Not all petitions achieve victory, yet they have still changed the world.

At MesOpinions, we meticulously track the number of victories your campaigns achieve. 

Often, the recipient is a mayor, a local authority; and the subject concerns a very local commitment. A kindergarten class that remains open; a town that prohibits circuses with wild animals ; or a town hall that installs sports facilities for its residents, for example.

It is often easier to make things move at a local level than at a national or even international level. A local elected official is often closer to their citizens and therefore easier to engage than a minister or the head of a multinational.

Should we therefore abandon the big fights?

Like this call to boycott products resulting from the exploitation of the Uyghurs? Or this petition calling for a radical reform of hunting?

Some of our petitions have very little chance of succeeding in the coming months or even years. Yet, their authors and signatories do not give up.

What gives them this energy and commitment, despite the low chances of victory?

They know that even without victory, a petition has a colossal impact.

The first: a petition raises awareness. Let’s take the call to boycott products resulting from the forced labour of the Uyghurs. Certainly, Apple, Zara, or BMW continue to fund this exploitation.

But nearly 70,000 people have signed the petition. That’s 70,000 citizens who have read the author’s message, who have become aware of the problem, and who may have changed their consumption habits following their signature. That’s that many fewer customers for the brands that still fund modern slavery.

The second impact is crucial and boosts morale: engaging by creating or signing a petition allows you to “form a group”. The petition connects people who are sensitive to the same cause. People who support each other, who encourage each other in the face of a challenge that seems insurmountable.

Let’s take the example of Thérèse, who in 2022, was on a hunger strike, alone, to denounce the indecent working conditions of families caring for the elderly or disabled.

With Corinne, they hosted their petition on MesOpinions, which also made a video for them. Thérèse, Corinne, and all the foster families they represent then received a wave of support from all over France.

“Wholeheartedly with you Thérèse! I hope your determination, beneficial to all our fellow citizens, will be widely relayed, and above all heard!”

“I admire the actions taken 24/7 by Thérèse, her friend who is also a professional, and their colleagues. As a trained nurse, I appreciate the extent of their tasks, especially 24/7. (...) A double bravo to you, as you continue your caring actions, and you DESERVE to be recognized for your objective demands.”

In addition to visibility, Thérèse and Corinne found recognition among the signatories of their petition. This gave them the courage to continue their fight.

Last impact - and not the least: engaging in a petition puts you into action and makes you feel useful.

Sometimes, faced with the magnitude of a problem, one can feel powerless; too small. We then wonder if it is useful to protest; to sign a petition; or to write to elected officials. After all, “they don’t listen to us.”

Maybe. But what is certain is that if we do nothing; if we do not make our needs and dissatisfaction heard: we can be sure that nothing will ever change.

That’s why it is crucial to continue the fight. To feel useful by taking action, rather than being paralyzed by the magnitude of the task.

Because let’s not forget: the greatest social advances are the result of years of mobilisations and hundreds of actions!

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