1. Download the app called “Signal” on the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Signal is also available in a Desktop version. 

2. Set up your account

   1. Open the app, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up registration. This will include connecting the app to your phone number, and you will need to verify your phone number in the process. **Don’t enter your legal first and last name. Choose a nickname instead to make the app safer** 

3. Request to join the RCSN Main Message Board- Vetted Signal Group

   1. Click the Singal group link in the welcome email that was sent to you from our network once you became verified. 

   2. Your welcome email also contains a one-time, unique Signal verification code

4. Provide your verification code when requested

   1. An admin from our network will send you a Direct Message (DM) in Signal requesting your unique Signal verification code. Provide the unique code from your email. 

1. 1. Click the letter(s) in the top left hand corner of the app screen and go to “Settings.” Verify or adjust the following settings. They are important for using the app safely. 

   2. Click your Signal name at the top > Choose a “username.” You can choose one word, it should not be your legal name. The app will add a dot and two numbers automatically after the word you choose. 

   3. Account > Registration Lock should be ON (green) 

   4. Chats > Share Contacts with iOS/Android should be OFF (grey), and Use Phone Contact Photos should be OFF (grey) 

   5. Notifications > Under Notification Content choose “Show” and set it to “No Name or Content” 

   6. Privacy > Choose “Phone Number” and make sure both settings are set to “Nobody.” Set your “Disappearing Messages” default to 1 week. You can make it longer for particular chats if needed.

If you have your settings set to maximum privacy, you will only be able to find others by searching their username (not their 

1. 1. Click the “Pen” icon in the top right hand corner of the app screen, choose “Find by Username,” and search for the username of the person you want to write to (username is the single word+dot+two numbers, visible Settings > Your signal name)
      OR

   2. If you are together, click the “Pen” icon in the top right hand corner of the app screen, choose “Find by Username,” and then choose “Scan QR Code.” The other person can show your phone their QR code by going to “Settings > their signal name > QR code or Link.” 

Signal uses a few different naming fields, and they serve different purposes:

Profile name (sometimes called display name)
This is the name that appears to others in Signal chats. We do not recommend using your real first and last name as your profile name. Many people choose something neutral or playful (for example, “Rainbow Sprinkles” or “Austen Fan”).  You may want to choose a name that corresponds to your real first and last name initials. For example, Jane Smith may choose Jam Sandwich as her profile name.

Some Signal users—especially those involved in rapid response—change their profile name regularly for coordination purposes. You do not need to change your profile name unless you feel it has been compromised or you simply want to.

Username
This is your unique Signal handle (it starts with @).  You need to set this up. Signal does not automatically generate one for you. If you have your settings set so that your phone number is not searchable, the only way others will be able to find you is by searching for you using your username. Usernames are optional and are primarily used to let people contact you without sharing a phone number. 

Nickname
Nicknames are labels that other people can assign to you on their own device. They only affect what that individual sees and do not change how you appear to admins or in group chats. You may choose to assign nickname to people you know as their real name. Only you will be able to see the nickname you choose for others.  

 Verification happens when you click the RCSN Main Message Board- VETTED group link in the welcome email and request to join. Our group admins will then send you a verification code. When you provide the verification code, this links your real name in our verified volunteer roster to your Signal name. We will then admit you into the group. 

RCSN-affiliated Signal chats will always meet both of the following criteria:

• The group image includes the RCSN logo

• The group title includes the word VETTED

The title may also include RCSN, but not always. If a group does not meet these criteria, it is not officially affiliated with our network.

 Yes. Many partner organizations and community groups operate their own Signal chats. Those groups are independent from RCSN and have their own rules and verification processes.

If you are asked to verify again, it likely means the chat is not directly affiliated with RCSN. That group is running its own verification system, separate from ours. This does not affect your standing in RCSN.

 Yes. You can suggest that the group admin contact us to explore becoming a vetted group within our network. If approved, the group would need to relaunch and verify members using the RCSN membership list only.

Yes. We are open to this. Group admins must meet with one of our network leaders to review expectations and responsibilities. If approved, the group must relaunch and require all members to be verified through the RCSN system.