How to Join a DAO: A Beginner’s Guide to Decentralized Organizations

What’s a DAO — And Why Should You Care?

Wondering how to join a DAO? Start by imagining this: a global community with no boss, no office, and no borders—just people like you, working together online.
That’s not a fantasy. That’s a DAO.

A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is a new kind of internet-native group where decisions and money are managed by code, not CEOs. There’s no central leader. Instead, members use blockchain and smart contracts to vote, fund projects, and shape the group’s future.

And it’s already real.

The Uniswap DAO helps run a multibillion-dollar crypto exchange. Friends With Benefits (FWB) is a token-gated club for creatives. Gitcoin DAO supports developers building open-source tools. From finance to culture, DAOs are leading change.

To join one, all you need is a crypto wallet like MetaMask, a few tokens, and access to tools like Snapshot for voting or Discord for community chats. Some DAOs may ask you to buy a token or NFT to become a member.

DAOs aren’t just ideas—they’re living, growing, and waiting for people like you to join.

How DAO membership works and how to join

Do You Really Need Crypto to Join a DAO?

Not always—but if you want to really get involved, then yes, eventually.

Most DAOs use crypto tokens for things like voting, submitting proposals, or unlocking private spaces. So if you’re planning to be an active member, you’ll need a crypto wallet like MetaMask and a bit of ETH or whatever token the DAO uses.

That said, you don’t need crypto just to dip your toes in.

A lot of DAOs let you jump into their Discord, sit in on community calls, or even help with writing, design, or small tasks—no wallet required. It’s a great way to explore, get a feel for things, and learn without spending anything.

So while crypto is part of the journey, it doesn’t have to be the first step. You can explore freely, and when you’re ready to vote, earn, or contribute on-chain—that’s when the crypto side kicks in.

No pressure. Start simple. Add crypto when you’re ready.

Do I Need Cryptocurrency to Join a DAO? [Facts, Data & Insights for 2025]

DAOs That Require Cryptocurrency

Some DAOs ask you to hold their token to fully take part—whether that’s voting, joining private channels, or accessing paid roles. Think of it like a digital membership card.

Here are a few to know:

• Friends With Benefits (FWB): You need $FWB tokens to get into their members-only spaces and events.
• Bankless DAO: Holding $BANK tokens lets you vote and contribute to paid work.
• Klima DAO: With $KLIMA tokens, you can join climate-focused governance and earn rewards.
• Molecule DAO: $SCI tokens give you a say in funding biotech research.

If you’re ready to get more involved, these DAOs offer that next step. Just take a moment to understand what the token does before you jump in.

DAOs Without Financial Requirements

You don’t always need tokens or crypto to get started. Some DAOs let you join, learn, and even contribute—no upfront cost.

• Gitcoin DAO: Join calls, help with projects, no tokens needed.
• Developer DAO: New learners are welcome—just hop into the Discord.
• Bankless DAO: Public channels are open for exploring and asking questions.
• MetaCartel: Easy to join via Discord and see what they’re building.

These are great places to start if you’re curious but not ready to spend. Just show up and get involved.

Tools You’ll Need to Join a DAO

Tools You’ll Need to Join a DAO:

DAO Platform: Many DAOs operate on platforms like Aragon, Snapshot, or Discourse for governance and communication.

Crypto Wallet: (e.g., MetaMask, Trust Wallet).

Cryptocurrency: It could be ETH or the DAO’s own token (like $BANK or $FWB).

Steps to Join a DAO: How to Join Your First DAO Today

Joining a DAO is a straightforward process that involves a series of steps to ensure you are prepared and connected. Here’s a clear guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Research DAOs

Step 2: Set Up a Crypto Wallet

Step 3: Acquire DAO Tokens

Step 4: Join DAO Platforms

Top 10 Beginner-Friendly DAOs for 2025: Easy Way to Buy DAO Tokens

Your First DAO is Waiting — Here’s What to Do Next

Now that you understand how to join a DAO, it’s time to take that first step. Start by picking a DAO that matches your interests—whether it’s focused on tech, art, or social good. Most communities run on Discord, so join their server, explore the channels, and don’t hesitate to say hello.
If you haven’t already, set up a crypto wallet(MetaMask).
Joining a DAO doesn’t mean jumping in all at once. Take your time, ask questions, and get involved when you feel ready. The best way to learn is by doing, and now you know exactly how to join a DAO and become part of something bigger.

How to Join a DAO: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Edition)

Got Questions About DAOs? We’ve Got You Covered

1. Do I need to know coding to join a DAO?

Not at all. Most DAOs welcome people from all backgrounds—writers, designers, marketers, community managers, and more. While developers are important in Web3, many DAOs run on collaboration, not code. You can contribute however you’re most comfortable.

2. Is joining a DAO safe? What should I watch out for?

Generally yes, but be cautious. Stick with well-known DAOs and always double-check links before connecting your wallet. Don’t share your seed phrase or private keys with anyone. If something feels sketchy, ask the community—or don’t engage.

3. Can I join a DAO without spending money?

Yes, many DAOs are free to join. You can start by joining Discord communities, attending calls, or helping with non-token tasks. Some DAOs may require tokens later, but there’s no harm in starting with the free ones.

4. What’s the best wallet to use for DAO participation?

MetaMask is the most common and beginner-friendly. It works right in your browser, is easy to install, and is widely supported by DAOs. If you’re on mobile, you can also use wallets like Rainbow or Trust Wallet.

5. How do I find a DAO that fits my interests?

Start by thinking about what you enjoy—tech, art, activism, writing, etc. Then explore platforms like DAOhaus, DeepDAO, or simply search Twitter and join a few Discords. See what clicks.

6. What happens after I join a DAO—do I have to do something right away?

Nope. You can just observe. Most people start by watching community calls, reading discussions, and asking questions. When you’re ready, you can offer to help. DAOs appreciate contributors, but there’s no rush.

7. Can I leave a DAO whenever I want?

Yes. Most DAOs are open communities. If you no longer want to participate, you can simply leave the Discord or stop voting. If you bought tokens, you still own them—unless you sell or transfer them.

8. Is DAO membership anonymous?

Mostly, yes. You use a wallet address (not your real name) to join and vote. Some communities may ask you to introduce yourself, but you control how much personal info you share. Pseudonymity is normal in Web3.

9. How much crypto do I need to get started?

It depends. Many DAOs let you join for free. Others may require a small amount of ETH or a specific token to vote or gain access. You can start without spending anything and decide later if you want to invest.

10. What if I make a mistake while voting or using my wallet?

It happens—and it’s okay. Just go slow, double-check actions before clicking, and don’t rush. If you’re unsure, ask someone in the community first. Mistakes are part of learning, and most DAOs are full of people happy to help.