Political Advocacy Handbook

This handbook is designed to assist special education advocates in developing the capacity to mount an effective advocacy campaign at the state and federal levels. It is divided into the following four separate training modules: (1) "Introduction to Advocacy"; (2) "Understanding the Governmental Process"; (3) "Changing Public Policy"; and (4) "Building Coalitions and Networks." Modules are organized as self-contained sets of training materials. Each module includes background information on the topic, suggested workshop or training session activities, and ideas for applications. The handbook describes the history and evolution of current concerns and explains successful advocacy efforts upon which to draw. It discusses the basic tools for advocacy, which include knowledge of the legislative or regulatory process, effective communication skills, and effective access to the media. It illuminates what motivates both elected and nonelected officials, what catches their attention, and what makes them respond. The handbook also offers advice on building coalitions, framing key issues and packaging important information, and understanding how to use the media as a tool to advance a cause. A glossary and several masters for overhead transparencies conclude the handbook. (Contains 11 references.) (CR)