Petitions are one of the oldest forms of activism around; a direct appeal from us (the people) via petition to the head of state. We can still read the petitions of Henry III’s subjects (male and female) on every subject from pontage to a pass out of prison 800 years on, while the modern equivalent – the government’s petition site – has hosted a number of hugely popular appeals, including the famous 1.8m signatures to an attempt to stave off Trump’s state visit. Do they work? Well, although Theresa May would probably argue that there’s no connection, Trump’s visit has been delayed. Not too shabby.
If you’re running a campaign you’ve no doubt already developed a strategy that looks at the context, the problem and most importantly the people you are trying to influence (there are lots of resources on the internet to help you including one we developed at HelpAge aimed at grassroots campaigners around the world and this one from NCVO). Basically you’re trying to work out what tactics might get those who hold power to listen to you.
Is a petition the tactic you need? It’s a fairly straightforward way of demonstrating to politicians, or whoever you’re trying to reach, that you have widespread support, and it’s a great, peaceful opening step for a campaign.
You will want to consider whether you want to host it yourself on your own website or put it on a third-party site like Change.org or Avaaz. There are pros and cons to either option and everyone’s choice will be different. If you do intend to use a petitions website there is some advice on what makes a good petition by Avaaz and Change.org including how to get media coverage for it.
What next?
If your issue was strong, connected with your supporters and the petition was part of a wider campaign strategy you should have managed to pass your target number of signatures. Now you should be ready to get that all important photo of presenting your petition to No 10. The photo can then be used with the media and to let your supporters know that their voices will be heard. But before you turn up to 10 Downing Street there’s a few things you need to know. Special thanks to everyone at CARE International for helping to pull these together.
Who to call?
The Downing Street liaison team deals with requests for petition handover slots. They are open Monday to Friday 7am – 3pm. Call on 0203 276 2934 or email at so6-dslo@met.police.uk (they prefer emails).
When can you turn up?
Petitions can be delivered between 9am and 6pm seven days a week, with the exception of Friday afternoons and Tuesdays and Wednesdays mornings. Because of the time necessary to process the application, it is recommended you contact them a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you’d rather not fly by the seat of your pants try and get it in earlier than the minimum time required.
What you need to do?
Ask them to email you the application form. The application MUST be emailed/posted/faxed in five working days before the intended handover date, and excluding the day you send in the application. This is non-negotiable as they have to receive completed security checks – done externally – for every petitioner before the slot is confirmed.
Who can you bring?
Get a delegation together that will bring the petition in. It is not a problem if all the petitioners do not make it on the day, so when in doubt include the “maybes” on the application. There is a maximum of six petitioners (excluding MPs, peers and media/photographers with a valid press ID). Petitioners must provide personal details on the application form and must bring photo ID (passport/national ID card/driving licence) on the day.
What can you bring?
Each petitioner will be searched before being allowed entry. Extravagant props and banners are not allowed in, but organisational T-shirts and a branded box should be accepted. Downing Street will only accept a maximum petition of one 2,500 sheet box of A4 paper through the door of No 10. The remainder should be sent to 9 Howick Place, SW1P 1AA.
Don’t forget the camera!
What to do on the day
On the day, introduce yourself to the policemen on duty at the small gate on the left (they’re lovely people). They will check your ID and direct you to security. Once past security, you get a few minutes to take all the pictures you want and say hello to Larry, the Downing Street cat.
21,328 people asked @theresa_may to #CARE4Refugees. @Number10cat joined in & wants action meow! #refugeeswelcome pic.twitter.com/ox5j2tzqC2
— CARE InternationalUK (@careintuk) September 19, 2016
You’re not allowed to take pictures of the inside of Downing Street (when the door opens). A policeman will knock on the door for you and the policeman on duty inside will come out to accept the petition – they will also pose for pictures at that stage.
What happens next?
You will receive a standard response to the petition at the address indicated on the petition document, a few days later. You are then free to use the photo to report back to your supporters (as long as you own copyright) as you need.
Did I miss a step? Leave a comment below or tweet me at @mayurpaul so we can make everyone’s campaigns stronger.
PS: If you are not sure your campaign needs a petition yet (not everyone does), check out these seven ways to make sure your charity is lobbying for world change.
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