Let’s face it, the crypto space resembles a digital casino at times. Chasing APY after APY, praying that they can get rich quick on the next meme coin. What if we could reimagine staking? What if, instead of just cashing out, we used our crypto wealth to create a more thriving and equitable future?

Beyond APY What Really Matters?

It can be surprisingly easy to get lost in the statistics. 607% APY on TOKEN6900? Who wouldn't be tempted? (To be fair, maybe the healthy dose of skepticism should be in the person writing this). Before you dive headfirst into the latest high-yield scheme, ask yourself: what are you actually supporting?

Think about it. We are inundated with advice on how to invest our dollars for the greatest yield. Yet hardly ever do we think about the effects of our spending. We buy organic food to support sustainable farming, we choose fair trade coffee to empower farmers, why shouldn’t our crypto do the same?

The reality is, your staking decisions are an election. This isn’t just a vote on specific items—it’s a vote for the future you want to see. Are you voting for another pump-and-dump scheme? Or are you voting for a project that is really making the effort to go above and beyond to make a difference.

Forgotten Voices Echo in Blockchain

That, of course, is the beauty of blockchain, the promise to level the playing field for people who have historically been excluded. And that's where the real opportunity lies.

Forget the astronomical APYs (for a minute). Let’s talk about impact. Consider the example of a project that would use blockchain technology to deliver microloans to women entrepreneurs in developing nations. When they stake their coin, it directly funds these loans and provides these women access to capital they otherwise wouldn’t have. We're not just talking about abstract "financial inclusion," we're talking about real lives changed.

It monitors, validates and issues carbon credits to ensure that carbon offsetting projects are effective and sustainable. By staking their coin, they support the development of this green technology, one day soon, perhaps saving the world from climate change.

These are the best type of projects we can be getting our dollars to. These are the sorts of projects that not only improve our transportation funding efficiency, they can be impactful difference makers. These are the sorts of projects that, in the long run, tend to be more sustainable.

I’d like for you to meet Sarah, a coder from Venezuela whose employer went out of business because of hyperinflation. She learned about one blockchain initiative that was helping refugees and other displaced populations learn in-demand coding skills. By staking a certain amount of their native token, she was given access to the platform and was able to take the course. Today, she’s a successful freelance developer, in high demand and able to provide for her family. That's the power of community-driven crypto.

Stake Your Values, Shape the Future

I’m not saying you should never pay attention to APY. After all, we all want to see our investments pay off. What I’m claiming is that you should look beyond the raw numbers.

Do your research. Find projects that align with your values. Talk to the community. Understand their mission. And then, stake your coins with purpose.

Perhaps it’s Polkadot, with the vision of creating an internet of blockchains. Perhaps it is Algorand, due to its focus on sustainability. Or perhaps it’s an under-the-radar initiative that has been doing remarkable on-the-ground work.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't be afraid to take risks. At all times, check the harm that you’re causing.

Crypto staking can be more than a self-interested activity. When wielded by civic leaders, it can be a powerful tool for social good. It is one path among many to construct a better, more equitable, sustainable and just world. So, let’s begin to stake our values, one coin at a time.

  • Research a "social good" crypto project: Look beyond the top 10. Dig into the smaller, mission-driven projects.
  • Join their community: Most projects have active Telegram or Discord channels. Ask questions, learn about their roadmap, and see if their values align with yours.
  • Start small: You don't need to invest a fortune. Even a small amount of staked crypto can make a difference.
  • Share your findings: Tell your friends, family, and social media followers about the projects you're supporting. Let's spread the word about the power of community-driven crypto.

It is time to reclaim the narrative. Forget the Lambos. Let's talk about impact. Let's talk about community. Here’s to constructing the future we all want, one staked coin at a time. What are you waiting for?

It is time to reclaim the narrative. Forget the Lambos. Let's talk about impact. Let's talk about community. Let's talk about building a better future, one staked coin at a time. What are you waiting for?