Clipboard Petitioning

What is Clipboard Petitioning?
Clipboard Petitioning is when you gather petitions by walking around an area with a lot of people with a clipboard full of petitions and ask them if they want to sign. The ideal place to do this is a place where people are already stuck standing around in a public place (like waiting for a parade to start).

How do you Clipboard Petition?

Before You Go:
     1. Gather the materials you will need.
     2. Choose a Time and Place. You want to choose a place with a lot of people.
     3. Get a buddy or go as a group!

When You Go:
     1. Approach people and ask them if they want to sign the petition.
Not everyone will want to sign. Don't argue with or try to convince people, just move on to the next person.
           Pickup Lines:
           - “How do you feel about Term Limits for Congress?”
           - “Would you like to help us with our petition?”
      2. Look over the petition before the signer walks away. Verify anything that you can't read and check that all the necessary information was provided. Required Information: Date, full name, mailing address, signature.
      3. Offer them a COS handout, if they express interest in learning more, and encourage them to check out our COS Website.
      4. Move on to another person.
      5. When you are done for the day, go home and enter your petitions into Citizen Builder. Then follow the Petition Handling Guidelines for disposal.

Who can Clipboard Petition?
Anyone who is officially a volunteer with COS can Clipboard Petition. If you have access to this page you can Clipboard Petition.

Where can you Clipboard Petition?

1. Public Sidewalks: so long as you are not blocking doorways or traffic down the sidewalk.
Note: You have the right to petition on sidewalks next to main streets, but that doesn't necessarily include the small sidewalks running up to businesses.
2. Public Parks
Note: Some parks may have special areas reserved for gatherings in which petition gathering is not allowed. Look on the park's website to verify.
3. Fairs/Festivals that are open to the public (without paid admission) and are taking place in a public area such as a public street/sidewalks.
4. Private Property (churches, businesses, etc.) with permission.
Note: Seek permission before collecting petitions on private property such as churches, businesses, etc…
5. **Learn More** **Places**

Ideally, you want to collect petitions in high-traffic areas. Consider the time of day you are going as well. Some areas are high traffic at certain times and not others.

If you are collecting petitions in a place you believe to be public/allowed and are asked to leave and told that is actually private/not allowed, just apologize and politely say you are sorry you didn't realize and leave. Even if you are in the right it isn't worth the hassle.

Resources:
- //Know Your Petitioning Rights: Frequently Asked Questions// ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan)

Good Locations to Start:
- College campuses (especially during class change periods)
     - Michigan State University Petitioning Guidelines, etc
- Downtown (especially during the lunch hour or near a sports arena before a game)
- Car shows/cruises
     See Scheduled Michigan Cruises
- Farmers Markets
- Parades (while people are sitting around the sidewalk waiting for it to begin)
- Parks (while kids sporting events are going on: Soccer, little league, etc)
- Public Festivals

What do you need?
- A clipboard (or two)
- Paper Petitions
- Ink Pens (bring several - the little buggers tend to disappear)
- Some COS Literature for the curious
- A COS team shirt (Blockwalker, Rally, Polo or Oxford/Dress Shirt) or a professional-looking shirt with a COS Button. (Professionalism is essential when asking people for personal information.)
- A buddy, two petitioners are better than one
   (You don't have to walk side by side, but having backup nearby is basic street smarts.)
- Water, Snacks, and Sunscreen as appropriate

DO's & DON'TS

DO
- Walk up to people.
- Make eye contact & smile.
- Be friendly, upbeat, and respectful.
- Respect people's time.
- Submit all signed petitions.
- Follow petition-gathering guidelines.

DON'T
- Leave petitions unattended.
- Get in a heated argument with someone opposed. Thank them for their time and move on.
- Object if someone asks you to leave. Safety First: Even if you are in the right, it is not worth it.

How can I get supplies and/or find people to clipboard petition with?

Submit your information here and a COS Michigan leader will be in touch.

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