Know What a Petition Can and Can’t Do
The first step in creating an effective petition is understanding its purpose and limitations. A petition will not necessarily change the mind of a judge or prosecutor. What it can do is generate attention, build a base of supporters, and amplify a cause so that it reaches the public. Petitions are not crowdfunding tools like GoFundMe or Kickstarter—they are about rallying support, not collecting money.
Introduce the People Behind the Petition
Every strong petition begins with a clear and personal introduction. Provide a compelling title, a relevant image (with appropriate privacy protections), and an opening paragraph that introduces the people involved in the case or cause. Supporters want to know who they are standing with, and sharing a few details helps humanize the issue. The more relatable the story, the easier it is to inspire action.
Leave White Space
Petitions should be easy to read. Break content into short paragraphs of five to eight sentences each. This practice, often called “giving the text room to breathe,” makes it more inviting to readers and helps keep the story organized. Consider using bulleted or numbered lists where appropriate to make complex information simple and digestible.
Use Pictures and Headings
Headings such as Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How guide the reader through the petition. They make it easier to follow key details and understand why the cause matters. Photos and documents add credibility while breaking up blocks of text. Visual proof—such as court transcripts, letters, or news clippings—can help readers see the reality of the situation instead of relying only on written claims.
Post Updates
Updates are one of the most powerful tools available on Change.org. They keep supporters informed, engaged, and motivated to continue sharing the petition. Updates can include upcoming court dates, recent developments, calls to action, or success stories. Sharing updates on social media and encouraging friends and organizations to spread them helps expand reach and sustain momentum.
Promote the Petition
Change.org provides optional paid promotion, but the most valuable investment is time and effort. Share the petition widely through social media, local community groups, and word-of-mouth. Flyers, rallies, and peaceful protests can generate public visibility and sometimes even attract media coverage. Collaborating with local organizations and advocacy groups ensures the petition reaches broader networks of supporters.
Stay Committed
Successful petitions rarely go viral overnight. It takes persistence, patience, and consistency to build traction. Remember: movements are built through steady effort and community support. Stay the course, and don’t be discouraged by slow progress—meaningful change often takes time.
Free Download
Are you ready to get started? You can download your PDF copy right here.
I hope it boosts your confidence and helps you stay organized as you start your petition.
Now go forth and kick some butt! 🙂
Your Turn!
Have you written a successful petition? What other advice would you give? Are there any other Advocacy Guides you’d like to see in the future?
