Although increasing numbers of organizations are speaking out on behalf of children, politicians need to hear first-hand from families about their concerns for their children. This book provides parents and others with skills necessary to organize effectively and speak out on issues that affect children at home, at school, and in the broader community. Each chapter includes key principles of advocacy and organization, strategies for turning plans into action, advocacy and organization examples taken from real life, and "how-to" advice for building lasting organizations for change. Chapter one, "Why Take Action?" focuses on the importance of taking action, getting beyond reluctance, and making a difference. Chapter two, "Getting Started," lists specific suggestions for how to achieve goals. Chapter three, "Reaching Out and Involving Others," provides concrete assistance in moving parents along the advocacy path. Chapters four and five, "Forming Action Groups" and "Using Action Groups To Take Action," provide information and guidance on the steps needed to form and use action groups. Chapter six, "Sustaining Momentum and Celebrating Success," offers guidance on continuing a group's work, maintaining enthusiasm, celebrating the efforts, and having fun. Chapter seven, "Real-Life Examples of Advocates in Action," presents detailed examples of real-life situations in which people took action to improve their communities. (Contains ten references and three Internet references.) (SD)