From: Carlos Bindert Date: January 17, 2022 Subject: Blockchain Technology Club is BACK!
Hello!
My name is Carlos, and I'm the new president of the Blockchain Technology Club here at RIT. If you're getting this email then you probably clicked "yes" to our page on CampusGroups at some point, or maybe attended a meeting in the past. We're hoping to do a lot this semester and beyond, so keep reading for more information (or unsubscribe at the bottom of this page) and some links to click!
There is a TL;DR at the bottom of this email
What is the state of the club?
The club has existed in one form or another for many years at RIT, and formally since exist 2017. Despite issues caused by the pandemic, myself and Xander (the club's Vice President) remain committed more than ever to the club's motto:
Decentralized Systems: Education and Implementation
At least in the spring semester, we want to go back to this core motto and focus the club's activities on things that educate others about blockchain, and examples of blockchain technology being implemented in the real world.
With a rise in newer trends like Web3, NFTs, and DAOs, combined with more and more people interacting with the blockchain directly or indirectly in one way or another (like by buying Bitcoin), we want to make sure there is a place at RIT committed to this rapidly expanding industry and provide value to its members. A longer term goal is also to push the adoption of Blockchain Technology within RIT through multiple avenues.
When/where does the club meet?
We will be holding an informal "0th meeting" tonight at 7pm in our Discord. If you're not in it already, click here to join.
The meeting time is tentatively scheduled for 7pm on Monday evenings, in-person in GOL-2690 and online in our Discord server. The first couple meetings will be focused a bit on introductions and planning, and from there go into a mix of:
Discussion of news headlines and current events in the industry
Member-led presentations on specific topics, projects, protocols, etc
Guest speakers from people employed in blockchain
Interactive, on-chain demos
Club NFTs offered as a reward for attendance
What does the club have planned?
A rough list of what we aim to do in Spring 2022 beyond general meetings includes:
The creation and execution of a Crypto 101 Event open to everyone in the RIT community to serve as a "crash course" of sorts for everyone that is interested in blockchain or heard some buzzwords, but don't really know what it means or how to get started.
If you are in this spot, we still recommend you join us on Discord! There are a ton of people on the server happy to help you with any questions, however silly they might be.
Providing a ton of resources for members that want to learn more about specific topics (mostly on the implementation side, like a list of places that are good for learning how to make a smart contract)
This will include partnerships with other companies who are dedicated to teaching people how to
Collaboration with other blockchain-focused clubs around the country
Connections to industry professionals, other clubs, and hiring pipelines aligned with RIT's "Thinkers, Makers, Doers" motto
Progress towards the creation of a "Blockchain 101" class at RIT within SCB to teach students about the fundamentals of how blockchain works and the effects it is having on the business/macro environment
A tour of a bitcoin mining facility in the Rochester area
How can I get started?
The easiest way to participate in the club right now is by joining our Discord: https://discord.gg/p5pjUgNbNa
The discord is where we'll put out all communication related to club events first, and also a place to talk with other people in the RIT community interested in Blockchain technology! The server is open to prospective, current, and former RIT students; we also welcome RIT faculty/alumni and members of the Rochester community.
The other thing that helps us out a ton is to fill out our general interest form. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and is vital to understanding who our active members are and what their interests are, so we can tailor the club's events towards those interests. Here's the link again: https://forms.gle/Q4mu9GEsDjVioz7V6
In conclusion, thanks for taking the time to read my email! I'm super excited to start getting the club a lot more active and hope you'll join us in one way or another this year.
- Carlos Bindert
Club President
2nd Year - BS in Supply Chain Management
