Avaaz Is Having An Impact

Written by Contributor

Avaaz - Creating positive change is not aways an easy task. It is often hard to turn heads in the top echelons of power however one organization that is getting some attention lately is AVAAZ. We encountered the web site for Avaaz lately and were well impressed with what they have been doing. Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means “Voice” in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages.)

Avaaz has grown to over 3.2 million members in every nation of the world in just one year.  Totally independent Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team with offices in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Sydney and Geneva.  Here are some of the highlights from their web site and we would recommend a visit.

It is all about taking action. “Avaaz.org is a community of global citizens who take action on the major issues facing the world today. The aim of Avaaz.org is to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people shape global decisions. Avaaz.org members act for a more just and peaceful world and a globalization with a human face.”

It is getting attention because of its approach. “Avaaz.org is a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.”

All around the planet there are many common concerns around the issues that face mankind. “Across the world, most people want stronger protections for the environment, greater respect for human rights, and concerted efforts to end poverty, corruption and war. Yet globalization faces a huge democratic deficit as international decisions are shaped by political elites and unaccountable corporations -- not the views and values of the world’s people.”

Avaaz owes its success and indeed its power to our new age of connectivity. “Technology and the internet have allowed citizens to connect and mobilize like never before. The rise of a new model of internet-driven, people-powered politics is changing countries from Australia to the Philippines to the United States. Avaaz takes this model global, connecting people across borders to bring people powered politics to international decision-making.”

Avaaz has come together as a diverse community of people from all nations, backgrounds, and ages. A diverse community Avaaz is brought together by a common care for the world, and a desire to do what is needed to make it a better planet.  Thier ability to have an impact has been growing steadily and it is becoming clear that this organization can stand as a success story in the world of  eco activism.