This guidebook is offered as a "road map" for parents who wish to be involved in shaping public policy regarding early intervention for children with disabilities, by participating in state or local Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs). Parents who are current or former members of state ICCs share their stories, learning, and thoughts about what it means to be a parent representative. Each chapter begins with a quotation from "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and ends with a quotation from "Alice in ICC-Land," a play written by Jeanette Behr. The story of Alice was chosen because of its many useful parallels with parents' experience on state ICCs, as they venture out from their everyday reality to a land where things are not always what they seem. Eight chapters focus on: (1) the role of parent representative and ways to find a mentor; (2) the relationship between the ICC and the lead agency; (3) appropriate ways in which to relate the experience of having a child with a disability; (4) the history and nature of early intervention; (5) how to get respect, information, and support; (6) preparing for the first ICC meeting; (7) taking on new roles with increased experience and identifying issues and other Council members who will listen; and (8) becoming a mentor and determining one's effectiveness. Appendices contain a copy of the play "Alice in ICC-Land"; a statement on full participation of families; findings from a survey of ICC parents; information on parent reimbursement; a list of resource organizations; and recommendations concerning ICC parent development and support. (JDD)