Petition

A formal written request, typically signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect to a particular cause or grievance. It is a document that presents a request, often about a cause or issue, and seeks a response or action from an individual or group in a position of power. Petitions can range from requesting a change in policy to expressing concern about an issue, offering suggestions for improvement, or lodging a formal complaint. The goal is to gather support and create public pressure to influence the outcome of a specific problem. The success of a petition depends on the number of signatures collected and the persuasiveness of the appeal presented.

Petition meaning with examples

• Concerned residents initiated a petition to the city council, demanding the installation of new traffic lights at a dangerous intersection following multiple accidents. The petition, signed by over 500 people, highlighted the immediate need for safety improvements. The city council reviewed the petition and scheduled a meeting to address the community's concerns and explore potential solutions.
• Students organized a petition urging the university administration to increase the availability of mental health services on campus. The petition garnered widespread support among students and faculty alike, resulting in a dialogue about mental health resources. This eventually led to the development and implementation of additional services.
• Environmental activists launched a petition to ban the use of single-use plastics in local businesses. They presented their petition to local government representatives, arguing the detrimental effects of pollution on the local environment. The petition was well-received, resulting in a public forum to address environmental concerns.
• Citizens created a petition to protest the planned closure of a local hospital, citing the devastating effects on healthcare access for the elderly and low-income residents. They presented their petition to the local Health authority, requesting the facility be spared. This resulted in a reassessment of the proposal to close the hospital.
• A group of employees submitted a petition to the company's human resources department, requesting a review of the current vacation policies. The petition outlined specific concerns about fairness and consistency. After some discussion, new vacation policies were agreed upon to everyone’s benefit.