How an Online Petition Works

A lot of people wonder whether online petitions really work. After all, how effective can adding your name to a website really be? Can an online petition influence politicians or business executives? More importantly, how do you get a target to read an online petition in the first place?

Why Online Petitions Work

Think of it this way: what if you started to receive emails from each of your neighbors asking you to mow your lawn more often? Or, what if your company received thousands of emails from valued customers asking you to use a different supplier for your parts? How quickly would you act?

That’s the unique thing about creating an online petition on Change.org: when you specify an email address for your target, each time a supporter signs your petition, an email is automatically sent directly to that person. Governments, companies and individuals value their reputations and feel accountable to their neighbors, constituents and customers. When hundreds or even thousands of emails arrive in their inboxes, the message is very hard to ignore.

Online Petition Successes on Change.org

Petitions created on Change.org have resulted in victories on many different issues:

• Kelly Williams-Bolar Granted Clemency by Ohio Gov. John Kasich
• Secretary Clinton: Publicly Support Saudi Women’s Right to Drive
• Ask the San Francisco Giants to make an “It Gets Better” video
• See More Victories »

What Successful Petitions have in Common

After observing many winning petitions, we’ve found that the most successful petitions share some common elements:

1. The “ASK” is Compelling and Achievable.

   Successful petitions ask for something very specific the target can act upon. They propose a sensible solution to a problem that is of concern to a large number of people. Generally, if you CAN’T articulate your “ask” in one clear and concise sentence, then it’s too broad. Here’s a great examples of a clear, compelling, and achievable ask: “Tell the Senate: Support Wildlife by Passing the Stamp Act.”

   Learn more about How to Write a Petition »

2. The Petition is delivered directly to the target.

   Many online petition tools allow you to collect signatures online, but require you to deliver the signatures to your target offline when you’re finished. Because email is so direct and effective, our tool delivers an individual letter to your target’s inbox each time someone signs your petition!

   Learn How to Select a Petition Target or Find a Target’s Email »

3. Social media tools are used to get the word out and recruit supporters.

   Facebook, Twitter, and online communities make it easy to gain support for your petition without having to go door to door. Successful petition creators take advantage of the power of the Internet to promote their campaigns. After you start a petition' on Change.org, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use these tools to effectively spread the word about your campaign.

   Learn How to Promote Your Petition »

4. The online petition is followed up by offline action.

   Hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of emails are a great way to get you target to take notice, but then what? After you select a petition target, write a petition letter and collect petition signatures, be sure to pick up the phone or put on your walking shoes and connect directly with your target. Phone calls, hand written letters and even protests help keep your issue front and center.

Ready to get started? Check out our step-by-step petition template and Start a Petition Today!