This book offers practical guidance and concrete strategies for making change on behalf of young children and families at the school/center, local, state, and national levels. It includes an updated introduction, clarification of what nonprofit organizations can and cannot do during an election year, and new material on the legislative process, with a glossary of legislative terms. Profiles of inspiring work nationwide highlight just what informed and motivated advocates can accomplish. After a preface and an introduction entitled, "Why Is Advocacy Important?", this book is divided into seven chapters: (1) The Different Kinds of Advocacy; (2) Building Capacity; (3) Knowing and Using the Legislative and Regulatory Processes; (4) Other Nonlegislative Opportunities for Making Public Policy; (5) The Advocate's Toolbox; (6) Getting Your Message Out; and (7) Nonprofit Organizations and the Rules for Lobbying and Political Activity. The book concludes with "Children Are Counting on Us." Appended are: (1) Selected Glossary of Legislative Terms; (2) State Government; (3) Excerpts from Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code; (4) The Structure of the Federal Government and the Role of the Legislative Branch; (5) Legislative Staff; and (6) Organizational Resources for Early Childhood Advocates. (For the 2002 edition of this book, see ED463853.]