Introduction
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Welcome, future ReFi leader! This guide will walk you through the journey of becoming an officially recognized ReFi Local Node within our network society. By taking these steps, you’re joining a global movement dedicated to regenerating the Earth through community-driven, place-based action.
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What is a ReFi Local Node?
A ReFi Local Node is a place-based community that serves as a living laboratory for regenerative finance in your region. As described in ReFi DAO Network - Structure, Roles, & Governance , ReFi Local Nodes:
Build local regenerative economies through events, media, software, capital raising, and land projects.Experiment with and implement ReFi tools and systems.Operate with regional autonomy while maintaining alignment with ReFi DAO’s global vision, mission and values, see ReFi DAO Community Covenant V1 .Share knowledge and learnings with the broader network to accelerate collective impact.
Before starting your own, learn more about what a Local Node is and how they can work → What is a ReFi Local Node? / Local Node Toolkit v1.5
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Core Principles of the Network
As you embark on this journey, remember that ReFi DAO operates on principles of:
Decentralized Autonomy with Collaborative Alignment - You’ll have the freedom to shape your Local Node according to your region’s unique needs while staying connected to our global mission.Mutual Reciprocity - Our network thrives when value flows in both directions — Local Nodes receive support and contribute back through knowledge, visibility, capital, or co-created tools.Transparency and Accountability - Regular reporting and open communication ensure we all learn and grow together.Regenerative Leadership - We embrace cycles of growth, composting, and renewal, allowing our network to evolve naturally.
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Your Journey Ahead
The onboarding guide that follows outlines a clear pathway to establish your Local Node, from initial alignment to full activation. The process is designed to be straightforward – just a few steps to get you from interested to funded:
Join the network by signing the Community Covenant on GardensSubmit your interest through our simple formShare your proposal with the community for feedbackGet approved and set up your essential infrastructureAccess funding to kickstart your activities
Let’s get started. 🌱
1. 📋 Starting a Local Node – Application Process
The formal process to become a recognized Local Node. This section walks through the complete application process.
1️⃣
→ Become a Network Member **
The ReFi DAO Community Covenant is our foundational document that outlines our shared principles, values, and commitments. By signing the covenant and joining ReFi DAO Community Garden , you affirm your alignment with our collective mission and become a Network Member .
Sign the Covenant and join ReFi DAO’s Garden → ReFi DAO Garden
Connect your wallet to the Gardens platform;
Click on “Join”; you will need 1 USDGLO on Celo as a registration stake;
If getting 1 USDGLO on Celo is a blocker, reach out to us — we can either point you to swap options or send a small amount to help you register.
Review and sign the Community Covenant to join the Garden.
2️⃣
→ Apply to start a Local Node **
Submit your application to start a Local Node by completing our interest form. This collects your essential information and confirms your acceptance of the membership agreement.
The form will ask for:
Your contact details (name, email, Telegram, wallet address)
Your Local Node vision and region
Acceptance of the Local Node Membership Agreement
This agreement establishes the terms of membership for being an officially recognized ReFi Local Node as part of the ReFi DAO global network.
→ Local Node Formation Interest Form
3️⃣
Introduce your Local Node proposal to the community and gather feedback before proceeding. This step helps connect your emerging node to the community, build support, and refine your proposal based on feedback.
Your forum proposal should include:
Introduction to your team and region
Your vision for the Local Node & planned activities
→ Regen Coordination Hub - ReFi DAO Forum
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Step 4: Wait for review & approval email ReFi DAO Global will review your interest form + forum post and reply by email with an approval or rejection.
Please wait for an approval email before proceeding to the post-approval steps below.
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After Approval → move on to the next section to start building your Local Node 👇
2. 🎨 Start Building Your Local Node – Get Initial Funding
Resources and tools to help you plan, brand, and build your Local Node.
After approval, you’ll set up the essentials that connect your Local Node to the network and enable funding release.
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After Approval What ReFi DAO Global provides – once your proposal is approved by the community, we will:
Send you a welcome message with follow-up steps and access to all appropriate resources (design assets, brand kits, templates)
Invite you to the latest brand assets in Figma (invite-only , view + duplicate permissions; no edit)
We’ll open your (ReFi [location] format) Community Telegram Group and provide initial guidance to set up & maintain the channel
Grant access to the Local Node Leads Telegram Group
Next: Once approved, continue to the next section to complete your post-approval setup and unlock funding. 👇
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Develop your Local Node’s unique brand & graphics
ReFi DAO provides a set of customizable graphics, to be adapted for your local node’s specific context. Fork and customize branding templates for your Local Node, ensure visual consistency while reflecting your local identity.
How to use the templates:
Duplicate the Figma board/file into your own workspaceRename it to your node (e.g., “ReFi [Location] — Brand Kit”)
Make all edits in your duplicate (so the original templates stay clean for the network)
You’ll be able to create variations for: logo • cover image • event banners • social posts • ReFi DAO design assets • more.
See additional downloadable assets → ReFi DAO Brand Assets (Google Drive)
ReFi Local Node Logo Template
ReFi Local Node Events & Socials Graphic Assets
Access to the latest brand assets (Figma boards) is shared after approval in your welcome email .
Once you’re granted access, use these links:
→ Local Node Logo Template
→ Events & Socials Graphics board
If you’re already an active Local Node and still don’t have access, ping @louizfe on Telegram.
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Required setup (for validation)
After approval, you’ll set up the essentials that connect your Local Node to the network and enable funding release:
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Network connection Make sure that you’re connected to all appropriate ReFi DAO network channels
Ensure seamless communication and collaboration between your Local Node and the global ReFi DAO network.
Complete Post-Approval Validation Form (required)Before accessing funding, approved Local Nodes must complete a short validation form to confirm you’ve set up the essential infrastructure.
You can also use this form to indicate interest in additional support (e.g., website template, event frameworks, impact measurement, or other playbooks).
→ Post-Approval Validation Form link is shared after approval (in your welcome email).
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Get initial funding to kickstart your local node’s activities ReFi Local Node Kickstarter Funding Pool on Gardens
ReFi DAO provides funding through Gardens , our decentralized funding platform using conviction voting. Funds are released after you complete the Post‑Approval Validation Form.
Local Node Kickstarter Pool → Up to 500 USDGLO for new nodes to kickstart initial activities (events, workshops, community-building).
How to apply (Kickstarter Pool):
Create a proposal requesting the funds you need.Include in your proposal
Team bios with relevant skills, experience, and prior work
Project Deliverables, cost breakdown, and a timeframe for completion
Any relevant links, demos, or resources to help voters learn about what you’re building
Kickstarter Pool link: 👉 https://app.gardens.fund/gardens/42220/0x4f604735c1cf31399c6e711d5962b2b3e0225ad3/0x13e71c56c5b048e9b8b6a9dbb4a4f346b5dab986/48
Note: This Gardens proposal is the official funding mechanism — do it only once you’re ready (it doesn’t need to happen immediately after approval).
Additional info:
→ Local Node Kickstarter Pool ←
3. 🌱 Further develop your node
Use some of the strategic resources & planning tools provided by ReFi DAO to continue the development of the node:
Local Node Canvas - Deconstruct and develop your Local Node hypothesis. Map stakeholders, resources, activities, and value propositions.Local Node Toolkit - Implementation guides, best practices, and case studies from existing nodes.Free, self-hosted website solution for Local Nodes.
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Develop your Local Node Canvas (optional ) Local Node Canvas
Deconstruct your Local Node hypothesis with our canvas template. Break down your key assumptions with a one-page plan that outlines problems, impact areas, solutions, metrics, and revenue streams.
Map stakeholders, resources, activities, and value propositions
Collaborative planning tool for founding teams
Develop your Local Node Canvas → https://www.figma.com/community/file/1220731037056160873
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Local Node Toolkit
The Local Node Toolkit is a collection of resources useful for the development of a local node – covering: Basics • Vision & Strategy • Events Organizing • Content Creation • Impact Reporting • Case Studies.
Implementation guides and best practices
Case studies from existing nodes
Link → Local Node Toolkit v1.5
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Free Self-Hosting Website Template for Local Nodes (Alpha / optional )
Quartz ReFi Template
Free, self-hosted website solution for Local Nodes
Built on Quartz static site generator
Features: Multi-language support, customizable themes, easy content management
Current Implementations:
Interested? This is currently in alpha – reach out to @louizfe if you’d like to prototype a site for your node.
Check more → Github Repo
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Other Playbooks in Development
We’re building additional playbooks based on successful implementations from existing nodes, ranging from: event organization frameworks • Impact measurement systems • Local DeFi implementations
Reach out to us or express interest via the Post-Approval Validation Form in piloting or developing playbooks in your local node!
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Get engaged and stay connected
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Support
Wallet/Hat changes: If you need to switch wallets or make edits to your Hat NFT, use this form or reach out directly to Luiz Fernando (@louizfe on Telegram)
🎉 Congratulations! You’re now an official ReFi Local Node.
Ready to regenerate your local economy? The ReFi DAO network is here to support your journey toward building a thriving, regenerative future in your bioregion.
