FAQ – Frequently asked questions

General

What is the UNITER NETWORK?

UNITER unites people with the same values and virtues, regardless of their origin, culture or faith. This is to promote security and stability in a global community based on freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Where is UNITER’s head office?

We work worldwide to ensure the success of the network. With our headquarters in Switzerland, we have positioned ourselves for the long term at one of the most important UN locations.

What is the vision of UNITER?

Safety for Life, Education and Development.

What badges are available at UNITER?

Very many. This question fills a lecture of its own. Just this much: Personal development is recognized by the network with awards.

Can I wear the identifying marks on my uniform?

The approval to wear identification marks on duty is the responsibility of the responsible unit or authority. There are units that find it good and others. Unfortunately, there is no general answer to this question.

Who can I contact if I have a problem?

First and foremost, the regional SRT leaders take the lead on site. For administrative and higher-level problems, the back office. This can best be reached at  backoffice@uniter.network .

UNITER NETWORK

What is an SRT?

A SRT (Security Round Table) is the smallest unit within the network. It can be founded with 3 active members, subject to approval. This is usually incorporated in a district. In INECO areas the tasks of the district are taken over by the INECO staff.

Are SRTs for members only?

In principle, the SRT’s are only admitted for members. However, interested parties or friends of members may be admitted after consultation with the SRT leader. This regulation also applies to external speakers.

What is a district?

A district bundles several SRTs in one area. A national association needs several active districts.

What is a security level or trust system?

The security level system / trust system was introduced to protect the members and their special data as well as their background. An exploitation and tapping of political, economic and official contacts is thus denied to anyone who wants to use the data commercially.

Here in the network, it’s give and take. If you get involved and help each other, you can expect to receive help and support yourself.

How can I get involved in the network?

The cooperation in the network can happen in many ways. Whether as SRT leader, supporter in preparation and follow-up, as speaker or workshop leader and in the expansion of the SRT. The tasks are manifold and not exhaustive. Commitment of this kind is recognized with promotions and badges.

What are the tasks of the INECO staff?

The INECO staff organizes the worldwide expansion. For SRT start-ups in INECO territories, it serves as the central contact for the local SRT management. The INECO staff is responsible for training and further education as well as quality assurance and compliance with internal regulations. He can best be described as a mentor.

I live far away from the nearest SRTs. What can I do?

The best answer is: apply for a new SRT together with interested comrades. If you live in an INECO area, and the INECO staff positively evaluates the pre-screening and grants clearance, you can be the first in that area. Besides the challenge of starting as pioneers and being immortalized in the chronicle of the SRT as founding members, the respect and recognition of the new comrades will be all the greater.

What are the positions within the network?

From the smallest unit (SRT) to districts (multiple SRTs in a region) to the state officer, we have horizontal and vertical duty stations.

Membership

Who can apply for membership?

In principle, UNITER is open to everyone. A good reputation and legal compliance are a prerequisite.

Do you have to have been in a special unit?

No. Our roots are here and this is nurtured and honored. We know from our everyday life that only a team of experts can deliver top results. Therefore, we have opened ourselves to the concept of swarm intelligence. The power and know-how lies in the different experiences of each member regardless of having been in special use.

Are there any exclusion criteria?

Incompatible with membership in UNITER is any form of extremism and intolerance. Should such be detected during the membership, an immediate exclusion from the network will follow.

How does the guarantor principle work?

Two active members act as guarantors for an interested party and thus vouch for its reliability. Trust and loyalty are two important pillars of our actions.

Who can vouch for me if I don’t have a guarantor?

There are several ways to solve this. The interested party contacts the back office and is invited to an interview or SRT. Here both sides can get to know each other better and check the personal suitability. The guarantee is taken over in case by the members on site. This can take weeks to months depending on the situation. Taking over a guarantee can also have a negative effect on the guarantors. Therefore, both sides should be given the time to get to know each other.

Another option, after consultation, is to establish an SRT in an INECO area. Here, one is measured based on performance and success. In this case, the INECO staff can also act as guarantor.

Types of membership

There are different types of membership at UNITER. For natural persons, these are supporting, full and honorary membership. For legal entities, our bylaws provide for sustaining membership. State organizations are listed as authority members at UNITER.

Processing fee for new applications

The processing fee is incurred once for applying for membership. This covers administrative expenses and the internal review of applicants. It is non-refundable (even if the application for membership is rejected).

Membership fees

The membership fee is payable at the beginning of a membership year. The fee for sustaining and full members alike is USD 255 (as of 2022). UNITER strives to establish an equitable sharing of burdens across all members. Therefore, state organizations are more burdened than sustaining members. Within state organizations have based the calculation of membership fees on the PCU (per capita income of the respective home state). Again, the strong can contribute more than the weak.

Promotion

Promotions are made on the basis of merit. Active membership is desired and encouraged within the network. Assistance and support need not always be provided on-site. Willingness to participate in administrative and communication tasks is also noted positively.

Promotion contributions

Promotion within each rank is subject to a promotion fee of USD 65 (as of 2022).