A DAO, or Decentralized Autonomous Organization, is a type of organization that operates through smart contracts on a blockchain. Unlike traditional organizations, DAOs are governed by their members, who make decisions collectively through voting. This structure allows for transparency and reduces the need for centralized authority. Members of a DAO typically hold tokens that represent their voting power. Proposals for changes or new initiatives can be submitted by any member, and decisions are made based on the outcome of votes. This model promotes collaboration and can be applied to various fields, including finance, art, and community projects.