How to Petition a School
- 1). Talk to a group of students to determine the details of the issue they wish to petition. Take notes on a notepad to summarize everyone's ideas.
- 2). Outline the main ideas of what you are petitioning for or against, using notes from discussions and particularly stirring quotes from individual students and type them up on a word-processing program in an orderly fashion.
- 3). Bring the outline back to the other students to discuss any changes or rewording for the final draft. Printing out several copies would be a good idea, unless you're petitioning the school to save a special tree on campus.
- 4). Write a final draft of the petition. Begin by addressing those who will read the petition, such as the principal and staff. Then, explain what you are petitioning for or against, using the synthesis approved by the student group. Use formal, polite and persuasive language to convince the reader of your opinion. This section should take up half a page. Pepper key quotes from administration, faculty or students within the body of your work.
- 5). Make a grid on the bottom half of the page with columns for printed names, signatures and dates. Include row numbers to the left of where students will sign their names to show how many people have signed the petition. Continue this grid on several sheets of paper for as many names as you hope to sign the petition.
- 6). Check the document for any errors before printing.
- 7). Bring the petition to school to sign during student free time. Have several pens available for signing.
- 8). Make an appointment to present the petition to the school principal or other administrator.