First things first: I want to thank the DAOpunks community for supporting my grant application. As I mentioned during my AMA, this cohort of applicants was a field of giants, so I truly appreciate the votes of confidence.

Here I am, post-ETHDenver, spending time in beautiful coastal Oregon, and writing my first update as a successful DAOpunks grantee. Somebody pinch me: I feel so lucky! As promised, I’ll be sharing the highlights of the trip to Denver, with a DAOpunks spin of course.

Without a doubt, my most thrilling moment during ETHDenver week was meeting SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who attended a fireside chat on the main stage where she highlighted the importance of self-sovereignty:

“... we're a country about people making decisions for themselves and their families; they know best, they know their circumstances best, they know their limitations best and their strengths best and it really isn't about the government coming in and telling you what you can do with your life. The government is supposed to work for the people and that's a fundamental American principle …”

The fireside chat was held on Thursday afternoon, but I was lucky enough to see and interact with Commissioner Peirce on Wednesday evening when we crossed paths at the British Bulldog, a British-themed pub in Denver where BanklessDAO folks gathered to share ideas for the next iteration of the DAO. With my sociable and fearless friend HiroKennelly, I said hello to  Ms Peirce as she was leaving — in fact we then moved onto her vacated table, haha.

It was such a brief encounter — no doubt she has many just like it — but I found it equal parts inspiring and validating. I told her that even as an Australian I appreciate her stance at the SEC, which I had become aware of through my work on the Decentralized Law newsletter via BanklessDAO. She thanked me for saying so and seemed genuinely pleased at our interest.

What I find inspiring about this short meeting is the serendipity and the solidarity. I mentioned in the pre-cohort AMA space that I had been inspired by fellow applicant Eureka John’s comment about creating space for things to happen simply by getting out there and trying stuff. I believe the meeting with Commissioner Hester Peirce was one such serendipitous moment because it inspired Hiro and I to consider restarting the Decentralized Law newsletter, and who knows where that could lead?!

Regarding solidarity, it was incredible to see the support for Hester’s stage appearance, but it was equally inspiring when our small group ran into her again, this time at a small winery. We didn’t speak directly this time, but as she was leaving one of our group called out a compliment. As gracious as ever, she popped her head back in the doorway to acknowledge this and I took the opportunity to start a round of applause. The whole place erupted for her and many people called out and cheered; evidently we were not the only ETHDenver escapees attendees on the loose that afternoon!

This solidarity of belief in people’s right to make informed choices about their lives was on display again and again at ETHDenver and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce is clearly a beacon of hope, not only for U.S. citizens but all of us who watch and wait for good sense from government decision makers.

I’m a DAOpunk because I believe DAOs offer opportunities for people to innovate through serendipitous connections and to grow in solidarity as a global team. Watching that happen in real time at ETHDenver was a blast, and I’ll look forward to writing more about the conference in my next update.