How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism

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How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
Change.org is a notable platform that allows users to start an online petition.Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
  • You can start a petition online using Change.org, a petition platform that garners more than 200 million users in 196 countries.
  • Your petition will need a title, description, and target to gain signatures and traction.
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If you're passionate about a cause and want to start a petition, you can do so online. There are many websites that allow you to create a petition, but the most notable is Change.org. It is a technological platform used by over 200 million to foster groundbreaking change all over the world, and its petitions originate from just a few simple steps. Here's how to start your own Change.org petition.

How to start a petition online via Change.org

1. Go to Change.org in a web browser.

2. Click on "Start a petition."

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
Click “Start a petition” on Change.org to get started.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

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3. Click on the category that best represents your petition's issue, such as health, racial justice, or women's rights. If you don't see your issue represented by any of the categories, click "See more" to view other categories.

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
For Change.org's purposes, you can only choose one issue even if it falls into multiple categories, although activism isn't quite so cut-and-dry.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

4. Type a title for your petition. If you're having trouble coming up with a title, consult some of Change.org's tips for help. When you're finished, click "Continue."

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
You need to name your petition before you can start getting signatures.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

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5. Type in some targets for your petition. The targets might be organizations, companies, or political figures, among other things. Essentially, the targets of your petition will be the people or groups whose influence is most likely to impact the success of your petition. For example, if your petition aims at saving the whales, you might choose Sea World as a target.

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
Choose a target who can positively impact the issue you're petitioning.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

6. Type a description for your petition that explains the issue, what kind of impact you want your petition to have, and why people should sign the petition. If you're having trouble, try looking at other successful petitions for ideas on how to get started. Click "Continue" once you're finished.

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
Your petition's description can go a long way in attracting signers, so make sure it is detailed and clear rather than rushed and oversimplified.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

7. You can add a photo or video to drive more traffic to your petition, increasing your potential for signatures. If you want to do so, choose a photo that relates to the petition and upload it in the box. Click "Save and preview" once you're finished.

How to start a petition online using Change.org, a popular platform for social activism
A relevant photo can draw more eyes to your petition.Chrissy Montelli/Business Insider

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