TON Square
TON Square, previously known as TON Syndicate, is a community-driven volunteer program established by TON Society to drive the adoption of TON locally all around the world. The rebranding from TON Syndicate to TON Square signifies a shift towards a more inclusive and collaborative approach, emphasizing community engagement and support.
History
TON Syndicate was officially announced on TON Foundation blog on February 16, 2024, opening membership for interested individuals. It was established to connect individuals and groups interested in TON Ecosystem. Over time, it achieved several milestones, including hosting numerous events and facilitating networking opportunities among participants. The decision to rebrand as TON Square was driven by the desire to better reflect the initiative's community-focused mission and to enhance its visibility and impact within the local ecosystems.
Mission and Objectives
The core mission of TON Square is to support local, community-led offline initiatives that promote the goals of TON Society. TON Square provides resources in the form of funds, content, and human capital. Specific objectives include promoting grassroots collaboration, fostering innovation, and enhancing community engagement through various programs and events, whether small breakfast gatherings or regional events attended by thousands.
Programs, Initiatives, and Impact
TON Square supports three major types of community-led initiatives: TON Breakfast, TON Meetup, and TON Region.
- TON Breakfast is an informal meeting where about 10 people gather to discuss Web3 topics and encourage collaboration.
- TON Meetup is a local gathering of about 100 people or less, serving as a platform for networking, sharing ideas, and building connections within the community.
- TON Regions is a new program aimed at expanding local communities through regional hubs that facilitate engagement and support. These hubs can bring together hundreds or even thousands of community members.
Impact of TON Square
In 2024, TON Square successfully hosted over 100 events worldwide, engaging more than 10,000 participants. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the growth of TON Ecosystem by fostering collaboration and innovation among community members.
Membership and Organizational Structure
At the time of writing this article, TON Society website lists 55 officially registered and globally recognized TON Square members, with the membership application form temporarily closed.
TON Square operates under the umbrella of TON Society, which provides strategic guidance and support. The organizational structure includes various roles focused on event planning, community outreach, and program development.
Opportunities Available to Members of TON Square
Benefits of being a registered member of TON Square include:
- Organizing global events and gatherings.
- Priority access to development updates and connections with the founders.
- Monthly exclusive meetings with core team members.
- Access to AMA sessions and partnership opportunities.
- Pathways to internships, employment, and career growth within TON.
- Exclusive access to limited edition TON merchandise.
- Recognition as a TON Syndicate member and official title acknowledgment.
- Chances to participate as a paid volunteer in initiatives.
How to Participate in TON Square
Individuals interested in joining the action can get involved in any of the following ways:
- Host a TON Breakfast
As stated earlier, TON Breakfasts involve the local gathering of a few people to connect, discuss ideas, and collaborate. The host is eligible for funding of each event, up to $500. Interested individuals can learn how to host TON Breakfast.
- Propose a TON Meetup
The next level of involvement is proposing a TON Meetup, which brings together more members of the community in an offline event. The essential difference between TON Breakfast and TON Meetup is in the number of attendees. Events range from crypto workshops to tech symposiums.
- Join or start a TON Region
Anyone who feels up to it can reach for an even higher level of participation by forming their own TON Region (like TON Nigeria, TON Japan, TON France, TON Thailand) or contributing to existing ones. TON Square provides financial, human, and information resources to help regions grow and thrive.
TON Square has provided guidelines for participating at various levels. The process for proposing new initiatives or forming TON Regions involves submitting a detailed proposal for review. Community members have access to resources and support to help facilitate their involvement.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, TON Square plans to expand its reach by launching new programs and initiatives aimed at further enhancing community engagement. Long-term goals include establishing more regional hubs and increasing participation in existing programs.