Getting Verified

Verification ensures only real union members have access to your space. The process is quick, secure, and designed to prevent infiltration.

How Verification Works

Grassroots uses a member-vouching system. Instead of a central authority deciding who gets in, existing members vouch for coworkers they know personally.

Requirements

To get verified, you need:

• An account in the Lobby (see Creating an Account)
• To meet with existing verified members in person
• Your phone or computer with camera access (to scan QR codes)

Your union configures how many members need to vouch for you (typically 2-3). This ensures cross-validation—no single person can let someone in.

The Verification Process

Step 1: Find Verified Members

Contact your:

• Union organizer or steward
• Coworkers you know are already members
• People listed in the Lobby welcome message

Arrange to meet them in person during a break, shift change, or union meeting.

Step 2: Open the Verification Widget

In your Lobby, you'll see a Verification Widget with a button that says "Request Verification". Click it to open the QR code scanner.

Step 3: Scan QR Codes

Each verified member who vouches for you will:

1. Open the verification widget on their device
2. Click "Vouch for Someone"
3. Show you their QR code
4. You scan it with your camera

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

After scanning a QR code:

1. The verification bot sends them a confirmation request
2. They click "Yes, I vouch for this person"
3. Their approval is recorded
4. You see a checkmark in your verification status

Step 5: Threshold Met!

Once enough members vouch for you (e.g., 2 out of 2), you're automatically:

• Invited to the Verified Members Space
• Given access to all protected channels
• Able to verify others yourself
• Eligible to vote on motions

Security Features

In-Person Requirement

QR codes prove you're physically present with the verifier. This prevents:

• Remote account creation by bad actors
• Bulk fake account generation
• Social engineering over the phone

Nonce Validation

Each QR code contains a unique, single-use token that expires in 5 minutes. Even if someone takes a photo of a QR code, it can't be reused.

Cross-Validation

Requiring multiple verifiers from different departments/sites makes it harder for a small group of colluding members to admit infiltrators.

Troubleshooting

Can't Find Verified Members

Contact your union organizer directly. They can:

• Connect you with members at your worksite
• Announce your need for verification in member channels
• Schedule verification sessions at meetings

QR Scanner Not Working

• Ensure your browser has camera permissions
• Try using a different device or browser
• Make sure there's good lighting
• Hold the QR code steady and centered

Verification Not Completing

If you've scanned QR codes but aren't getting verified:

• Ask the verifiers if they clicked "Confirm" in the bot's message
• Check if the QR code expired (they're only valid 5 minutes)
• Try the process again with fresh QR codes

Lost Access After Verification

If you lose access to verified channels, you may have been revoked. Contact your union moderators or organizers to understand why and discuss next steps.

For Verifiers

If you're a verified member helping someone new:

Before Vouching

• Verify their identity: Make sure you actually know them
• Confirm membership: Are they actually a union member?
• Meet in person: Never vouch remotely via screenshots

Daily Limits

To prevent abuse, each member can only verify a limited number of people per day (typically 5-10). This prevents bulk vouching.

Your Responsibility

When you vouch for someone, you're saying "I personally know this person is a legitimate union member." Take this seriously—the security of your union's space depends on it.

Next Steps

Once verified, you're ready to start using Grassroots! Check out:

• Sending Messages
• Channels & Rooms
• Anonymous Posting