Farewell Avaaz

13 years ago, I walked into the office of a small but ambitious start up, with big visions for creating a better world for all living things, and more connected humanity. Today, the sun is setting on my Avaaz journey. 

On that autumnal day in 2006, I had no idea what was coming. I was 25 and thought I knew everything, but I had no idea what Avaaz would become, and if you’d told me then that it was possible to completely and utterly fall in love with your work and team I would have scoffed.

George W Bush was President, Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were killing thousands of innocent people and fueling western media narratives about a clash of civilizations, and Canada was the worst country in the world on climate change. Facebook was something only college kids could access and iPhones had not launched. But you could also feel something stirring in the air - the idea that global public opinion could be the world’s next superpower, was so ripe and pregnant with possibility. It felt right to be there.

It still does in many ways, and I'm proud of all we’ve achieved and that the Avaaz community today is leading the fight to save our internet and democracies from the threat of disinformation as well as supporting amazing climate activism globally. But for me, I've grown to be too comfortable, and with the world being where it is right now, this is no time to be in our comfort zones. 

And so, it's time to move on... to branch out and to look at our world, and the challenges and opportunities we face through new glasses. Next month - I'll be starting a new job as Director of the Climate Emergency Collaboration Group - a new effort to get funders and movement collaborating for 2020 which is a critical year for climate action. More on that to follow - but for those in Madrid, I'm happy to give you the download in person. 

For now though, I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude. For Ricken, Emma, Alice, and all the leaders who have mentored and coached me over the years. To the Avaaz teams, past, present, and future, you are exceptional people. For the members who made the whole thing possible. For all the amazing activists and organisations I've been fortunate enough to work with, learn from, and some of whom I'm lucky enough to count as friends. 

From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. I wouldn't be where I am today without your support.

Me, Avaaz and climate movement friends at COP 14 in Poznan, Poland, 2008.