# Start a petition

> Write what should change, say who has to act, pick how many names you're aiming for, and let people sign by pressing and holding.

Section: Posting · Updated: 2026-09-29
URL: https://commonyard.app/guides/start-a-petition/

## Steps

1. Tap the round **+** at the bottom of the screen.
2. Write what should change, in a line or two. Add a picture if it helps.
3. Under **ASK PEOPLE TO**, tap **Sign**.
4. In the **To** box, say who has to act — an office, a school, a company, an assembly. A petition with nobody to answer it never gets answered.
5. Under **Aim for**, pick how many names you want: **1k names**, **5k names** or **10k names**. 5k is picked for you.
6. Check the line at the bottom and where it goes, at the top, then tap **Post**.

![The post screen with Sign chosen: the ask written, "Who has to act" filled in, and the Aim for choices](https://commonyard.app/guides/img/composer-petition.webp "Say what should change and who has to act on it.")

## What signers see

People pick **Agree** or **Disagree**, then press and hold to sign. Everyone can see how many signed and how the sides split. Nobody can see who signed. See [Sign a petition](/guides/sign-a-petition/).

## Good to know

- After you post, you can still change the words, who has to act and the number you're aiming for, from **Edit post**. Names already on it stay on it.