Lester Said:

How do I write a petition so that it sounds professional?

We Answered:

First rule; proper spelling, grammar and punctuation are CRITICAL, especially in a petition. A mispelling or misplaced comma may actually change the entire meaning of a sentence. Next, remember that you are writing a resolution, so begining it with something like "We, The Undersigned Hereby {Resolve/Decree/Declare} That". Avoid using or impling the word 'demand', as this may come across as arrogant. No offense, but you are clearly in no position to be demanding anything, otherwise you wouldn't need this petition. After the opening line, lay out your case, point by point, in a paragraph form. Though you may be tempted to mae long-winded, grand statements, try to avoid these if at all possible; get to the point. At the end, the line 'So Signed' followed by the signatures typically works well. Many juristictions require that you gather proof that these signatures are real, so you should at least request a home phone number be penned next to the signature. You can be particularly formal and format it like a resolution (WHEREAS...), but this is somewhat harder to do correctly. Here is a brief example of a petition as a decree:

We, The Undersigned Decree That

Proposed budject cuts to City High School's after school program would be detrimental to all involved... (blah blah)... Thus, we feel that the School Board again deliberate contingency cost-savings measures outlined in Citizens' Proposition 14B.

So Signed,
{signiture sheets}
Submitted before the City School Board, on the 18th day of March, A.D 2006

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(here's the same petition in a slightly more pompous 'resolution' format)

We, The Undersigned Hereby Resolve

WHEREAS City High School's after school activities provide a safe and enriching environment to the students of City.

WHEREAS The City School Board has elected to cut funding to said programs.
...
WHEREAS The group Concernced City Cititzens proposed alternative measures, titled Citizens' Proposition 14B

AND WHEREAS Citzens' Proposition 14B was rejected by the Board without due discussion.

THUS, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED That the Board should deliberate Citizens' Proposition 14B for a period no shorter than 30 days

AND should halt the shut down of the afterschool programs until such a time as 14B has come to a proper vote.

BE IT SO DECLARED ON the 5th day of March, 2006 BY WE, THE UNDERSIGNED

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Very long answer to a basic question, but I hope this gives you some ideas. Good luck with your petition - citizen activism rocks!

Gerald Said:

How exactly do you write a petition?

We Answered:

Generally best to consult with a lawmaker if you are hoping to get a new law passed or an old one repealed. Registered voters are the people you need signatures from

Rosemary Said:

how can u write a petition proving a point about your manager not following the rules?

We Answered:

Sure you can. But it's a good way for you to get yourselves on management's bad side.

Ann Said:

How to write a petition to get access to DSL in our town?

We Answered:

Something along these lines...

To the People of ____ (town name),
It is in our best interest, as a town, to provide DSL access for our residents. DSL is important for the growth and well-being of any forward moving entity, including our town.
DSL access will help our town grow fiscally as more people become empowered by knowledge gained, experiences shared and abilities attained.
Both personal and professional allies are made through the internet.
Over the web, in the privacy of homes and at the office, business deals are formalized, dates are made and old friends salute one another. Newspapers from across the country are accessed in milliseconds. DSL is not the wave of the future; it is here and it is here to stay.DSL makes day to day existence easier for all aspects of life whenever it is present. Why, pictures and recipes are shared; stocks are purchased and new friendships are created.
Also, in today's very competitive world, DSL is not a 'want but a need' if we are to be attractive to new business and/or retain old business.
Additionally, the children of this town would benefit as they would become more able to compete globally with their counterparts across the world.
The adults of this town could experience professional growth if they had the tools to communicate with like minded professionals in other parts of the country. Some would start businesses if the supportive infrastructure were in place.Yes, new business could develop in our town once we have the tools, including DSL, to make our town marketable.
In those towns where DSL is commonplace, DSL assists in retaining and growing the population...

You get the idea, use your petition to sell the idea. Sell the idea of DSL. This is an opportunity to help make DSL attractive to the townspeople. Make it appealing. Try to find a sponsor, if there is money to be gained, your town's leaders might really become interested!
Tell them to come out of the Dark Ages. NOW! :)

Jerome Said:

How would you write a petition to a king?

We Answered:

You should always show respect to royalty, especially if we're talking about a medieval King. Compliment him throughout and beg his attention to the matter at hand.