If you’ve got something in your community that you’re passionate about fixing or improving, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a safer crosswalk, more green spaces, or better support for local businesses, your voice matters—and Mattersly is here to help you make it heard. Starting a petition might sound a little intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Making a difference in your community can be as simple as getting eyes on a page. Let's take the first step to launching your first petition.
Every great petition starts with a clear purpose. What’s the change you want to see? Think about something specific that your community needs, and make sure it’s an issue that resonates with others too. The more focused your cause, the easier it is for people to understand, get behind, and share it with others.
Mattersly Tip: Keep your cause focused. “We want more parks in the neighborhood” is more powerful than a general “Improve our community.”
Now that you know what you want to change, do a little digging. Who has the authority to make this change? Is it the local council, a city department, or maybe a school board? A bit of research will help you craft a petition that speaks directly to the people who can make a difference.
Mattersly Tip: Find similar petitions or articles to see if anyone else has tackled your issue. It can help you frame your own cause better and add credibility.
Your title is the first thing people see, so make it catchy and to the point. It should instantly tell people what your petition is about and why it matters. Aim to capture attention and convey the urgency or importance of your cause.
Mattersly Tip: Keep your title short and snappy, like “Safer Crosswalks Now!” or “Support Local Businesses in Downtown.”
Now it’s time to dive deep. Clearly lay out why this issue is so important, the real ways it impacts our community, and the positive changes the proposed solution would bring. Make it vivid, help people understand exactly why this matters and how life could improve if we all take action. If you have any statistics, facts, or personal stories related to your cause, this is the perfect time to include them!
Mattersly Tip: Break your description into short, digestible paragraphs. Bullet points and real-life examples are a great way to make your case compelling.
Decide on a signature target that feels achievable. This doesn’t mean setting it too low, but something that’s within reach and will show community leaders that your cause has strong support. You can always increase it later if your petition gains traction!
Mattersly Tip: Start with a realistic goal based on your community size. For local issues, aiming for a few hundred signatures is often enough to get noticed.
This is where the magic happens. A petition without supporters is just an idea. Spread the word by sharing your petition on social media, local community forums, or with neighborhood groups. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know why they should support your cause and encourage them to share it too. Every share brings in more eyes—and more signatures!
Mattersly Tip: Personalize your outreach. People are more likely to sign if they feel personally asked or see how the issue directly impacts them or their community.
As signatures roll in, keep your supporters updated on the progress. Post milestone updates, thank signers, and let people know what’s happening next. When people see that others are getting involved, it encourages them to sign and support the cause, too.
Mattersly Tip: Post updates on Mattersly, share news on social media, or even start a discussion about the issue. Show the community that your petition is making waves!
Once you’ve reached your goal (or come close), it’s time to take the petition to the people who can make the change happen. Present your petition to the appropriate officials or board members, either in person or by sending an email with a link to your petition. Let them know the community stands behind this cause.
Mattersly Tip: Be polite, organized, and persistent. Mention your support base and the impact of the change, and offer to meet or discuss the issue further.
Starting a petition and getting community support is a huge accomplishment, so don’t forget to celebrate! Whether the change is enacted right away or takes time, you’ve made a real impact by bringing people together and raising awareness.
Mattersly Tip: Keep in touch with your supporters, thank them for joining in, and stay open to future opportunities to improve your community.
With Mattersly, your community’s voice matters. So go ahead—take that first step, create your petition, and start making positive changes right where you live. With the right tools and support, there’s no limit to the impact you can have. Let’s make things happen!
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If you’ve got something in your community that you’re passionate about fixing or improving, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a safer crosswalk, more green spaces, or better support for local businesses, your voice matters—and Mattersly is here to help you make it heard. Starting a petition might sound a little intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Making a difference in your community can be as simple as getting eyes on a page. Let's take the first step to launching your first petition.
