My name is Philip Hart. I'm 14 years old, I live in Houston, and I'm on a mission to give our city a flag we're actually proud of.

Here's a question: can you describe Houston's city flag right now, without looking it up?

Most people can't. And that's the problem.

Our current flag was adopted in 1915. It's a government seal on a blue background, the same formula used by 33 other state and city flags across the country. From a distance it's unrecognizable. It stands for nothing that makes Houston unique. It looks nothing like the bold, diverse, unstoppable city we actually live in.

Meanwhile Chicago, Washington D.C., and Denver have flags that people put on t-shirts, murals, and tattoos — because those flags actually mean something to the people who live there. Houston deserves that same pride.

Here's what I've done so far to make that happen:

• I formally presented to Houston City Council, making the case for an official public redesign process, and it was well received • I consulted with Ted Kaye, the foremost flag design expert in North America • I designed a proposed new flag inspired by Sam Houston's original colors, our bayous, and our Space City legacy • I've been a member of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA),  the national flag experts — for two years • I emailed Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska, whose city is a national model for civic flag design • I'm currently canvassing Houston neighborhoods gathering petition signatures

With the FIFA World Cup and other events bringing millions of visitors to Houston, there has never been a better moment for our city to step up and claim an identity worthy of its greatness.

Sign this petition to ask City Council to begin an official public flag redesign process — not just my design, but a process where every Houstonian gets a voice.

Let's raise our flag. Let's raise Houston.