This article is part of the Inside The Collective series, dedicated to guiding developers and community members through the ecosystem. From getting and staking RIF, to submitting and voting for proposals, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Getting started with RootstockCollective
Whether you’re a Bitcoin builder preparing to submit your first proposal or a community member ready to stake RIF and back projects, joining the Collective starts with a few essential steps. RootstockCollective is designed to be permissionless, transparent, and community-led, but having the proper setup will help you integrate faster and make the most of the ecosystem.
Here’s what you need before diving in.
1. Understand the mission
Before you engage, it’s essential to understand what the RootstockCollective is here to achieve. The Collective’s mission is to expand Bitcoin’s utility by funding and supporting builders through transparent governance. Take time to explore the Builders’ page and past proposals to see which projects gain traction. This will help you align your own contributions, whether building or backing, with the community’s shared purpose.
2. Wallet setup
A wallet is your gateway into the Collective. Popular choices include MetaMask and Rootstock-native wallets like SafePal, Bitget, SubWallet, and Wigwam. Make sure you add the Rootstock network to your wallet so you can interact with the dApp, stake RIF, and participate in governance. Having this ready ensures you can engage with the ecosystem without delays.
3. Get some RBTC
Every transaction on Rootstock requires gas fees, just like Ethereum. On Rootstock, this fee is paid in RBTC (Rootstock Bitcoin). You’ll need a small amount to cover essential actions like staking RIF or submitting proposals. You can acquire RBTC through bridges and exchanges that support Rootstock, such as Sovryn or RSK Swap. Keeping a small balance ensures you can participate seamlessly.
4. Join the community
The Collective is powered by its people. Start by introducing yourself to the community by joining the conversation on Telegram and X (Twitter). Engaging with other members helps you build trust and visibility, two crucial factors if you’re a builder planning to submit proposals. A strong community presence also makes it easier to gather feedback and attract backers.
5. Review the governance process
To make your voice count, you need to understand how RootstockCollective governance works. Proposals typically begin as “temperature checks” off-chain, where ideas are shared for discussion and feedback. From there, strong proposals move into an on-chain vote, where RIF stakers allocate funds and direction. Familiarizing yourself with this process means you’ll know exactly how to participate, whether you’re submitting your own idea or voting on others.
6. Check proposal requirements
Strong proposals start with good preparation. Review the official template and ensure your idea aligns with the Collective’s mission of growing Bitcoin’s utility. Clear formatting, a realistic budget breakdown, and a clear explanation of impact will make your proposal more straightforward to understand and more likely to earn backer support. Think of this as the first impression you give to the entire DAO.
7. Gather feedback early
Don’t wait until you’ve finalized your idea to share it. Post your proposal as a Temperature Check in the forum to gather early community feedback. This not only improves your proposal but also signals to backers that you value co-creation. By showing willingness to listen, you build confidence and increase your chances of success when it comes to an official vote.
8. Be ready to collaborate
The Collective is designed to be interactive. When feedback comes in, engage with it — answer questions, clarify details, and consider adjustments. Proposals that evolve through dialogue tend to gain more substantial support. Remember, DAO governance is not about going solo; it’s about shaping solutions together with the community.
Final Checklist
- Understand the Collective’s mission and values by reviewing past proposals
- Set up a wallet with the Rootstock network and compatible tools
- Acquire RBTC to cover gas fees for staking and voting
- Introduce yourself in community spaces like Telegram, Forum, and X
- Learn the governance process from “temperature check” to on-chain vote
- Use the proposal template and ensure your idea aligns with the Collective’s goals
- Share your draft early and gather feedback from members
- Stay open, collaborative, and engaged throughout the process
Start strong in the Collective
Joining RootstockCollective is about more than staking or submitting a proposal; it’s about becoming part of a community that is building the future of Bitcoin utility together. By preparing your wallet, joining discussions, and aligning with the governance process, you’ll set yourself up for success.