Only read if you want to make the world a better place: If it makes you sick, why not speak out?

If when you see the news you often think “that’s wrong” here’s how to make a difference. I have signed many of these petitions – maybe you might too

Let me emphasise that nobody suggested I put this up. I am a committed non-joiner. But I think this organisation could do – and often does do – more good than voting.

This is sadly very true in the UK where the government is currently trying to restrict freedom of speech

Last week Change.org reached 50 million users worldwide. As big as Facebook in 2007 or Twitter in 2009. But far more valuable because as the name implies Change.org helps you win the change you want to see.

Every month, millions of people win hundreds of victories through Change.org.

That sounds quite a claim. But here are some examples:

In India, Laxmi — a young woman who survived a brutal acid attack — won her Change.org campaign to regulate the sale of acid nationwide. Her petition was one of a flood of powerful campaigns started by survivors and families to protect India’s women from abuse.

In Thailand, rural teacher Ajarn Chatchawan’s petition helped save thousands of village schools from closure — hitting the front pages of national newspapers and changing the Education Minister’s mind.

Here in the UK, a teacher got an insurance company to pay out his late best-friend’s life insurance, a schoolgirl kept climate change in the curriculum and two parents helped change the law so 17-year-olds will be treated as children in custody.

Yes: politicians need watching! The problem is you can only vote for the people the party machines put up. And those people vote the way  they’re told.

Nelson Mandela has just died. His successors have turned out to be the usual bunch of kleptocrats. But across continents, Change.org campaigns against government corruption are shifting power back to people.

In Indonesia, President Yudyohono publicly supported a petition championing investigation of police corruption and misconduct – a bit of a laugh if you know much about him, but he was shamed into it.

In Brazil this year, after politicians tried to give themselves immunity from corruption charges, prosecutors started a swarm of Change.org petitions which climaxed in street protests and a dramatic victory.

And it’s not just governments: Companies from Coca-Cola and Ford to small businesses are changing their ways in response to Change.com campaigns.

I’ve been amazed at what has been achieved. On thousands of issues big and small, ordinary people have changed lives, communities, even countries for the better.

Click here now to see the inspiring story of how 50 million people have used Change.org so far.

And if something matters to you just click here to start your own petition.