> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://synergymesh.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://synergymesh.gitbook.io/docs/goverance/the-meaning-of-governance/the-dao-framework.md).

# The DAO Framework

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Synergy is governed through a decentralized autonomous organization, or DAO. The DAO acts as the collective brain of the network, turning shared intelligence into coordinated action. It manages proposals, votes, and resource allocation without the need for a central authority.

Anyone who holds and stakes $SYNERGY can take part. Proposals can cover many topics: new features, partnerships, updates to the token model, funding for new agent types, or changes to how validation works.

Once a proposal is submitted, it goes through several stages:

1. **Review:** Community members and validator agents examine the idea for clarity, purpose, and impact.
2. **Voting:** Token holders cast votes proportional to their staked tokens.
3. **Validation:** Agents confirm the technical feasibility and check for consistency with existing contracts.
4. **Execution:** If approved, the proposal is carried out automatically through smart contracts on the network.

The process is transparent from start to finish. Everyone can see who voted, how votes were counted, and what the results were. No decisions are hidden behind private meetings or off-chain negotiations.