Nine Tips for

CREATING SUCCESSFUL CHANGE.ORG PETITIONS

Determine the mission of the petition.The most successful petitions ask for something specific that a decision maker can help change. Strong petitions also usually propose reasonable solutions to the problem or issue.

“ If you can't summarize the ‘ask’ of your petition, it's too broad.”

Set a reasonable goal.Base your goal on your community and your campaign’s needs. Ask, what does success look like to you? The point is to find the sweet spot of meaningful response.

Identify the decision maker.Ask, who has the power to help you change this? Also consider which constituents are most affected by this issue, and which decision makers might help lend influence to your petition.

Write a compelling petition.Include a personal story that shows who’s affected by what’s happening. Demonstrate the impact of this issue on individuals and the wider community. Choose images carefully. Video also works well. Keep your titles clear and concise.

Get out the word.Follow up with people and continue the conversation. Show people their impact along the way; it will help keep them as advocates. 

Continue the conversation online.Facebook, Twitter, and other online communities help you build momentum for your petition. Engage both signers and decision makers with regular updates and responses.

Deliver the petition.Plan an event with the decision maker to share all the petition signatures, and invite the media to participate.

Know your campaign options.The Change.org campaign tool offers brand recognition, reach and influence, and a built-in audience. You have two options: Sponsored (paid) Campaigns vs. organic (free) ones. Organic campaigns are longer in length and easily shareable. Sponsored Campaigns allow you to reach a huge number of targeted supporters in a tight timeframe, while also connecting you with supporters interested in your cause for long-term engagement, movement building, and fundraising.

Explore Change.org.Take some time to browse the site and see what other organizations and causes are doing. Get inspired!

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same in their own communities.

For more information, visit blog.preservationnation.org.

Photos Courtesy: Slide 1: Elli Morris. Slide 2: StartupStockPhotos, Pixabay. Slide 4: Elli Morris. Slide 5: Moorestown GOP, Wikimedia Commons. Slide 6: Elli Morris. Slide 7: Elli Morris. Slide 8: National Trust for Historic Preservation. Slide 9: Elli Morris. Slide 11: Change.org.