Crypto & Web3
How to write a DAO proposal members can vote on
A good proposal lets a member understand the request, the cost and the consequence in a few minutes. This guide walks through three decisions that make a vote clear, fair and easy to review later.
01
Step one: state the single decision
Begin with one sentence that names the action members are approving, the amount involved and the date. Avoid bundling several requests, because a vote on a bundle hides disagreement. Worked example: a family collective proposes spending four hundred dollars from its shared fund on a reunion venue deposit. The decision line reads, approve a venue deposit of four hundred dollars from the treasury by the end of the month. Members instantly see what a yes does, and anyone who objects to the venue can propose a separate alternative rather than defeating the whole idea.
02
Step two: supply context and options
Add a short background section explaining why the request exists, what alternatives were considered and what happens if the proposal fails. In the reunion example, list two other venues with their costs and note that the deposit is refundable until a stated date. Keep claims checkable by linking quotes or messages inside the group's own workspace. Members then judge the tradeoff instead of guessing at it. Include who will carry out the task and how they will report back, so approval connects to a named responsibility rather than a vague intention that nobody later owns.
03
Step three: set voting rules and record the result
Define the voting window, who is eligible, the share of votes needed to pass and how ties are handled before voting opens. For the reunion, you might allow five days, give each adult member one vote and require a simple majority with at least half participating. After the window closes, post the tally, the final decision and the next action with a date. This record protects the group from later disputes and gives future proposers a precedent to follow, making each subsequent vote faster and less contentious.