supporting the incoming Cohort 4 delegates, sharing your valuable insights. We welcome your continued active participation in OpenGov discussions as community leaders. When Cohort 5 applications open, we look forward to seeing fresh perspectives from both returning and new applicants.
What We Looked For in Delegates
For Cohort 4, we sought delegates who embody the community’s values and demonstrate a deep commitment to governance. We prioritized diverse perspectives and active participation, both on-chain and in thoughtful off-chain discussions. A proven ability to engage respectfully across platforms like Polkassembly and social media was also taken into consideration. We also favored collectives for their strength in managing complex decisions while amplifying diverse perspectives.
Additionally, we aimed to minimize overlap between delegate members and showed a preference for candidates who hadn’t been selected multiple times before, though these weren’t strict requirements.
Welcoming the Cohort 4 Delegates
We are thrilled to welcome the six delegates selected for DV Cohort 4. This cohort reflects the program’s commitment to a diverse and collaborative governance ecosystem. Representing a blend of technical expertise, regional advocacy, and innovative thinking, these delegates exemplify the values of transparency, accountability, and community stewardship that lie at the heart of Polkadot and Kusama governance.
Hungarian Polkadot DAO
JAM Implementers DAO
KusDAO
PermanenceDAO
Polkaworld
Trustless Core
These delegates will guide decision-making across all Spender, Tipper, Treasurer, and Wish-for-Change tracks, making sure that community interests remain at the heart of governance.
A Path Forward
Cohort 4’s four-month term begins April 14, 2025, with delegates committing to:
- Transparent rationale for all votes via Polkassembly/Subsquare.
- Active collaboration with ecosystem initiatives.
- Quarterly public reflections on governance trends and challenges.
Compensation remains 3,500 DOT per delegate, vested linearly to align incentives with long-term ecosystem health.
To the Polkadot and Kusama Community
Governance is a collective endeavor shaped by dialogue, accountability, and shared vision. This cohort is yours, and we invite you to engage with the delegates through constructive criticism and useful feedback. By challenging their assumptions respectfully, and holding them accountable, you contribute to shaping our decentralized future
There were many exceptional applications/candidates that we unfortunately couldn’t select for this cohort. The depth of talent and commitment in our community is truly inspiring. We encourage everyone to continue their engagement with governance discussions and ecosystem initiatives. Prepare to apply for Cohort 5, starting this August.
Every voice matters in this ecosystem, and your contributions are vital to its success.
For inquiries, contact dv@web3.foundation or participate in discussions on the Polkadot Forum.
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