Delegates are the heart of your circle in Y.O.D.O. They are not there to read your private words or manage your account. Their role is simpler, but powerful: to notice when silence lingers, to confirm when something has happened, and to safeguard the timing of your messages.
Choosing your Delegates is one of the most important steps in Y.O.D.O. This guide will help you think it through.
Who makes a good delegate?
A Delegate is someone you trust to act with care. This could be a family member, a close friend, a neighbour, or even a professional. The important thing is not the label, but the trust you place in them.
Think of people who are steady, reliable, and present in your life. The ones you believe will step in when needed.
Why variety matters
Circles work best when responsibility is shared. Life is unpredictable. One person might be travelling. Another might be busy or unsure. With more than one Delegate, the weight is spread.
We recommend choosing at least two Delegates so your circle has balance.
Family, friends, and beyond
For some, family feels like the natural choice. For others, friends may feel closer or more reliable. Y.O.D.O. is flexible. It honours the reality that care is not always tied to bloodlines.
Y.O.D.O. also lets you add Special Delegates such as solicitors or funeral directors. These professionals are notified after a passing is verified and can support your loved ones with the practical steps when the time comes.
Visibility settings
By default, Delegates cannot see who else is part of your circle. This keeps things private. But if you prefer transparency, you can make your Delegate list visible. That way, everyone knows who stands alongside them in carrying this role.
What about Delegates as Recipients?
Sometimes a Delegate may also be a Recipient of a message. That is possible in Y.O.D.O. They will still never see the message early. It will only unlock when the time is right, just like for any other Recipient.
Choosing is an act of trust
When you invite someone to be a Delegate, you are not just giving them a task. You are giving them your trust. You are saying, "I believe you will notice me. I believe you will stand for me when I cannot speak."
And when the time comes, your circle will be there. Not to intrude, but to carry your care forward.