Guides

How to change the law: A practical guide for everyday citizens

Sep 20, 2023

You don’t need to be a politician or policy expert to change a law. From local safety ordinances to national policy reforms, everyday people like you have the power to shape the rules that govern our lives. All it takes is a clear idea, the courage to speak out, and the support of a community ready to act.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

Identify a law that needs to change
Research how your government works
Build public support through a petition
Work with lawmakers to introduce a new law
Overcome challenges and stay persistent

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next step, this practical roadmap will help you turn your ideas into lasting legal change.

Understanding the law you want to change

Before you propose a new law, it’s important to understand the existing one. That means knowing who made it, how it works, and what level of government is responsible.

Start with research

Start a document that answers the following questions:

Is the law local, state, or federal?
Who enforces it?
Is there already legislation in progress that covers the same issue?

For example, a local leash law might be managed by your city council, while federal immigration policy falls under the jurisdiction of Congress.

Understand how laws get changed

In the U.S., the process of changing or creating a law usually follows this path:

A bill is introduced by a lawmaker — This is the bill’s sponsor, and they’re responsible for presenting it to the legislative body (like a city council, state legislature, or Congress). Sponsors are often already passionate about the issue, or who are responding to advocacy from citizens like you.
It goes through one or more committees — Such as the Judiciary Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Education Committee, or Transportation Committee — where lawmakers review, debate, and amend the bill.
It is voted on in the legislature (House and/or Senate) — If a bill makes it out of committee, it’s brought before the full chamber for debate and a vote. A bill usually needs to pass both the House and the Senate. Lawmakers may propose further amendments, and the process can involve negotiation and compromise before it moves forward.
If passed, it is signed by an executive authority (mayor, governor, or president).

To navigate this process, it helps to identify key players:

Your state representatives and senators: They can introduce and sponsor legislation on your behalf.
The Attorney General: This official may have influence over enforcement and interpretation of laws. They often advise state agencies, defend state laws in court, and can be influential allies or opponents depending on how your proposed law aligns with their enforcement priorities.

Take time to review pending legislation using official state websites or resources like Congress.gov. This will help ensure your proposed change adds value rather than duplicating existing efforts.

Identifying the issue and building support

Changing the law starts with a problem that needs solving. What’s affecting your life, your community, or your values that could be addressed by a better law?

Narrow your focus

Start broad by determining the main type of issue — like education, environment, or healthcare — and narrow it down to a specific, actionable issue in that category. Then, ask:

What change would make a meaningful difference?
Who else is affected by this issue?

For instance, imagine a parent who notices their child’s public school lacks air conditioning and students are struggling to focus during extreme heat waves. After learning that school facility standards are regulated by the state, they might advocate for legislation requiring maximum indoor temperature limits in classrooms.

Or consider a renter frustrated by dangerous mold in their apartment and a landlord who won’t address it. They might learn that state tenant protection laws don’t include mold remediation, prompting them to campaign for new health and safety standards in rental housing.

Build your community

Talk to others who care about the same problem. Share your story, listen to theirs, and unite around a clear goal. The more people you bring in early, the stronger your campaign will be.

Start by connecting with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members who might share your concern. You can also find allies through local advocacy groups, social media forums, school meetings, religious organizations, or even by hosting a small event or listening session to raise awareness and gather input.

An online petition is one of the most effective ways to gather and demonstrate support.

💪 With over 100k victories globally, Change.org is the world’s go-to platform for taking action

Creating a petition to get a law changed

A well-crafted petition can kickstart real policy change. It shows lawmakers that people care about an issue — and that there’s public demand for action.

Write a strong petition

Here’s what to include:

Clear headline: Focus on the solution. Name the law and decision maker if possible (e.g. “Add Pedestrian Safety Ratings to New Cars, NHTSA!”).
The problem: Describe the current law and how it harms people.
The solution: Explain what you want to change and how it will help.
Your story: Make it personal. Why do you care? Why now?

💡 Tip: Need help writing a petition? Read our guide: How to write a petition

Choose a powerful image

Images make your petition stand out. Use a photo that captures the emotion behind your story — a close-up of a person or pet impacted by the law is often more compelling than a generic government building.

Avoid using text on your image, logos, or collages. Keep it simple, emotional, and high-quality (at least 1600×900 pixels).

Build momentum and visibility

Growing awareness around your petition is key to getting noticed. Here are some effective ways to gain supporters and get the word out about your campaign:

Attend town hall and city council meetings to share your story publicly and ask lawmakers questions.
Encourage signers to leave comments on the online petition page about how the issue affects them — this builds social proof.
Share regular updates on your petition page and social media accounts.
Launch a letter-writing or phone campaign to decision makers.
Create a hashtag for your campaign and use it consistently.
Ask local organizations or influencers to endorse or share your petition.
Collect stories from other supporters to show that this issue is widespread and urgent.

The more visible and community-driven your campaign is, the more pressure decision makers will feel to take action.

Real examples of citizens changing laws

Everyday people across the country have used Change.org petitions to raise awareness, build public support, and ultimately change the law. Whether they achieved a policy victory or got lawmakers to take the first steps toward reform, these advocates show that civic action can lead to real impact. Below are two powerful examples of how individuals turned personal tragedy and concern into campaigns for justice and systemic change.

1. Jessica Riester Hart: Safer cars for everyone

Jessica’s 5-year-old daughter, Allie, was tragically killed while riding her bike in a school zone. The driver was in a large van with poor visibility, rated highly for passenger safety — but not for pedestrian safety. Jessica launched a petition demanding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include pedestrian risk in vehicle safety ratings.

Over 45,000 people joined the call. The result? In 2025, the federal 5-Star Safety Ratings program added pedestrian protections to its criteria. Now, new cars are evaluated on how well they protect everyone — inside and outside the vehicle.

This change will save lives for years to come.

2. Kaidyn Dieter: Accountability for bullying-related suicide

When Kaidyn’s sister tragically died by suicide after prolonged bullying, she started a petition calling for a Nebraska law that holds bullies accountable in such cases.

Citing CDC statistics and sharing her personal story, Kaidyn gained statewide attention. In 2025, Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt acknowledged the petition and committed to exploring legislative options.

Kaidyn’s campaign is ongoing, but it’s already raising awareness and putting critical pressure on lawmakers to act.

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

Turning your petition into a new law

Once your petition gains traction, it’s time to take your campaign directly to the people who have the power to create change.

Find and meet with lawmakers

Your elected officials work for you. Request meetings, send emails, or use your petition to organize a call-in or letter-writing campaign.

When you meet:

Bring your petition and signature count. You can easily do this by downloading this information in your Change.org petition dashboard.
Be clear about the problem and your solution.
Use personal stories and supporting data.
Ask the lawmaker to sponsor or support legislation.

You can also testify at hearings or speak during public comment periods.

Know the Legislative Process

Each state and city is different, but generally your bill will need to:

Be introduced by a legislator (your sponsor)
Pass through committee(s)
Be voted on in the House/Senate
Be signed into law by an executive authority

Stay in touch with your sponsor throughout the process. They can update you on progress, upcoming votes, and how to rally support when needed.

💡 Discover all the best ways to engage with decision makers in our guide

Overcoming challenges and staying persistent

Even with a strong petition and community backing, changing a law is rarely straightforward or instant. The legislative process can be complex and slow-moving, and you may encounter resistance along the way — but it’s nothing you can’t handle with the right attitude and approach.

You might face:

Political opposition: Lawmakers may be hesitant to act if your proposal is controversial, affects powerful interests, or challenges the status quo.
Lack of awareness: Many people, including lawmakers, might not understand why the issue is important or urgent.
Media silence: Without media coverage, your petition may not reach a broader audience or gain the attention it needs.
Legislative delays: Even popular bills can be delayed due to committee schedules, budget considerations, or political gridlock.

That’s why persistence is your most important tool.

Tips to keep going:

Keep signers updated. Email them when something happens (or doesn’t!) so they stay engaged and ready to act.
Engage the media. Tell your story to local news, blogs, and journalists who cover your issue. → Read our guide to partnering with the media
Mobilize supporters. Ask them to make calls, write letters, attend meetings, or post on social media with your hashtag.
Celebrate small wins. Even a meeting with a lawmaker or local article can signal momentum and keep morale high. Let you supporters know in an email update and on social media.

Measuring the impact of your proposed law

When the law is passed, it’s time to celebrate — and reflect.

What changed because of your campaign?
Who benefited?
How did your petition make a difference?
What methods were the strongest to gain supporters, engage with decision makers, and bring about the change you set out to make?

Document your story. Sharing your journey can inspire others and keep pressure on lawmakers to implement the law effectively.

💡 Tip: Stay involved! You can track how the law is enforced, follow up with lawmakers, or support others trying to make similar change.

You have the power to change the law

Every law on the books started with an idea. Many started with a person who said, “This isn’t right — and I’m going to do something about it.”

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start.

Start a petition. Share your story. Build support. Push for change.

Ready to take action? Launch your petition today and make the law work for everyone.