Official statement of the Advisory Board of the Polkadot Ambassador Fellowship:
May 5th, 2025
As the Advisory Board of the Polkadot Ambassador Fellowship, we reflect on the progress of the initiative and the ongoing development of a strong, decentralised global community.
Over the past months, we have witnessed tremendous dedication from Ambassadors and contributors around the world. The foundational work done through the Fellowship’s OpCom structure, the creation of technical and social frameworks, and the global outreach efforts—from grassroots events to international conferences—are a testament to the potential of this initiative.
However, the Board must also acknowledge that the current operational structure has not fostered cohesive and efficient collaboration. Despite individual efforts, there have been delays in implementation, misalignment in governance, and ultimately, stagnation in areas crucial to long-term success.
We firmly believe in the vision that the Polkadot Ambassador Fellowship represents. The Manifesto outlines a future built on inclusivity, autonomy, reputation, and decentralised empowerment—principles that remain central to our community’s identity. The creation of a new operational programme, one open to fresh leadership and committed to the values outlined in the Fellowship charter, is both welcome and necessary.
We encourage past and new contributors and leaders to step forward. The Fellowship must be shaped by those who embody collaboration, integrity, and purpose, and who are willing to grow it in the spirit of decentralisation and innovation.
In line with this spirit of evolution, we also wish to highlight the Phragmen Initiative Fund (PIF), which was introduced as part of the Fellowship to support grassroots, community-driven experimentation. With the conclusion of the current Fellowship structure, the future of the PIF remains open. We encourage community members to explore how this concept might be continued, potentially as an independent initiative stewarded through OpenGov or other community-driven frameworks. The original intent behind the PIF remains valuable, and its continuation could offer ongoing opportunities for innovation and inclusion across the ecosystem.
The Polkadot network is stronger when we empower those who represent it. The Ambassador Fellowship must continue to evolve as a community-led initiative that reflects the strength, diversity, and ambition of the ecosystem it serves.
The remaining cash, approximately 230thsd USDT, is returned to the treasury, and the entire advisory board is stepping down from its function.
Signed,
The Members of the Advisory Board
Polkadot Ambassador Fellowship
May 5th, 2025