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Petitioning is probably the most effective form of nonviolent protesting. It does not cost much, as all you need is paper, a pen, and (optional but recommended) a computer printer.
Whether you want to protest a school rule or suggest an item in the cafeteria, a petition will show that you are not the only one who cares.
Steps
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Choose your goal(s). Think about these three things:[1]- Is this feasible (doable)?
- Will other people want to sign it?
- Will this get me suspended or expelled?
Start writing your petition. This is preferably done on a computer. Write "PETITION" in a large font. Hit return and write "for (your goal)" below in a medium font. That will be your title. Although you may sign your name on the petition, do not type your name.[2]Advertisement
Write your body. If it is a small goal, like salsa in the cafeteria, you only need one or two sentences. Larger goals, such as loosening the school's bathroom policies, may require a more letter-like format. Write the letter as if you are writing to your English teacher, using proper grammar and well-developed points. The things that you need to present are:[3]- What exactly you want to be changed (e.g. Better bathrooms, no bathroom time limits, etc.)
- Why you want it changed (e.g. No one wants to hold it or sit on a gross seat)
- Some kind of scientific, medical, or other proof to back you up (e.g. "Sucking it up" can cause constipation, people who hold their bladders as youth will need adult diapers, later on, excretion is a basic right of living beings)
- Alternatives that provide the pro's of the rule and not the cons (e.g. Placing a guard or smoke detector in the bathroom can deter druggies without punishing those that must go)
Print it out.[4]
Create a signing section. Staple anywhere between 1 and 10 sheets of paper onto the back of your petition. This is what people will sign. Alternatively, you can print out a grid so that people can sign their names there and it will be easy to count.
Take it to friends. Start with your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or circle of friends. Then expand it to other people you know.[5]
Expand your realm. Take it to strangers or classmates who you don't know well. Only do it to those who seem nice and won't likely bully you.
To increase strength, get the agreement of teachers. Let them read your petition. Do this only if you have time and it is not the middle of class.
Turn in the petition. Give it to the front office, dean, or Vice Principal.[6] They will read over it and give it to whoever is responsible. Some petitions even make it to the School Board!
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Community Q&A
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- QuestionWhat if the principal throws away my petition?
Community AnswerAlways make sure you make copies or take pictures of the petition. If they ignore your petition, that means it's time to protest. - QuestionWhat if the school denies my petition? Can I sue the school, or is there another way?
Community AnswerIt depends on your petition, but no, you cannot sue your school for denying your petition. The best thing to do is to continue to raise awareness and drum up support. You can write an opinion piece for your school newspaper. Ask for a meeting with your school administrators to determine why they've denied your petition. - QuestionHow do I get people to sign my school petition?Community AnswerMake sure you make your reasons for the petition clear and explain those reasons passionately. Don't get hung up with people who disagree -- move on to the next person and don't waste your time trying to get one person's signature.
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Tips
- Not all petitions are successful. Don't let this get you down. At least you tried!Thanks
- Don't be rebellious. There is a difference between a simple protest and rebellion. Do not yell or make fun of teachers in the petition. Do not break the rules "just to be cool." Try the grandma test. If you wouldn't say a certain word to your grandma, don't say it on your petition.Thanks
- Try multiple drafts to see which one works best and double-check the rules to make sure that you are not breaking one of them.Thanks
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Warnings
- If your petition is violent or controversial, you may receive suspension, expulsion, or juvenile court.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/sing/session12/handout1
- ↑ https://www.resourcecentre.org.uk/information/organising-a-petition/#writing
- ↑ https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/topics/freedom-of-speech-2/k-12-public-school-student-expression/
- ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000902.htm
- ↑ https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/petition-drive/main
- ↑ https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children/sing/session12/handout1
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/teenager-high-school-star_n_4995559
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Reader Success Stories
"My school has this stupid thing where they limit the amount tabs you can open simultaneously, called the eight-tab limit, which prevents me from finishing my research project for Astronomy and working on my World History slideshow presentation. This article was extremely helpful for making a petition against this. Although I could still use some help finishing the introduction paragraph, this article was a major help when it came to writing and formatting the petition."..." more
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