People of the #Netherlands, everyone must sign this petition. This area must not be allowed to disappear! Please help by signing
Case study tree felling for nature restoration in the Schoorl and Bergen dunes, Staatsbosbeheer.People of the Netherlands? Not residents, citizens or nature lovers. Could have been possible here too, after all. By contrast, People of the Netherlands implies a homogeneous group. In other words, this concerns us all. The use of the English expression thereby gives the writer a powerful position to address the group ”from outside”.
Showing a (pro)active attitude will encourage others to sign the petition. In doing so, people, people of the Netherlands, are called upon to stand up and be counted. Thus, there is group formation here.
Show sympathy for the active attitude shown. For instance, thank the tweeter for his involvement. At the same time, temper expectations. For instance, explain what your organisation can do in response to a petition that has been signed many times. Is it possible to revise plans or are you stuck with laws and regulations? Where possible, you can also explain how (initial) plans came about. For example, say who discussions were held with prior to the decision-making process, how citizens’ opinions and views were included in this process and what the trade-offs were.
Betrekkende taal Identiteitsvorming 2