I’m a Masters student specialising in British Civilization. Before being French or European, I consider myself a citizen of the world, obliged to help preserve our endangered planet. I discovered Avaaz in October 2007, with a call on the EU to put pressure on the Burmese military junta. Since then, many actions have been undertaken on important fights, notably the environment, peace and democracy. During my Avaaz experience, I’ve sometimes been skeptical: “this is a petition website like many others, and does it really make a difference in global politics?” But I've seen the results of the many different campaigns, and many successes. Avaaz’s network, with millions of people, is a strong enough voice to be heard by the world's most prominent politicians and decision-makers. Public awareness and public pressure are needed to call on leaders to be responsible and make significant changes for the planet. The Global Climate Wake-Up Call, initiated by Avaaz to influence the Copenhagen climate summit, was one of the most outstanding global actions ever. Though the summit failed to introduce a binding treaty to stop climate change, people could feel the power of a global movement. Avaaz’s rising pressure should lead to a success in future if everyone gets involved. I hope and expect the Avaaz movement to grow, and influence even more decision-makers, both national and global. My conviction has led me to help Avaaz also with English-to-French translations. I also forward Avaaz emails to my friends, and I know they sign Avaaz petitions too!

I am Ibrahim Ceesay, 25 years old and a social justice campaigner and activist from the Gambia. I work with an advocacy organization called Children for Children Organization as National Coordinator working with young people and rural communities for sustainable development. AVAAZ to me means power to the people to shape the future the way they want it to be. It is a world parliament stronger and more pro-active than the UN and all other International organizations combined together. AVAAZ means hope to me and has inspired me to center on people-led development.

It feels good to be part of something that can and does respond so quickly to real situations with an effective plan for change. I feel like I have a voice in a way I never did in a voting booth... though I will continue to vote and hope. Thanks so much for creating the beautiful, "simple" structure that makes this possible.