What are the DOW ?

Launched in 2023, the Digital Outreach Worker (DOW) program (or Digital Outreach Workers (DOW)) is a project of the Virtual Guardians Foundation (VGF). Over 1500 interventions have been carried out to date (April 2024).

A Digital Outreach Worker is an individual engaged in a proximity practice aimed at supporting young people by using digital means, such as online chat, to offer active listening and referrals. This approach is based on the negotiated and respectful integration of an intervener who connects with young people in non-institutional spaces frequented by the target population. Online chat is an essential means of preserving the anonymity of young people, thus fostering open and confidential discussion about their challenges and problems.

The benefits of digital outreach work are numerous. It allows reaching young people who do not use traditional services and who have specific needs. Furthermore, it offers a valuable opportunity to reach young people who are geographically or socially isolated, connecting them to resources and support they may need.

To become Digital Outreach Workers, professionals undergo continuous training. This training aims to prepare them to work with young people online, build trusting relationships in the digital environment, and assess young people’s needs to better guide them toward appropriate services. This training enables them to acquire the necessary skills to offer effective and secure support to the young people they assist.

In summary!

The Digital Outreach Worker uses online means to offer confidential support to young people, guide them to appropriate resources, and establish informal connections.

The foundation is an online beacon for people in distress and works to promote healthy and responsible digital use.

 

DOW Service Access Conditions

Free access to DOW services does not guarantee immediate availability or unlimited follow-up, and does not exempt users from complying with the established rules.

Anyone using DOW services must:

  • Treat the DOW with respect
  • Respect the DOW’s professional boundaries
  • Not harass the DOW through repeated calls, messages, or requests

The following are prohibited:

  • Threatening or intimidating the DOW
  • Using hateful, sexist, racist, or discriminatory language
  • Sending sexual, violent, or illegal content
  • Attempting to obtain personal information about the DOW
  • Recording or sharing conversations without authorization
  • Using the service to defraud, manipulate, or harm another person
  • Circumventing service limits or submitting multiple requests in order to obtain additional access

The DOW may end the conversation immediately when:

  • The language used is insulting, threatening, or aggressive
  • The person refuses to follow the rules despite being reminded
  • The situation exceeds the DOW’s skills or mandate
  • The interaction becomes unproductive or unsafe
  • The person is using the service abusively
  • The DOW believes they can no longer intervene in a professional manner

By requesting the service, the person agrees to these rules. Failure to comply may result in temporary or permanent suspension of access to the services.

Thank you to everyone for helping us in our mission to humanize the digital world.