How Gen Z is Trailblazing Bitcoin Policy

David Zell and Zach Cohen from the Bitcoin Policy Institute join Sal Pineda to discuss why Gen Z should care about Bitcoin policy, what's shifting in Washington DC, and how students can get involved in shaping the future of money and technology.

This panel explores the intersection of Bitcoin, policy, and American competitiveness. From the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposal to developer protections to the massive wealth transfer from baby boomers to Gen Z, these policy leaders break down what's happening in DC and why it matters for young people.

PANELISTS:
• David Zell | Co-founder and President of Bitcoin Policy Institute
• Zach Cohen | Associate at Bitcoin Policy Institute, host of The Bitcoin Policy Hour podcast
• Sal Pineda | Policy Researcher affiliated with Cornell University

ABOUT THE BITCOIN POLICY INSTITUTE:
Founded in 2022, BPI has grown from a small organization into a full-fledged DC institution with 12 full-time staff, nearly two dozen academic fellows, and a reputation for shaping national debates at the intersection of money, emerging technology, and American competitiveness.

BPI published the pioneering proposal for a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, elements of which were subsequently adopted in a presidential executive order. Their research has been featured by the New York Times, Fox Business, NBC, CNBC, Politico, and The Hill.

BPI convenes the Annual Bitcoin Policy Summit, bringing together members of Congress, software developers, SEC commissioners, CIA and State Department officials, and business leaders. They recently launched a Congressional Fellowship Program, placing Bitcoin experts directly in House and Senate offices.

KEY INSIGHTS:

*Why Gen Z Should Care About Bitcoin Policy:*
• You care about Bitcoin policy if you care about Bitcoin
• The rules of money are monopolistic and especially bad for young people with few assets
• Decisions about the thing you denominate your life's work in are happening behind closed doors
• Bitcoin is an asymmetric way of gaining control over a major facet of your life
• The Bitcoin industry and community represent massive opportunity for young people
• Getting policy right preserves opportunity for entrepreneurial and innovative students
• Developer protections are critical for young people who want to build new products

*What's Shifting in DC:*
• Bitcoin is now well cemented as a legitimate policy area worth serious consideration
• No one looks at you like you have two heads when you mention Bitcoin in congressional offices
• Growing politicization of Bitcoin is unfortunate and creates challenges
• Immense work remains to educate leaders on what separates Bitcoin from other digital assets
• Gen Z ranks among the highest level of Bitcoin adoption across all age demographics
• A massive wealth transfer from baby boomers to Gen Z is coming
• Gen Z overwhelmingly supports diversifying America's gold reserves into Bitcoin
• Policymakers are increasingly taking notice of Gen Z adoption rates

*How Students Can Get Involved:*
• Start by educating yourself on Bitcoin and policy fundamentals
• Join or start a Bitcoin club at your university
• Attend the Annual Bitcoin Policy Summit in DC
• Consider internships or fellowships with organizations like BPI
• Engage with local and national policymakers on Bitcoin issues
• See Bitcoin as a career opportunity, not just an investment
• Study philosophy, economics, computer science, or policy with Bitcoin focus

*The Opportunity for Gen Z:*
• Bitcoin is not just technology, it's an entire industry and community
• Young people can make a name for themselves in this emerging field
• Policy work in DC is integral to preserving opportunity for the next generation
• Gen Z will lead the shift in assets over the next 10 years
• Getting involved now positions you at the forefront of a generational change

WHY THIS MATTERS:
Money is a monopoly controlled by faceless bankers making decisions behind closed doors. Bitcoin offers young people an alternative and a way to take control of their economic future. But policy decisions in Washington can protect or undermine the rights to financial freedom, innovation, privacy, and long-term economic resilience. Gen Z has a stake in these decisions and a role to play in shaping them.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
• Bitcoin Policy Institute (bitcoinpolicy.org)
• The Bitcoin Policy Hour podcast
• Annual Bitcoin Policy Summit
• BPI Congressional Fellowship Program

ABOUT BITCOIN STUDENT NETWORK:
BSN unites students globally to learn, collaborate, and build the future of Bitcoin through campus clubs, virtual events, and real-world opportunities.

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