I don't approach people typically, unless I'm doing volunteer work of some sort.
I suck at all things social and in any way related to dating. I used to try and talk to women at the gay bar before it was shut down, but I never got far. The worst reaction: I say "hi" her jealous ex-girlfriend comes up and breaks a pool cue on my head. Best reaction: Chatting for a while, I ask her if I can buy her a drink, she says "yes" then proceeds to pour it out on my lap.
So I quickly learned not to flirt there. Now that it's closed, there's nowhere to do it. Saves me injuries.

So, if you want to know how to get women to sign petitions, make donations to whatever cause, or accept an informative pamphlet, I can help ya!