Petitions

A petition is a paper with signatures to prove that many people agree with your position. It's a demonstration of group strength. It can be a powerful tool in gaining the attention you might need for your problem or project.

There is no set format for a petition. There is no need to use legalistic language, nor does a petition need to be lengthy. Petitions do not need to be prepared by a professional legal adviser.

• State the facts clearly and in chronological order.
• Be specific about the particular procedures which are alleged to have been breached, or the particular decision which is alleged to be unreasonable.
• Enclose copies of the relevant rules and regulations and any other documents which bear on the case.
• Petitioners should try to avoid emotive language and to adopt a neutral and factual tone.
• Give your petition a title.
• Identify your group.
• Identify the official or agency that will receive your petition.
• Write a statement describing the problem you want to resolve or the plan you're proposing.
•  If you plan to take your petition door-to-door, never go alone
• Some petitions might require addresses as proof that the signers own property in the area.
• Number the signature lines for easy totaling.
• Keep calm and be polite when people you ask to sign your petition disagree with your position.
• When you are finished collecting all of your signatures, photocopy all the pages of your petition for your own records.