Petitions: Beyond Feel-Good Satisfaction and Real Impact

Online petitions are a common method of expressing public opinion and effecting change. While some argue that such petitions provide little real impact, history has shown that has indeed facilitated significant changes in various sectors. This article explores the effectiveness of petitions and provides examples of real impact.

debating the efficacy of online petitions

It is often said that online petitions change nothing. However, this viewpoint overlooks the substantial changes that have been achieved through such platforms. , in particular, has a treasure trove of stories where petitions have brought about tangible and positive changes in various industries and public policies.

Is Effective?

While some critics argue that signing a petition on only makes the signatories feel good, the platform has demonstrated its potential to drive significant changes in practice and policy. Corporate and social issues have seen substantial shifts following high-profile petitions launched on

Affordable and Economical Way to Make a Difference: The Case for Online Petitions

Online petitions are a cheap and easy way to advocate for change. They do not require significant financial investment or physical action, unlike other forms of activism. This makes them accessible to a wide range of individuals who might otherwise be deterred by more resource-intensive methods.

Examples of Significant Changes through Petitions

Corporations Stop Funding Anti-Gay Discrimination

One notable example is the case of the Boy Scouts of America. When faced with scrutiny for their discriminatory policies against gay scouts and leaders, major corporate funders such as ATT, Ernst Young, Intel, UPS, and Verizon were pressured by thousands of signatures on Eventually, all these companies ceased funding the Boy Scouts, underscoring the impact of public pressure.

Teen Magazines Stop Photoshopping Models

Another example is the petition by 14-year-old Julia Bluhm against Seventeen magazine’s practice of Photoshop. Her petition, which collected tens of thousands of signatures, led to Seventeen’s decision to stop doctoring photos, setting a precedent for mainstream teen magazines.

Rental Car Industry Stands Up for Vehicle Safety

Callie Houck’s daughters lost their lives in a car crash due to a rental car that was under recall for safety defects. Her petition on pressured Enterprise Rent-A-Car to cease its opposition to legislation aimed at preventing such practices. This resulted in a significant shift in the rental car industry’s stance on vehicle safety.

Beef Industry Swagger Removed, Pink Slime Banned

Bettina Siegel’s petition to ban pink slime in school food, a prevalent ingredient in U.S. beef products, garnered over 250,000 signatures. This led the USDA to offer pink slime-free options for school food, impacting the beef industry and causing the leading producer, Beef Products Inc., to shut down several plants and lay off hundreds of employees.

Cell Phone Companies Play their Part in Domestic Violence Cases

Cynthia Butterworth’s petition on behalf of her sister, who faced domestic violence, led to a change in Verizon’s policies, helping her sister cancel her shared cell phone contract without financial penalty. This positive outcome was later replicated by another domestic abuse victim who secured Sprint’s similarly revised policy. A recent development saw Sprint waiving its 200 cancellation fee in cases of domestic violence.

The Bottom Line

petitions have the potential to drive significant and lasting changes. While it is true that such petitions alone are not enough to bring about change, they do facilitate a critical first step by mobilizing public opinion and applying pressure on corporations and governments. The stories mentioned above illustrate that has played a crucial role in achieving meaningful outcomes in various sectors.

Thus, while online petitions may not single-handedly revolutionize the world, they serve as a valuable tool for public advocacy and can indeed make a tangible difference when used effectively.