As we close out 2023, Change.org has compiled a list of the cities with the most active changemakers and their respective petitions. While cities across the U.S. contributed significantly to the tapestry of change, Dallas lands in the top ten – with the ninth most petitions created in 2023. 

Below, you can find a list of ten standout petitions that focused on Dallas, as well as the full list of our top change-making cities of 2023. The petitions below demonstrate inspiring stories of resilience and courage, and the power of local advocacy to shape a community. 

TOP TEN STANDOUT PETITIONS FROM DALLAS:

1. Help change Peaster ISD discriminatory policy against male hair length – Almost 20,000 people signed a petition started by Kristan Lucas that advocates for a change in the hair policy of Peaster Independent School District (ISD), highlighting the case of her son, Hudson, who has never had a haircut and faces in-school suspension (ISS) if he doesn’t cut his hair to the shoulders. The family expresses concerns about the impact on Hudson’s education and well-being, urging the school district to reconsider the policy.
2. Fix The Name Errors and Omissions on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance – Hal Barker started a petition that highlights thousands of errors and omissions on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance, which was dedicated on July 27, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Hal operates the Korean War Project online out of Dallas, Texas, and asserts that millions of taxpayer dollars will be needed to fix these issues. More than 12,600 people have joined in calling on the Department of Defense, the White House, and Congress to address the inaccuracies and take corrective action.
3. Justice for Cristian Jesus Gonzalez – More than 10,500 people have signed the petition that calls for justice for Cristian Jesus Gonzalez, an 11-year-old who was shot and killed by Andre Sharp in Dallas, Texas. The petitioner seeks the maximum sentence for Sharp, emphasizing that Cristian’s life was taken away, and urges people to sign for justice and peace for the grieving family.
4. Justice for Leia – Jason Daniels started a petition that seeks justice for Leia, a Dutch Shepherd puppy allegedly brutally murdered by Professional K9s. Despite concerns about the Garland Police Department’s decision not to pursue torture charges, the petition and more than 6,000 petition signers support additional charges and call for the closure of Professional K9s.
5. Overturn My Conviction to a Lesser Sentence – Ashley Howard started a petition that advocates for a review and potential reduction of her prison sentence, arguing that the current justice system’s sentences can be harsh and unjust. She calls for support in seeking justice, emphasizing the belief in second chances, rehabilitation, and a more compassionate legal system, and more than 2,600 people have joined her fight.
6. Stop Big Developer From Making More Zoning Changes in Oak Cliff – This petition by Katrina Whatley opposes the proposed zoning change for a new 7-story apartment building in Dallas, which would result in demolishing a square block of homes. The developer seeks to reclassify certain streets and eliminate the retail requirement, with the petition and more than 2,100 signers arguing that retaining the retail component is crucial for the neighborhood’s well-being and character.
7. Hold Dallas Police Accountable to Survivors of Sexual Violence –This petition, started by Laurie Chandlar, seeks justice for a crime writer who was sexually assaulted at a crime writers conference in Dallas, Texas. Despite evidence, witnesses, and video surveillance, the Dallas Police refused to fully investigate the case, prompting Laurie and her 1,500 petition signers to call for accountability, policy changes, and a thorough reopening of the investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
8. HELP STOP the Ridgeview West CREMATORIUM, Frisco TX – This petition with more than 1,300 signatures opposes the opening of the Ridgeview West Crematorium in Frisco, expressing concerns about its proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, and churches, potentially exposing residents, children, and families to dangerous chemicals, carcinogens, and toxic pollutants.
9. Grant School Holiday for Texas Rangers Parade in Dallas, TX – This petition, initiated by lifelong resident and Texas Rangers supporter Wilson Dorminy, advocated for school districts to grant a day off on the day of the Texas Rangers parade. Wilson and his 1,200 petition signers emphasized the positive impact of communal events on community building and civic values and suggested that occasional breaks from routine can enhance students’ learning capabilities.
10. Stop Pricing Out the DFW Hockey Community – Jeremy Thompson started a petition representing members of the DFW hockey community, voicing concerns and objections to recent changes implemented by the Dallas Stars and their affiliated facilities that have made it too expensive to participate. In his petition with nearly 1,000 signatures, he addresses issues such as escalating costs, inflated registration fees, game modifications, and a perceived lack of community engagement, urging the Dallas Stars to take immediate action to rectify these matters and ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the DFW hockey community.

You can find a list of all ten petitions mentioned above here. Our top ten change-making cities in order are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, Dallas, and Charlotte. 

This list was compiled by Christina Martin, Change.org’s Senior Local Media Specialist. Are you a member of the press who would like to write about a Change.org petition? Christina can help. Email cmartin@change.org with your inquiry.