Who Is Ben Rattray
Ben Rattray is the founder and former CEO of Change.org, one of the world's largest online petition platforms. He launched the site in 2007 with the goal of making it easy for individuals to start, share, and win campaigns on issues they care about. Under his leadership, Change.org grew into a global platform used by millions of people across dozens of countries. He is widely cited as a leading figure in digital advocacy and civic technology.
Rattray has been featured in major business and technology outlets, and he has spoken at events about the power of online organizing. His work helped normalize the use of digital petitions as a tool for public pressure on companies, governments, and institutions. He is frequently referenced in discussions about the future of civic tech and grassroots digital movements.
Change.org Growth and Acquisition
Under Ben Rattray, Change.org expanded rapidly, reaching hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The platform hosted petitions on issues ranging from workplace fairness to environmental protection and criminal justice reform. It became a go-to destination for people looking to launch or sign campaigns that could attract media attention and decision-maker responses.
In 2021, Rattray announced that Change.org was acquired by GoPetition, a move aimed at ensuring the platform's long-term sustainability. The acquisition kept the brand and mission intact while shifting ownership and operations. Rattray has since remained involved in public conversations about digital activism and the future of online civic tools.
Ben Rattray's Influence on Digital Advocacy
Rattray is credited with helping build the modern online petition ecosystem, influencing how nonprofits, advocacy groups, and ordinary citizens use digital tools to push for change. His approach combined clear campaign design, social sharing features, and media-friendly storytelling to turn individual actions into public pressure. This model has been studied and replicated by other civic technology platforms.
While Rattray stepped back from day-to-day leadership at Change.org, his work continues to shape how people think about digital activism and online civic participation. His career is often cited in analyses of how technology can lower barriers to public engagement and amplify grassroots voices. He remains a referenced figure in discussions about the role of digital platforms in modern advocacy.