One World Strong helps survivors heal together through an app built with Microsoft Viva Engage

In 2013, Dave Fortier was nearing the finish line of the Boston Marathon when the first of two bombs detonated nearby. The domestic terrorist attack killed three people and injured hundreds more, including Fortier. Understandably, surviving the attack altered his life forever, but it was the support he received from combat veterans that influenced his life’s mission. 

"I found that it was one thing for a doctor, therapist, or family member to say you’re going to be OK, and another thing completely when another survivor says you’re going to be OK,” Fortier remembers. “People feel better after they speak to somebody who’s been through something similar.” 

Several years after the bombing, Fortier founded the One World Strong Foundation, which supports survivors of terrorist, extremist, and mass casualty events around the world. Now operating in 70 countries—the organization connects survivors, impacted family members, first responders, and the community at large through peer networks. It also links people to local resources, works to prevent violence, and supports communities across the world with the ResilienceNet app built with the community network platform Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) and running on Microsoft Azure.

“We can’t get everywhere physically, but we beam in—and we would not be where we are without Microsoft products,” Fortier says. “We help people move through trauma, and technology is driving that.”

Building connections securely 

While Fortier would love for his organization to become obsolete, the unfortunate reality means that war, extremist attacks, and other violent events show no sign of stopping. When they do occur, One World Strong is there to connect survivors to people who understand.  

“We provide peer-to-peer connections using technology,” Fortier explains. “That’s life-changing to people.” 

The secure, closed networks on the ResilienceNet app are managed and overseen by local experts, which prevents damaging posts and keeps users safe. Further, the Viva Engage platform does not scrape and sell data, in contrast to popular social media and messaging apps. “People share sensitive mental and physical health information. The last thing you want is sensitive personal information floating around for somebody to sell or advertise to,” Fortier says. “That’s crucial for trust.”

ResilienceNet also acts as a centralized source for information and reliable resources, from lists of vetted therapists to funding for medical treatment. “This puts all the good things in one place, making it easy for them to be found and used. Microsoft is the literal cornerstone of that,” Fortier says.  

App users can toggle to the resources they need or filter conversations for what is helpful, then leave the rest. “This digital experience means you can participate in a way that’s conducive to your own recovery,” explains Mark Margolis, a Microsoft employee and survivor of the 2005 London bombings who volunteers to help One World Strong build effective solutions through technology. 

Mobilizing quickly to support survivors 

No one can predict when or where the next mass casualty event will occur. When it does happen, local authorities understandably prioritize on-the-ground safety and security. One World Strong is ready to step in immediately so survivors do not have to wait for much-needed support.  

“Every scenario is unique, and every community is different. You need to quickly mobilize so you can bring the right services for the affected individuals,” Margolis says. “One World Strong does that on a secure platform, shifting depending on the circumstances and needs of an event and community.” 

For example, the ResilienceNet peer networks (run on Viva Engage) are available in more than 30 languages. The team is now working with Microsoft partner Changing Social to make all the app’s resources, such as cognitive behavioral therapy practices, available in those languages, too. Currently, the app’s translation function is being utilized to help migrants in Aurora, Colorado, locate resources in their native Spanish. In addition, One World Strong uses the translation capabilities of Microsoft Teams when it gives presentations worldwide. On a recent trip to Poland, Fortier watched the faces of attendees light up when Teams automatically translated in real time as he and others discussed the power of technology to help communities heal. As Fortier says, “Language is no longer a barrier.”

One World Strong is now working with the FBI to help communities react to the unthinkable. “With Microsoft products, we’re working to replicate virtual resilience centers quickly and easily, so we can respond in hours,” Fortier adds. “Technology is a driving factor in that. It’s helping people have a better life because they can reach and connect to others.” 

Reaching more people globally 

Fortier always knew he wanted One World Strong to have a global impact, but the organization doesn’t have the resources to be on the ground everywhere. Additionally, it simply isn’t safe to deploy staff to some locations.   

“In some countries around the world, there’s pretty much zero in terms of mental health support. But just about everyone has a smart device. We can do a lot virtually—giving people access to mental health resources they don’t have access to, especially not for free—by working on Microsoft platforms,” Fortier says.   

Some communities set up brick-and-mortar support centers in the wake of a tragedy, at least temporarily. It can be a challenge for some impacted people to take advantage in person, considering the time and cost of travel, and some people move away. A digital community enables people to stay connected and heal long-term.  

"I fundamentally believe in the power of the human spirit to accomplish great things,” Margolis says. “What I’ve seen with One World Strong, people who are going through unspeakable trauma focus on helping each other. In many ways, technology is making us more human.” 

Find out more about One World Strong on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.