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, Philadelphia lands in the top ten – with the sixth most petitions created in 2023. 

Below, you can find a list of ten standout petitions that focused on Philadelphia, 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 PHILADELPHIA:

1. Let’s Honor Mama Donna Kelce by allowing her the Coin Toss SUPERBOWL Sunday – Amber Smith started this petition that called on the NFL to allow Mrs. Kelce, the mother of football players Travis and Jason Kelce, to perform the honorary coin toss during the Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl 2023. More than 216,000 people signed the petition to show appreciation and love for the proud mother, wanting to offer her a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in this special moment between her two sons.
2. Stop Trinseo PLC from poisoning our drinking water – Sarah Hassinger started this petition with almost 50,000 signatures that calls on the City of Philadelphia and Bucks County to permanently shut down the Trinseo PLC chemical plant (formerly known as DOW Chemical plant or Rohm and Haas) in Bristol, PA, due to repeated incidents jeopardizing the community’s health and water supply. The recent release of dangerous chemicals into waterways, affecting the local water supply and potentially the health of Philadelphia residents, underscores the need to halt the plant’s operations to prioritize the community’s well-being over profits.
3. ​​Protect the Integrity of the Mütter Museum – This petition, with more than 35,000 signatures, expresses concern over recent decisions made by the senior leadership of the Mütter Museum and College. The petition calls for specific actions, including the reinstatement of online content, a commitment to inclusive representation, improved communication, and a commitment to honor the legacy and principles of Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter. 
4. Help Us Stop Marriott from Hosting the Moms for Liberty Summit June 29-July 2, 2023 – This petition, initiated by Karen, a mother of seven, called on Marriott to refuse to allow Moms for Liberty to hold their national convention at a Marriott property. Before becoming a victory, the petition grew to almost 30,000 signatures and highlighted concerns about Moms for Liberty being labeled as a hate group that promotes anti-LGBTQIA+ views and false conspiracy theories. The victory update celebrates the successful mobilization of pro-democracy groups and volunteers who protested against Moms for Liberty’s summit at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, emphasizing the importance of protecting the American public school system from extremism and censorship.
5. DEMAND RESIGNATION OF UPENN PRESIDENT – Valerie Weiss started this victorious petition, where members of the University of Pennsylvania community and supporters demanded the resignation of President Liz Magill, citing her failure to protect Jewish students and create a safe campus environment. More than 26,000 individuals signed this petition. In their victory update, the petitioners speak of President Magill’s resignation and celebrate their success, emphasizing the importance of collective action in holding institutions accountable for fostering inclusive environments. 
6. Javi’s Law – In this petition, Kaylah Smith, a grieving mother who recently lost her baby boy to a drunk driver, calls for immediate imprisonment without bail for individuals charged with DUI and causing a fatality. More than 7,900 signatures join her. Kaylah, having experienced the devastating loss of her son, emphasizes the urgency of stricter penalties to ensure justice and prevent others from enduring similar tragedies caused by impaired driving.
7. Justice for Jason Corona – This petition started by Katrina Purcell seeks justice for Jason Corona and recounts a tragic incident in which Jason intervened to protect a woman from harassment, leading to him being intentionally run over by Frederick Falcon in Philadelphia. Despite video evidence and witnesses, most charges against Falcon were dropped. Still, the petition calls for accountability, emphasizing the premeditated nature of Falcon’s actions and urging the Philadelphia courts to reconsider the case. More than 4,600 people have signed.
8. Reinstate Off The Rail in Media, PA for Community Enjoyment – This petition, with more than 2,600 signatures, seeks support for the reopening of Off the Rail, a cherished venue in Media, PA, which held a special place in the community as a source of joy, laughter, and shared experiences. The closure of Off the Rail has left a void, and the petition aims to gather enough local and community support to revive this beloved establishment, recognizing the significance of small businesses like it in contributing to the town’s economic health and community spirit.
9. Save the Airy Street Prison – This victorious petition by Olivia Brady successfully urged the Montgomery County Commissioners to halt the demolition plans for the Old Airy Street Prison, a historic structure designed by architect Napoleon LeBrun in 1851. The petition gathered more than 2,000 supporters and prompted the county to pause the demolition request, opting instead to solicit proposals for reuse, acknowledging the community’s plea to preserve the iconic and architecturally significant building in Norristown.
10. Keep St. Paul’s Nursery School Open – Anna Atkinson started this petition to preserve St. Paul’s Nursery School and Daycare Center, a community staple for over 40 years, facing closure by the Reformed Episcopal Church and Bishop Gillin. The school community, including teachers, staff, and parents, expresses shock and disappointment. It emphasizes the negative impact on teachers losing their jobs, families struggling to find reliable child care, and children being separated from beloved teachers and friends. More than 1,600 people have signed.

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.