Instructions for Writing a Petition

Petition are often used to right a wrong or change a mandate of some kind.

Writing a successful petition does not have to be difficult. Petitions cover a wide range of topics and are aimed at different organizations, but the basics remain the same for all of them. A well-organized and presented petition means half the battle is won; after that it is down to your powers of persuasion.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Express the basics of your petition in a clear and concise manner. Think carefully about the petition's subject matter and check with friends, co-workers and family to gauge their interest in your cause. Do not forget the five W's; who, what, when, where and why.

2. Check with your local government or citizen's advice bureau so you can aim your petition at the right people. Some governments run online petitions and many allow for petitions to be discussed in parliament or senate/congressional meetings. Some may have their own petition guidelines that you will need to follow.

3. Research fully the subject before you begin writing the petition. Effective petitions begin with a request followed by detailed and salient points. There are a wealth of sites online, stored newspaper archives and books in the library to help you.

Writing The Petition

1. Write the mission statement. This needs to be a concise summary of your argument. Do not expand on any of your major points; you will do this in step 2. Repeat the summary at the top of each page included in the petition.

2. Expand your argument in the main body of the petition. This contains three elements; the situation, what needs to be done and, why it needs to be done. Describe the situation - use your research into the background of the petition to describe the goal of your petition and how the situation happened in the first place. Do not get bogged down in long explanations; keep it simple and concise.

3. Describe what needs to be done -- this is your proposal for change. Give an example or two of what you want done in order to change the situation. This could be a change in the law, asking for a playground or the rerouting of a planned road.

4. Explain why it is needed -- this is your chance to pull on a few heart strings or appeal to logic. If, in your research, you came across scientific research, polls or other pieces of information to help back your argument, include them.

5. Circulate your draft petition amongst friends, family, co-workers and members of appropriate organizations. Ask for their honest opinions on the argument, the details and also the quality of the writing. Check, edit and rewrite where necessary. Check to make sure your petition complies with any guidelines.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to see other petitions before you write yours, you can find numerous examples online Always seek the advice of a relevant advocacy group that is already involved in your issue. They are your best resource for writing and circulating a petition.

References

• iPetitions - How To Write A Successful Petition
• Act Now
• Go Petitions Examples

Resources

• Petitions Number 10