From 2022 to Now — My Cardano Journey
& Why Volunteers ≠ Free Labour
When I joined Cardano in 2022, I had no connections, no platform, no technical background—just curiosity and belief in the mission.
Since then, I’ve:
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Worked across multiple Intersect working groups
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Helped shape governance processes
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Advocated for fairer, smarter treasury use
No one handed me a seat. I built my place by showing up.
And along that journey, I learned something important: change doesn’t happen in one big leap. It’s built from consistent, small steps—and the courage to keep going when no one’s clapping.
Volunteers ≠ Free Labour
Volunteers are the backbone of Cardano. But passion doesn’t mean we should normalize burnout or treat people as an endless supply of unpaid labour.
Volunteering should be:
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A stepping stone to leadership
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A way to learn, connect, and contribute
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Supported with clear pathways & resources
Not an unpaid job forever.
If we want long-term sustainability, we must value time and expertise—whether through funding, recognition, or real opportunities to grow.
Volunteers ≠ Free Labour.
They’re the seeds of the future.
I’m running for the Intersect Board because I believe in building that culture—where contributors are respected, supported, and given real ways to grow.
Intersect was built for the community. Let’s make sure it reflects that.
— Gintama