DAWN's client selection or prioritization, service packages, interventions and issue projection are research-based. It seeks to reach out to the truly disadvantaged women migrants, to provide relevant and timely services and effective interventions, and to pursue in appropriate venues critical migrant women and other related issues and concerns. DAWN upholds, at all times, the principle of confidentiality or the right of its women clients to their life stories (and therefore the right to decide whether they want these shared to the general public) in its publication and advocacy work.

• Research

DAWN conducts its own researches on various migration and women issues most especially those that are vital to its advocacy work. One of which is its research on Filipino women entertainers in Japan. DAWN likewise establishes an extensive network with research institutions for ready access to vital research findings as well as for immediate response to needs for other areas for research.

• Newsletter/publications

DAWN maintains its quarterly newsletter, Sinag; produces and distributes DAWN posters and brochures, and undertakes other publications to sustain information sharing within the DAWN support community and the general public on DAWN's special area of work.

DAWN has published “R.A. 8042: A Critical Assessment of the Migrant Workers and Filipinos Act of 1995”, “Pains and Gains – A Study of Overseas Performing Artists in Japan from Pre-departure to Reintegration.” and "Moving On: Stories of DAWN Women Survivors" published in 2004.

• Resource Center and Library

DAWN maintains and develops its literature on migration and other relevant issues. DAWN's library continues to be a source of much needed information for media, academic, staff, clients, as well as the general public.

• Website Development

DAWN maintains and updates its web site that contains the information about DAWN and its various programs and services.

• Network groups

DAWN develops and maintains linkages with fellow NGOs and government agencies sharing their common concern on migration and women issues. To date, DAWN is actively involved in the Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch (PMRW), Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, and the OFW Journalism Consortium.

• Conference / workshop / fora

DAWN is actively involved in advocating migration and women issues either as participant / organizer of various gatherings of civil society groups, government agencies and private sector. Recently, it organized a conference on Migration and Trafficking in Persons with the theme "Recognizing the Dignity and Rights of Women." The said conference was held on February 10, 2006 at the Bayview Plaza Hotel Manila. It was co-organized by Vital Voices Global Partnership. .

• Teatro Akebono

DAWN uses theater and the arts as potent advocacy tools for issue projection of women and children, as therapy and appreciation for the mixed cultural heritage of the JFCs and as a way to meet their Japanese fathers when the children are brought to Japan for their annual theater tour. Theater workshops and presentations are used as venues for needed self-expression of both women and JFC members, when deemed appropriate.

• Lobbying

DAWN lobbies for the amendment and proper implementation of laws, executive orders and government policies meant to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of migrant workers.

Last year, DAWN actively lobbied for the passage of the Absentee Voting bill which was signed into law last February 13 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. RA 9189 or the “Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003” allows Filipino migrants to participate in the national elections, particularly, to vote for the president, vice president, senators and party list representatives of the country.

DAWN also joined in the lobby work for the passage of the “Anti- Trafficking bill which was also signed into law last May 26. RA 9208 or the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003” is meant to protect and rehabilitate Filipinos, especially, women and children, against prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage, both domestic and overseas.

DAWN also lobbies for: the amendments to RA 8042 or the "Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995" and the effective and proper implementation of the Comprehensive Orientation Program for Performing Artists (COPPA).

• Media issue projection

DAWN actively seeks opportunities to reach out to the public concerning issues on migration through print, TV, broadcast and other media.

• Study tour

In coordination with DAWN-Japan volunteers, DAWN conducts its annual study tour for Japanese guests with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of various migration and women issues in Philippine society.