This handbook offers practical suggestions for advocates of individuals with developmental disabilities on how to: acquire basic training, recruit volunteers, influence decision makers, lend reinforcement to state and national initiatives, make and keep important contacts, and enlist new allies. Chapter titles include: "Why Organize?,""Knowing Your Enemy,""Your True Enemy Is Called Ignorance,""Knowing Your Allies,""Sample Questionnaire,""Choosing Your Battles,""Basic Training,""Marshalling Your Resources,""Writing Tactics,""The Petition,""The Letter,""The Personal Letter,""Telephone Tactics,""Meeting in Person," and "Public Speaking." The handbook illustrates how to apply the advocacy techniques by using two federal issues as examples: Medicaid reform and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Cartoons from Gary Larson's "The Far Side" are used to illustrate points made in the text. (JDD)