Change.org

Definition

Change.org is an online platform that allows individuals and organizations to create, share, and sign petitions on various social issues. It serves as a powerful tool for digital activism, enabling users to mobilize support for causes, raise awareness, and influence decision-makers by demonstrating public backing. The platform's ease of use and broad reach make it a vital resource in the context of social movements and the techniques employed for digital activism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Change.org was founded in 2007 and has since become one of the largest petition platforms globally, hosting millions of petitions across various issues.
2. The platform allows users to create petitions for free and promotes them through email campaigns, social media sharing, and other digital marketing strategies.
3. Change.org has facilitated notable campaigns that have led to significant policy changes and raised awareness for various social justice issues.
4. Users can not only sign petitions but also engage with others by sharing stories, providing updates, and organizing events related to their causes.
5. The platform operates under the belief that collective action can lead to tangible results, empowering individuals to advocate for change on issues they are passionate about.

Review Questions

• How does Change.org empower individuals to participate in digital activism?
  • Change.org empowers individuals by providing an accessible platform where they can create and sign petitions on issues they care about. This accessibility allows anyone with internet access to engage in activism from the comfort of their home. By mobilizing signatures and sharing petitions through social media, users can amplify their voices and demonstrate public support, which can attract attention from decision-makers and increase the likelihood of enacting change.
• Discuss the impact of Change.org on social movements in recent years.
  • Change.org has significantly impacted social movements by providing a space for grassroots activists to amplify their causes. The platform's ability to reach a global audience enables campaigns to gain momentum quickly, making it easier for movements to gather support beyond local communities. High-profile successes from petitions have shown how digital activism can translate into real-world changes, influencing policy decisions and raising public awareness about critical issues.
• Evaluate the role of Change.org in shaping the techniques used for digital activism and its effectiveness in achieving campaign goals.
  • Change.org has shaped the techniques used in digital activism by demonstrating the power of online petitions as a mobilization tool. Its effectiveness is evident in how it combines storytelling with actionable items like signing petitions and sharing them on social media. The platform's analytics tools help organizers understand their audience better and tailor their approaches. However, while Change.org has successfully catalyzed many movements, challenges remain regarding ensuring sustained engagement and translating online actions into offline results.

Related terms

Petition: A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority concerning a particular cause or issue.

Digital Activism: The use of digital tools and platforms to promote social or political change, often through online campaigns, social media, and mobilization efforts.

Grassroots Movement: A movement driven by the community at a local level, often aiming for social or political change without reliance on established political systems.