Social change goals and objectives may be achieved by social change advocates through the policy development process. Policy is defined as a set of decisions governing the behavior and actions of institutions and individuals. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government comprise the major policy institutions. The bureaucracy of the executive branch and public interest groups also play a significant role in shaping policy. In the policy development process of the congressional branch, change advocates can intervene at three central points: the subcommittee, full committee, and full body deliberations. In the executive branch, intervention points include regulations, budget, and program planning activities. Litigation is the primary vehicle to obtain policy guidance in the courts. Commitment to obtaining effective organization, leadership, and resources to effect change is of primary importance. The major purpose of organizations providing policy guidance is to defend and promote the interests of their constituencies through the linking of data, research and evaluation findings, information, and communication with political sophistication. Elements fundamental to the policy change effort involve building the organization; knowing the political processes; networking local, regional, and national communications; and developing coalitions between change advocates and organizations. (Author/KC)