gm gm local noders! 
As we approach the end of 2025 — and having just gathered last week for the Local Nodes End-of-Year Support Workshop — we wanted to open this thread as a space for our network to reflect on the year and share thoughts on where we’re headed in 2026.
Our intention here is to surface reflections from Local Node leaders and network members, so that your insights can directly inform how we co-develop the network for 2026.
Updated onboarding guide and resources for Local Nodes 
Over the past months, we’ve been focused on making the Local Node experience more streamlined and supportive:
Simplified onboarding process: A new form-based application flow with clearer step-by-step guidance from initial interest to full activation.
Enhanced resources: Updated Local Node resources for practical execution, including the Local Node Toolkit, the Local Node Canvas for strategic planning, and expanded brand/design templates.
Funding pools active: Local Nodes can access the Kickstarter Pool (up to 500 USDGLO), managed through ReFi DAO’s Garden.
Website template (alpha): A free, self-hosted Local Node website template built on Quartz—already live for ReFi Barcelona and Regenerant Catalunya, with more nodes currently testing it.
Go through the full onboarding guide here → Starting a ReFi Local Node - Onboarding Guide
Quick start
To make it easy to take action after the workshop, here are the key links and the “what to do when” sequence.
→ 1. Starting a Local Node
(a) Read and go through the full onboarding guide (step-by-step)
(b) Apply to start a Local Node
(c) Share your proposal on the forum (get early feedback)
→ 2. For Local Nodes in formation – Tools + playbooks to help you build your node
(a) Develop your Local Node’s unique brand & graphics (ping me for access to the new Local Node Logo template)
(b) Required setup (for validation) – setup your KarmaGAP profile and social nodes for your node, and make sure that you’re properly connected to ReFi DAO’s network
(c) Further develop your node with resources such as: the Local Node Toolkit v1.5, the Local Node Canvas (planning template) and the Quartz website template (open source)
→ 3. Funding (when you’re ready)
(a) Local Node Kickstarter Pool → Up to 500 USDGLO for new nodes to kickstart initial activities (events, workshops, community-building).
(b) For collaborative initiatives and case studies that benefit the network, additional funding may be available via the Network Initiatives Pool.
Workshop artifacts 
Recording: here’s the recording link (password: z!$*zm2f)
Thank you for joining and being part of the network! 
Some points for reflection 
Feel free to share your reflections across different perspectives, following the model from the Regen Coordination End of Year Reflections – from your specific local node and personal endeavors, to ReFi DAO & other local nodes, and the wider network. (optional)
→ What were key highlights to you in 2025 ←
→ What were key challenges to you in 2025 ←
→ Visions for 2026 ←
Note: We also look to tie these reflections into the potential 2025 Local Node Roundup Research, Insights & Playbooks initiative, proposed by @iamjohnellison John and Fatma.
Next steps – January sense-making & planning for 2026
Over January, Monty @montymerlin and I will be working to translate these collective visions into actionable plans — gradually involving other ReFi DAO Global contributors, Local Node leaders, and wider community members. We look forward to your input! 
Looking forward to hearing from you all – wish you all good holidays! 