Templates

Downloadable templates and checklists to help you start and run your cell.

CUSTOMIZE

These are starting points. Adapt them to your community's needs, language, and context.

Checklists

Founding Team Checklist

FOUNDING TEAM STARTUP CHECKLIST

Before Launch:
[ ] 3-5 founders identified and committed
[ ] All founders deeply trust each other
[ ] Core Principles reviewed and agreed
[ ] Security training completed together
[ ] Signal infrastructure set up
[ ] Steward roles assigned
[ ] Decision-making process agreed
[ ] Meeting schedule established

First Month:
[ ] Initial segments defined
[ ] Onboarding process documented
[ ] First members identified for vouching
[ ] First activities planned
[ ] Emergency protocols established

New Member Onboarding Checklist

ONBOARDING CHECKLIST

Vouching:
[ ] Voucher confirms they trust prospect
[ ] Onboarding Steward notified
[ ] Initial conversation scheduled

Initial Conversation:
[ ] Steward, voucher, and prospect meet
[ ] Cell explained, questions answered
[ ] Commitment and expectations clear
[ ] Decision made to proceed (or not)

Security Training:
[ ] Signal installed and configured
[ ] Screen Lock enabled
[ ] Registration Lock enabled
[ ] Disappearing messages explained
[ ] Device security reviewed
[ ] Compartmentalization explained
[ ] What NOT to share reviewed
[ ] Compromise protocol reviewed

Probation Start:
[ ] Added to one segment group
[ ] Voucher and segment lead notified
[ ] First activities assigned
[ ] Check-in schedule set

Probation Complete:
[ ] Segment lead assessment
[ ] Voucher feedback
[ ] Trusted status confirmed
[ ] Full segment access granted

Security Audit Checklist

MONTHLY SECURITY AUDIT

For All Members:
[ ] Signal still configured correctly
[ ] Phone lock enabled
[ ] No unnecessary data stored
[ ] Disappearing messages active in all groups

For Stewards:
[ ] Group membership reviewed
[ ] Former members removed
[ ] Admin list current
[ ] No unnecessary message history

For the Cell:
[ ] Any security concerns from past month?
[ ] Anyone need retraining?
[ ] Any process improvements needed?
[ ] Compromise protocol still known by all?

Role Cards

Segment Lead Role Card

SEGMENT LEAD

Responsibilities:
• Manage segment Signal group
• Coordinate segment activities
• Onboard new members to segment (after vetting)
• Ensure security practices followed
• Report capacity to Logistics Coordinator

You Know:
• Your segment members
• Other segment leads
• Logistics Coordinator

You Don't Know:
• Members of other segments
• Operational details of other segments
• Locations of vulnerable individuals

Security Reminders:
• Strongest device security required
• Regular group membership review
• Succession plan in place

Sample Role Cards for Other Positions

You can create similar cards for:

• Onboarding Steward
• Communications Steward
• Logistics Coordinator
• Segment Members

Signal Group Templates

Group Description Template

[NEUTRAL GROUP NAME]

Disappearing: 1 week
Members: Approved by admin only
Purpose: [Internal reference only]

Remember: Nothing specific about locations or identities.

Welcome Message Template

Welcome to [Group Name]!

Before participating:
✓ Verify Signal is configured (disappearing messages, screen lock)
✓ Read Security Handbook: [link]
✓ Know: What we discuss here, stays here

Questions? Contact [Segment Lead role, not name]

Emergency Protocols

If Someone is Detained

DETENTION RESPONSE

Immediately:
1. Confirm detention (who, when, where, by whom)
2. Alert Legal Observers segment
3. Contact immigration attorney
4. Alert family emergency contact

Do NOT:
• Post on social media
• Discuss details in large groups
• Speculate about reasons

Document:
• Time and location
• Agency involved
• Names/badge numbers if known
• Witnesses

If Compromise Suspected

COMPROMISE PROTOCOL

If you suspect a security breach:

1. PAUSE all activities
2. ALERT Stewards through separate channel
3. ASSESS what information may be compromised
4. CONTAIN — who needs to know?
5. DECIDE response based on severity

Levels:
• Device lost/stolen → Member changes accounts, removed from groups
• Member compromised → Revoke access, assess exposure
• Segment compromised → Stand down segment, assess
• Active threat → Full stand-down, in-person coordination only

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