This self-help manual contains advice for parents who want to improve the schools their children attend by influencing school planning, policy, and administrative practices. The first step in improving schools is deciding whether a new group is necessary. If it is, parents must connect with other parents and then hold a first meeting at which participants define goals and set a plan of action. Once the group has started, it should choose a format for meetings and decision-making that will encourage cooperation and understanding among members. Suggestions for making the group effective and for managing successful, focused meetings are provided next, after which the following steps for influencing public officials to make policy decisions which the group supports are discussed: (1) choosing an issue; (2) gathering information; (3) presenting the issue; (4) negotiating with officials; (5) using the media; and (6) follow-up and evaluation. (PS)