Volunteering With Us: First, Securely Set Up Signal!

Before inquiring to be a volunteer for the 50501 Orange County and OC Indivisible Coalition collaboration, we ask all prospective volunteers to follow these instructions for securely setting up Signal.

Please follow each step carefully.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download Signal

Install the Signal app on your phone: https://signal.org/
Important: When prompted, do NOT allow access to your contacts.

2. Open and Register

• Open the app and tap Continue.
• Grant camera permissions if you want to make video calls, and microphone permissions for audio/video calls.
• Enable notifications if you want to receive message alerts.
• Do NOT grant access to your contacts.
• Enter your phone number and tap Next.

3. Verify Your Phone Number

• Signal will send a verification code via SMS.
• Enter the code manually or tap the notification to autofill.
  Note: A valid phone number is required to register, but it can be hidden later to protect your privacy.

4. Set Up Your Profile

• Recommendation: Do not use your real name or nicknames, use an alias that cannot be connected to your identity.
• Optionally, add a profile image.
  • Do NOT use a photo of yourself or anything that reveals your identity.

5. Create a Signal PIN

• Choose a minimum 4-digit PIN (6+ digits or alphanumeric is better).
• This PIN secures your account and is used for account recovery and encryption.
• Note: Do not forget this PIN. Signal will ask for it regularly to ensure security.

6. Create a Username

• Tap your avatar/profile image > Tap your display name
• Under @Username, create a unique handle (not your real name).
  • Signal will add two digits at the end automatically (don't worry about this.
  • This username is used for others to find you without using your phone number.

7. Keep Your Phone Number Private

To prevent others from seeing your phone number:

1. Go to Signal > Settings > Privacy
2. Tap Phone Number
3. Set both options to:
   • Who can see my number? > Nobody
   • Who can find me by my number > Nobody

8. Share Your Profile Securely

• Tap your avatar > Tap the QR code icon (top-right corner)
• You'll see:
  • A QR code others can scan
  • A link (tap the link icon below the QR) you can share. Anyone with this link can start a chat with you. Keep it secure.
  • A Scan option at the top to add someone else's QR code directly.

Ongoing Security Tips

We'll send periodic reminders on how to stay secure using Signal. These tips will help you protect your privacy, especially if your phone is lost or stolen.

Signal Settings: Quick Privacy Checklist

Disable Message Previews

• Go to Signal > Settings > Notifications
• Tap Notification Content
• Choose No Name or Content (This hides message previews from your lock/home screen)

Profile Name and Photo

• Do NOT use your real name or a personal photo.
• To change your profile:
  • Signal > Settings > Tap your name/icon at the top
  • Tap the top option with the person silhouette
  • Edit your Display Name
  • Tap Edit Photo to upload a generic, non-identifiable image

Remove Signal's Access to Your Contacts

If you accidentally gave Signal access to your contacts, you can revoke it by following these steps:

• Android
  • Open the Settings app
  • Go to "Apps"
  • Tap on the Signal app
  • Choose "Permissions"
  • Tap "Contacts"
  • Choose "Don't Allow"
• iOS
  • Open the Settings app
  • Go to "Privacy & Security"
  • Select "Contacts"
  • Tap on the Signal app
  • Choose "None"

All done and ready to volunteer for 50501 Orange County & OC Indivisible?

Tap or click the button below to proceed into our Signal entry chat, "The Front Porch", where our onboarding crew will be ready to welcome you.