Onboarding Process

A structured onboarding process protects your cell and prepares new members for meaningful participation.

Overview

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  1. VOUCHING                                            │
│     Existing member vouches for prospect                │
│     Voucher contacts Onboarding Steward                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  2. INITIAL CONVERSATION                                │
│     Steward meets prospect (with voucher present)       │
│     Assess alignment, commitment, understanding         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  3. SECURITY TRAINING                                   │
│     Signal setup, device security, OpSec basics         │
│     Understanding of compartmentalization               │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  4. PROBATIONARY PERIOD                                 │
│     Join one segment, low-risk activities               │
│     Observed by voucher and segment lead (2-3 months)   │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  5. TRUSTED STATUS                                      │
│     Confirmed by segment lead                           │
│     Full segment access, can vouch after waiting period │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 1: Vouching

Voucher Responsibilities

When you vouch for someone, you're saying:

• I know this person well and trust them
• I believe they share our values
• I take responsibility for their integration
• I will mentor them through onboarding

Before Vouching, Ask Yourself

• How long have I known this person?
• Have I seen them keep confidences?
• Do they understand the stakes?
• Would I trust them with sensitive information today?
• Am I vouching because I truly trust them, or because we need people?

Contacting the Onboarding Steward

When ready to vouch:

1. Contact the Onboarding Steward via secure channel
2. Provide: Your name, prospect's first name, how you know them, why you trust them
3. Schedule an initial conversation

Step 2: Initial Conversation

Who Attends

• Onboarding Steward
• The prospect
• The voucher

Purpose

This is not an interview or interrogation. It's a conversation to:

• Get to know each other
• Explain what participation involves
• Assess mutual fit
• Answer questions honestly

Topics to Cover

About the cell:

• What we do and why
• The commitment involved
• Security expectations

About the prospect:

• Why are they interested?
• What capacity do they have?
• What skills/connections do they bring?
• Understanding of risks involved

About expectations:

• Probationary period and what it means
• Segment assignment
• Ongoing security practices

Red Flags

• Rushing to join quickly
• Dismissive of security practices
• Asking for lots of details before joining
• Voucher seems hesitant or uncertain
• Prospect is unknown to others in the network

Trust your instincts. It's okay to say "not yet."

Step 3: Security Training

Before joining any segment, every new member must complete security training:

Required Topics

• [ ] Signal setup and configuration
• [ ] Device security basics
• [ ] What to share and not share
• [ ] Compartmentalization — why it matters
• [ ] What to do if approached by law enforcement
• [ ] Compromise protocol — what to do if you suspect a breach

Training Format

Options:

• One-on-one with Onboarding Steward or voucher
• Small group training with multiple new members
• Self-study with verification (less ideal)

Hands-on is best. Actually set up Signal together.

Step 4: Probationary Period

Duration

Typically 2-3 months, but can vary based on:

• Cell's assessment of the person
• Pace of activities
• Level of trust development

What Happens

• Assigned to one segment only
• Participates in lower-risk activities
• Voucher and segment lead observe
• Regular check-ins

Activities During Probation

• Business patronage
• Supply sorting
• Attending Know Your Rights trainings (as participant)
• Simple logistics support

Evaluation Points

• Do they follow security practices consistently?
• Do they show up reliably?
• Do they respect boundaries?
• Do they ask appropriate questions (curious but not prying)?

Step 5: Trusted Status

Confirmation

At end of probationary period:

1. Segment lead assesses readiness
2. Consults with voucher
3. If affirmed, member becomes Trusted

What Changes

• Full participation in their segment
• Access to more sensitive activities
• After 3-6 months, can vouch for new members

If Not Ready

If someone isn't ready for trusted status:

• Extend probation with clear goals
• Have honest conversation about concerns
• In rare cases, part ways gracefully

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