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Writing a Petition Title
Saying it all in under 100 characters
The title is the first part of your petition people will see -- and if it doesn't catch their attention, it may be the last! That's why it's so essential to come up with a few words that are clear, intriguing, and really capture the essence of the petition. Here are some examples and suggestions to strengthen your petition title.
TIPS:
- Include your “meme”: a memorable phrase that rolls off the tongue and packs a lot of information.
Examples of memes: Blood Diamonds, Tibet's cry for help, people over profits - Be specific: You may want to name the target, identify what piece of legislation the petition addresses, include the city or country you're addressing.
- Use active verbs: Make the act something everyone will want to join in on.
EXAMPLES:
- South Africa: Stop the Secrecy Law!
It's clear about the location and specific legislation targeted, while being compelling to people familiar with neither. - Headmaster Miller: Stop rejecting the Gay Student Union
Uses active words and frames the petition's ask as a decision the target can make. - Fire Rupert Murdoch
Straightforward -- uses a phrase that can be used throughout the campaign, which explains the demand in fresh and memorable language. - Hilton CEO Nassetta: end rape in your hotels
Addresses the target directly, while making a shocking and controversial association. - Answer Tibet's cry for help, stop China's crackdown
This is both explicit and enigmatic -- you get the idea that Tibetans need help defending against a Chinese crackdown, but you don't know exactly what the cry for help is or how we can "answer" it. - Tell the EU Environment Minister: "Trick or Trees" in our forest policy?
A little humour can go a long way.
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