The spelling of the word "avaaz" may seem unfamiliar, but it is derived from the Persian language meaning "voice" or "song". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /əˈvɑːz/. The first syllable sounds like the "a" in "about", while the second syllable has a longer "a" sound like in "father". The "z" at the end makes a buzzing sound. The organization Avaaz uses this unique spelling to represent the power and impact of voices coming together to make a difference.
Avaaz is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that operates as a global online advocacy platform. The term "avaaz" itself means "voice" or "song" in multiple languages, emphasizing the organization's mission to give voice to the concerns and issues of individuals around the world.
Founded in 2007, Avaaz aims to unite people from various countries, backgrounds, and cultures to address shared challenges and promote positive change. It operates primarily through online campaigns, utilizing various digital tools and technologies to mobilize its global membership base. Avaaz campaigns cover a wide range of issues, including climate change, human rights, poverty alleviation, animal rights, and democracy promotion.
The organization's work involves raising awareness about pressing global issues, gathering public support through online petitions, encouraging civic participation, and exerting pressure on decision-makers, governments, and influential bodies. Avaaz strives to leverage its extensive network and member-driven campaigns to influence policy decisions, hold corporations accountable, and effect social and political reforms.
Avaaz operates independently and does not accept funding from governments or corporations, relying instead on donations from its members to sustain its activities. The organization's online platform allows individuals from all over the world to easily join campaigns, sign petitions, and contribute to collective efforts towards creating a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world.
The word "avaaz" has its origins in Persian. It comes from the Persian word "آواز" (pronounced as "avaaz"), which means "voice" or "song". The term "avaaz" is also found in various other languages with similar meanings, such as Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic. The term became widely known globally when the online advocacy organization "Avaaz" was founded in 2007.