What Is a Petition?

• A petition is a formal request that is typically addressed to a government body or agency and signed by several people. It seeks to initiate or halt a particular action. Most petitions are written, but people may also petition the government orally. Written petitions are more easily added to the official record.
  
  

Building a Petition

• When building a petition, include a header at the top clearly stating its purpose. This way, people will know exactly what they are signing.
  
  Be brief, concise and accurate about the background of an issue when asking someone to sign a petition Also, make sure that potential supporters know exactly where the petition is going.
  
  Don't just gather signatures. Make sure to get the name and address of every person who signs a petition. Number the lines so you know exactly how many signatures you have gathered.
  
  

Check the Law

• Depending on the purpose of the petition, it may be best to check the local laws governing a specific event or issue. Especially in cases of zoning or property annexation, a certain percentage of local support may be needed to take an action or stop an action. A petition carrying hundreds or thousands of signatures might do more than hold political sway. It could make or break an entire effort. Research the requirements in your area.
  
  

Submitting a Petition

• Make sure the public, and especially the decision-makers on a particular issue, know about your petition. It's best to formally offer the petition at a public event or meeting where the submission will be clearly documented or recorded. Once again, clearly state the position or action advocated by the petition and mention the number of people who signed it.
  
  

Online Help

• There are several websites designed to help grassroots organizations start petitions and gather signatures more effectively. Links to a few sites can be found below. Others can be found by searching the Web.