Proven petition templates and examples: Build a winning structure

Petitions that succeed in achieving their goals and creating valuable change have certain traits in common. In addition to advocating for important causes that matter to groups of people, they’re designed and presented in a thoughtful, intentional way. 

Present a strong, clear case that gets the attention of supporters and decision makers with these templates that will help you format and organize your petition. Draw inspiration from these examples to see how a successful structure comes together in practice.

Thousands of people have used these templates to create petitions that improve their communities, change important policy, protect human and animal rights, and more. Let yours be next!

Petition templates

The following are templates you can use to combine all of the essential elements of your petition in a neat and polished package. Refer to our how to write a petition guide for all the details on each component you need for a strong, thorough petition, including:

• A compelling headline

• Featured image

• Breaking down the issue

• Research or news coverage on the issue

• Personalization with stories or examples

• Clear and specific call(s) to action to the decision makers

• An easy to read and follow content structure

Download or copy any of the following templates to customize for your audience and issue.

General petition template

This template works well for targeted, specific community causes or single, clear-cut calls to action. Follow the format below to create an actionable petition that motivates supporters to join your cause.

[Petition headline]

Craft a short, clear, and engaging headline that highlights the main goal of your petition.

[Petition image]

Include a high quality, relevant image that visually represents the issue or inspires action.

[Introduce the issue + background]

Begin by explaining the issue clearly and concisely.

• What is the problem, and why does it matter?

• Share your connection to the issue to make it personal and relatable.

Example: “Our local park, which has been a cherished green space for our community for decades, is under threat of being replaced by a commercial development.”

Provide context to help supporters understand the bigger picture.

• What led to this situation?

• Are there recent changes or events that have worsened the problem?

• Explain how the new or potential circumstances disrupt the present conditions, or how not changing the situation will continue to worsen the problem

Example: “Until recently, our park hosted weekly community gatherings, children’s playdates, and outdoor exercise groups. However, a recent decision by the city council has prioritized commercial interests over community needs, leaving us with fewer green spaces and a loss of community resources.”

[Who is affected and how]

Explain who is impacted by the issue and the change you’re seeking. Use stories to personalize your petition and demonstrate the weight of the issue.

• Detail how this problem affects individuals or groups.

• Use specific examples or anecdotes to convey the real-world impact.

• If appropriate, share your personal experience, those of your community, or whoever you’re representing.

Example: “Families, seniors, and children depend on the park for recreation and social interaction. Without it, many will lose a safe space for outdoor activities, which is especially critical for families who lack private yards or play areas.”

[The solution: What you’re calling for]

Clearly outline your proposed solution.

• Who has the power to address this issue?

• What specific action are you requesting from them?

Example: “We are calling on the city council to halt the commercial development plans and instead allocate funds to preserve and improve the park for future generations.”

[Calls to action: Encourage supporters to sign and decision makers to respond]

End with a powerful call to action that inspires people to sign your petition and decision makers to accept and implement your request.

• Reinforce how signing the petition can lead to meaningful change.

• Urge supporters to sign the petition and reach out to decision makers themselves to advocate for your cause, providing them with the appropriate contact information.

• Demand the authorities you’re addressing take action.

Example: “By signing this petition, you are standing up for our community’s future. Together, we can show the city council that protecting our green spaces is non-negotiable. Please sign and share to help us save our park!

Help us amplify our petition by calling or emailing your council members [list contact info below] and attending the next meeting on [insert date] when we’ll be presenting our petition in-person.

Members of city council: Please recognize the concerns of our community and stop the commercial construction in our community park.”

Download the general petition template as a Google Document

Change.org petition example

This petition, which has accumulated significant support, urges San Bernardino County officials to keep the wild burros that help to prevent wildfires in their native environment. The petition successfully demonstrates how to present the most critical pieces of information and community requests in a thorough yet concise, direct way.

✍️ Inspired to act on your issue? Start your petition!

Complex issue petition template

This template is tailored for petitions addressing multi-faceted issues that require detailed explanations, structured arguments, and comprehensive calls to action. This detailed structure ensures your petition thoroughly addresses complex issues while remaining accessible and engaging to a wide audience.

[Petition Headline]

Create a compelling headline that succinctly captures the petition’s purpose and urgency.

[Petition image]

Include a high quality, relevant image that visually represents the issue or inspires action.

I. Introduction: Why this matters

• Begin with a brief overview of the issue and why it’s important.

• State the petition’s purpose in a clear and engaging manner.

• Highlight the urgency or critical nature of addressing this topic now.

Example: “Our city’s air quality has reached hazardous levels, affecting the health of thousands. This petition calls for immediate government intervention to implement cleaner energy initiatives and stricter pollution controls.”

II. Background: Understanding the issue

• Provide detailed context and historical information about the issue.

• Include data, studies, or events that highlights its significance.

• Discuss how this problem impacts communities, the environment, or society as a whole.

Example: “According to a recent study [link resource], air pollution in our city has increased by X% over the past decade [or other timeframe]. This spike is largely due to unchecked industrial emissions and insufficient clean energy policies. Without immediate action, the situation will worsen, further endangering public health and contributing to climate change.”

III. Demonstrate the impact

• Clearly articulate the scope and consequences of the problem.

• Include specific examples and first-hand accounts of the effects on the community, environment, or individuals impacted.

• Emphasize the repercussions of not addressing the problem.

Example: “The lack of effective regulation on industrial emissions has led to dangerous levels of pollutants in our air. This has resulted in rising cases of respiratory illnesses and increased healthcare costs for residents and environmental problems like increased severe weather in our area.”

• Include examples of recent extreme weather, like unusually high temperatures, fires, or dangerous storms

• Include specific examples or general data on how much respiratory illnesses have increased

IV. Call to action: What needs to be done

Formally request what the relevant authorities should prioritize and how they should take action to address the issues outlined. List specific, actionable steps for decision-makers and stakeholders.

Example:

1. Implement stricter air quality standards for industrial facilities, with regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

2. Invest in renewable energy initiatives, such as solar and wind power, to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

3. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on reducing personal contributions to air pollution.

V. Benefits of action: Why this is worth it

• Describe the positive outcomes of implementing the proposed solutions.

• Connect these benefits to the broader community, environment, or society.

Example: “Taking these steps will result in cleaner air, healthier residents, and reduced healthcare costs. Investing in renewable energy will also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position our city as a leader in sustainable development.”

VI. Ask for support: Join us in making a difference

• Reiterate the importance of addressing the issue.

• Encourage individuals and organizations to support the petition by signing and sharing it, and helping to put pressure on legislators by writing emails and making phone calls.

• End with a hopeful and motivational message to inspire action.

Example: “We can’t afford to ignore this crisis any longer. Your support will help us win cleaner air and a brighter future. Please sign and share this petition, and raise your voice to legislators by emailing or calling them at the addresses and numbers listed below. Together, we can create lasting change.”

Download the complex issue template as a Google Document

Change.org petition example

This petition to require the necessary number of healthcare staff per patient in medical organizations outlines all the details and data relevant to this far-reaching, complex issue. It lays out a multi-layered plan to address and resolve this critical problem.

💥 Copy this structure and start drafting your petition right now.

Printable Petition Template

Copy this printable petition template and customize it to your issue to use it for local distribution. It is crucial to follow the correct petition format, which includes pre-numbering sections, providing designated representatives’ details, the language of the proposed measure, and signature lines, along with obtaining approval from the Secretary of State before circulation.

Use the signature sheet to collect signatures in person. Add more signature pages if needed.

Or, use our create an online petition to automatically keep track of your signatures digitally.

Petition examples

Petitions have many different applications to real-world problems, both large and small in scope. Check out the following examples to see ways advocates and concerned citizens can craft petitions to make positive change.

Petition sample using a personal story

Increase Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Our Community

We’re asking [Name of Public Institution/Organization] to take real, immediate steps to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in our community — because right now, too many of us are being left out.

As someone who lives with a disability, I’ve run into more barriers than I can count — and I’m not alone. For example, I’ve had to turn back from entering buildings because there’s no ramp or automatic door. I’ve missed important appointments because the nearest bus stop is a steep curb away with no way down. I’ve struggled to navigate websites that don’t work with my screen reader — just to pay bills or book services others access in seconds.

These things may sound small, but when they happen daily, they add up. Not being able to get into a store, a school, a community event, or even your own city hall — it sends a message: you don’t belong here.

And it’s not just me. Friends of mine who use wheelchairs have to plan outings around which places have working elevators or accessible bathrooms (spoiler: not many). Others with vision or hearing disabilities often can't access basic public information because it's not available in the right format.

This is about basic dignity. Everyone deserves to move through their community with independence and confidence — whether we’re going to work, running errands, or just trying to enjoy life like everyone else.

We’re asking [Name of Public Institution/Organization] to:

• Do a full accessibility audit of public buildings, parks, and transportation to figure out what’s not working.

• Fix the basics: install ramps, handrails, accessible restrooms, and elevators where they’re missing or broken.

• Make sure websites and public digital services are usable by people with visual, hearing, and motor disabilities.

• Provide training for staff so people with disabilities are treated with respect and understanding — not frustration or dismissal.

• Work with disabled community members on an ongoing basis to keep improving.

We’re not asking for special treatment — just equal access. A community should work for all its members.

Please sign and share this petition if you agree that it’s time to make accessibility a priority — not an afterthought.

Petition sample targeting local government about a neighborhood issue

Improve safety in our neighborhood: Install a speed bump on [street name]

My neighbors and I are deeply concerned about the ongoing issue of speeding vehicles within [neighborhood name]. We believe that the installation of a speed bump on [Street Name] would greatly enhance the safety and well-being of our neighborhood.

[Neighborhood name] is a family-oriented community with numerous children, pedestrians, and pets that frequently traverse the area. Unfortunately, the current speed limit is often exceeded by motorists, putting the lives of our residents at risk. [Include a recent stat about accidents and injuries caused by speeding vehicles in residential neighborhoods]

We believe that a speed bump strategically placed on [street name] would serve as an effective traffic calming measure, encouraging drivers to slow down and adhere to the posted speed limit.

By signing this petition, we, the undersigned residents of [neighborhood name], respectfully request the following actions:

• Conduct a comprehensive traffic study on [street name] to assess the extent of the speeding issue and its impact on safety.

• Based on the study’s findings, evaluate the feasibility of installing a speed bump at an appropriate location on [street name].

• Collaborate with local law enforcement to monitor and enforce the speed limit once the speed bump is installed.

Prioritize the safety and well-being of [neighborhood name] residents by taking prompt action to address this concern.

We understand that any changes to road infrastructure require careful consideration and planning. However, we firmly believe that the installation of a speed bump aligns with the city’s commitment to promoting safe and livable communities. We are ready to cooperate, participate, and support the implementation process in any way possible.

Together, we can make our neighborhood safer. Sign the petition to show your support.

Use these tools to create your own petition

Now that you have the resources to develop a petition to tackle whatever challenge you’re facing, go forth and create your own. For more examples and templates for emails and letters to decision makers about your petition, check out our guide to writing petition letters. And, for more information about what’s allowed (and what’s not allowed) on Change.org, please read our Community Guidelines.

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