Guidelines are given to school board members and administrators on using advocacy communications in dealing with teachers' strikes. Strikes are described as staged media events and extensions of the collective bargaining process. An educational association's "game plan" is outlined which summarizes the five central themes used by most associations to prepare the campaign against the school district. Tactics used during negotiations are listed including the seven deadly rules or power tactics from Saul O. Alinsky's book and training seminars entitled "Rules for Radicals." Ten telltale signs shown by teachers which indicate that a strike is drawing near are listed. Advice is provided to school districts on preparing a defense which consists of using "offense" by having a good public relations program to present their position. Advocacy communication is recommended and three steps are given in planning an effective campaign. The final advice includes three points to consider when preparing for a strike or any other crisis. Concluding these guidelines is a list of eight references. (EM)