Juan Sierra

Juan Sierra, Intersect Constitutional Council member

Hello everyone, Being a member of the Interim Constitutional Committee (ICC) for Cardano has been one of the most unique and impactful experiences I've had within this ecosystem. It’s a role that often gets discussed, so I wanted to share a bit about what it’s really like from the inside.

Our primary function isn't to drive specific policies or push personal agendas. Instead, our mandate is very focused yet profoundly important: we act as stewards of the Cardano Constitution. Our core responsibility is to evaluate governance actions and vote on whether they align with the principles and rules laid out in our ratified Constitution. It sounds straightforward, and in a way it is, but the depth of that responsibility is immense.

We are called to be guardians of principle. This means ensuring that every decision taken, every proposal considered, respects the shared values and foundational agreements that bind our ecosystem together. It’s a constant exercise in neutrality, requiring integrity and a deep focus. It's less about what any individual member wants and entirely about whether a proposed action is constitutional.

What Makes Serving on the ICC So Rewarding?

I’ve found this role incredibly fulfilling for several reasons:

1. It’s Real Governance in Action: This isn't just a theoretical debate. We are actively applying constitutional principles in real-time. Each vote contributes to building a robust, rule-based governance culture – something essential for Cardano's global aspirations.

2. The Learning Curve is Immense: The depth of understanding you gain is incredible. Not only about the intricacies of Cardano's governance model, but also about human collaboration, the evolution of complex systems, and the critical importance of shared values and clarity.

3. It Strengthens Our Community: While our role is specific, the interactions and collaborations are deeply meaningful. This includes discussions within the ICC itself, as well as engagement with the broader Cardano community. There's a strong sense that you're part of a collective effort.

4. It’s Genuinely Engaging (and yes, even fun!): We approach our constitutional duties with the utmost seriousness, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for collegiality, personal growth, and genuine connection among members.

Valuable Lessons We’ve Learned So Far:

This journey has been rich with insights. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Clarity is Power: The more precise and clear our interpretation and application of the Constitution, the greater the community's confidence in the governance system.

• Impartiality is an Active Practice: Maintaining neutrality isn't about being disengaged. It's about being grounded in principle, present in the moment, and committed to fairness.

• Trust is Earned, Continuously: Every vote we cast, every explanation we provide, and every discussion we participate in helps to build and reinforce trust in this ambitious decentralized governance experiment we are all a part of.

Thinking of Applying for the Next Round?

If you are someone who holds clear principles in high regard, can maintain focus amidst complexity, and is passionate about playing a vital role in anchoring Cardano’s evolving governance, then serving on the CC might be your calling.

Register your candidacy here.