Avaaz.org

Avaaz.org is a worldwide, online organization for community organization "to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want. “Avaaz” means “Voice” in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages.

It intends to reduce the impact of globalization decisions made by "political elites and unaccountable corporations." Its members urge stronger protections for the environment, greater respect for human rights, and concerted efforts to end poverty, corruption and war. With 3.4 million on-line members, Avaaz.org is the largest on-line organizing movement in the world, says cofounder and executive director Ricken Patel.

Formed in 2007, the group was sponsored by Res Publica, a global civic advocacy group, and Moveon.org. The initial leadership included Executive Director Ricken Patel, Tom Perriello, Tom Pravda, Eli Pariser, Andrea Woodhouse, Jeremy Heimans, and David Madden. Perriello, now a U.S. Representative, said "Most of us have policy or diplomacy backgrounds, as well as activist, so the hope is that we will be doing these things at key diplomatic moments." Its climate change campaign just before the G-8 meeting.