A structured proposal process is essential for effective DAO governance. A well-defined system ensures that ideas are thoroughly vetted, refined through community input, and aligned with the DAO’s objectives before being put to a vote.

Proposal Submission

Proposals are typically submitted by DAO members, core contributors, or governance delegates. The submission process varies by DAO but usually includes:

  • Proposal Template – A structured format that ensures clarity and completeness.
  • Eligibility Criteria – Requirements for who can submit proposals (e.g., minimum token holdings, governance role).
  • Submission Platform – Common platforms include on-chain forums, governance portals, and off-chain discussion boards.

A standard proposal template often includes:

  • Title – A clear and concise name for the proposal.
  • Summary – A high-level overview of the proposal’s purpose.
  • Motivation – Why the proposal is necessary.
  • Specification – Detailed implementation plan, including technical and financial considerations.
  • Risks and Mitigation – Potential risks and how they will be addressed.
  • Next Steps – Actions required for implementation if approved.

DAOs may require proposals to undergo an initial screening by governance stewards, moderators, or committees to ensure they meet basic submission criteria.

Community Discussion and Feedback

Once a proposal is submitted, it enters a discussion phase where the community can debate its merits, provide feedback, and suggest improvements.

Importance of Discussion

  • Increases Proposal Quality – Community feedback helps refine unclear or incomplete proposals.
  • Builds Consensus – Encourages early alignment, reducing opposition during voting.
  • Identifies Unintended Consequences – Spotting potential flaws before execution.

Common Discussion Channels

  • Governance Forums – Platforms like Discourse, Commonwealth, or dedicated DAO forums.
  • Social Media & Chats – Discussions on Discord, Telegram, or Twitter.
  • Community Calls – Live sessions where proposers present their ideas and answer questions.

DAOs often set minimum discussion periods (e.g., 7–14 days) to ensure adequate review before moving to a vote.

Proposal Refinement and Iteration

Based on community feedback, a proposal may undergo revisions before proceeding to a formal vote. Refinement can involve:

  • Clarifying unclear sections based on community concerns.
  • Adjusting implementation details to align with feasibility constraints.
  • Modifying parameters such as budget allocations or governance structures.
  • Re-submitting the proposal if major changes require another round of discussion.

Some DAOs use signal votes (non-binding votes) during the refinement stage to gauge community sentiment before a formal vote.

Preparing for the Voting Phase

Before moving to a vote, a proposal follows these steps:

  • Final review: to ensure it aligns with governance guidelines.
  • Voting period assignment: based on DAO governance rules.
  • Vote announcement: done through official DAO channels to maximize awareness and participation.

Some DAOs require a proposal sponsor (e.g., a governance committee member or token holder with a threshold amount) to formally advance a proposal to voting.

Final Thoughts

  • Proposal submission should follow a structured format to ensure clarity.
  • Community discussion plays a critical role in refining and improving proposals.
  • Iteration and feedback help align proposals with the DAO’s goals before voting.
  • Clear governance guidelines ensure transparency and participation in the proposal lifecycle.

A well-structured proposal process fosters better decision-making, higher engagement, and stronger governance legitimacy in DAOs.