Create a Petition
Write and design a simple petition about a local issue, collect signatures from classmates or family, and learn how civic action works.
Step-by-step guide to create a petition
Writing Tips : Writing a Petition
Step 1
Choose one local issue you care about and write its name at the top of a sheet of paper.
Step 2
Write one clear sentence that says exactly what you want to change or have done.
Step 3
Write one short sentence that explains why this change matters.
Step 4
Use a pencil and ruler to draw a title box a request area a reason area and a table with columns labeled Name Signature Relation.
Step 5
Write the petition title the request sentence and the short reason neatly in the spaces you drew.
Step 6
Decorate the petition with bright colors and simple drawings to make it eye-catching.
Step 7
Make at least five copies of your petition by hand or ask an adult to help print copies.
Step 8
Write a list of people you will ask to sign such as classmates family members and neighbors.
Step 9
Ask an adult for permission and pick safe times to ask the people on your list.
Step 10
Approach one person from your list and read the petition’s request and reason aloud.
Step 11
Ask that person to sign the petition and have them write whether they are a classmate or family member.
Step 12
Repeat Steps 10 and 11 until you have signatures from everyone on your list or at least ten signatures.
Step 13
With an adult present deliver or send the finished petition to the person who can help change the issue such as a teacher principal or community leader.
Step 14
Share your finished petition and what happened next on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I don't have a pencil, ruler, colored pencils, or a printer, what can I use instead for Steps 4, 6, and 7?
Use a pen or fine-tip marker to write, a straightedge like a book or cereal-box edge to draw the title/request/reason boxes in Step 4, crayons or stickers to decorate in Step 6, and ask an adult to photocopy at a library or take clear phone photos to print or share digital copies for Step 7.
What should I do if people refuse to sign or I can't get enough signatures during Steps 10–12?
If people refuse or you run short on signatures, make the request sentence in Step 2 clearer and shorter, practice reading your reason from Step 3 aloud, visit other safe locations from your Step 8 list, and ask an adult to help contact classmates or neighbors to collect extra signatures.
How can I adjust this petition activity for younger children and for older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-draw the boxes in Step 4 and write the sentences while the child dictates and collects family signatures in Steps 10–12, and for older kids encourage research to strengthen the Step 3 reason, print multiple copies in Step 7, and prepare a brief presentation to deliver with the petition in Step 13.
What are simple ways to make the petition more effective or personal after completing Steps 1–7?
Add a small photo or sketch related to the issue in the title/request area from Step 4, include a short contact line so signers can follow up, create a digital copy or QR link when making copies in Step 7, and save photos and the delivery outcome to share on DIY.org in Step 14.
Watch videos on how to create a petition
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Creative Community Service Ideas for Kids Age 5 to 12
How to create a petition form
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Facts about civic engagement for kids
🗳️ In many places, gathering enough petition signatures can trigger an official response or even a public vote.
🌐 Online platforms like Change.org can help a local petition reach people around the world quickly.
📝 Petitions are a simple written request—some famous petitions helped start major social changes!
📣 Writing a good petition is a great way to practice persuasive writing: a clear ask + a strong reason works best.
👩🏫 Students often use petitions to change school rules—ideas like new clubs or lunch options have won this way.
How do we create a petition with a child to address a local issue?
What materials are needed to make a simple petition?
What ages is creating a petition suitable for?
What are the benefits of writing and collecting a petition with a child?
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