Creating a high-quality petition gives you the best chance of achieving the change you want. By including a memorable headline, a compelling image, carefully selecting your decision maker, and using strong storytelling, you can create a petition that will grow support for your cause and win.

Build the best possible petition by following these guidelines:

1. Write your headline

• Be brief and keep it to less than ten words.
• Focus on the solution and make it clear what change you want to make.
• Use a hook to grab attention and create a sense of urgency.

Example:
Headline: “Save Our Oceans: Ban Single-Use Plastics Now!”

2. Choose your Decision Maker

• Pick individuals directly responsible for your solution, rather than groups or organizations.
• Select decision makers who can make a decision and implement your solution faster.
• Include their email address to notify them about your petition.

Example:
Decision Maker: Mayor Jane Smith
Email: [email protected]

3. Tell your story

• Use storytelling elements to engage readers and move them to action.
• Introduce the characters in your story and highlight what is interesting about them.
• Describe the goals and obstacles they face, as well as the stakes involved.

Example:
Video Example: “Jordan’s Journey: Fighting for Right to Try Legislation”
Characters: Jordan and his mother Laura
Goals and Obstacles: Jordan’s goal is to access life-saving treatments. The obstacle is the FDA blocking Right to Try legislation.
Stakes: If Laura loses, Jordan’s life may be shorter, and thousands of patients could miss out on treatments. If she wins, Jordan’s life could be better, and thousands of patients would get treatments.

4. Choose an image or add a video

• Select a compelling image that captures the emotion of your petition and tells a story.
• Use free video creation tools like Adobe Spark to create impactful videos that convey your campaign story.
• Ensure your images are of high quality and large enough to look good on all screen sizes.
• If you don’t have your own photo, search for licensed images on sites like Flickr or Google Images.

Remember to comply with copyright laws when using images or videos from external sources and give proper attribution if required.

By following these guidelines on RTM (rightthrume.com), you can create a powerful and engaging petition that resonates with your audience, builds support for your cause, and increases the chances of achieving your desired change.