This study compares organized political action motivated by pain and loss with the activities of conventional interest groups by examining the goals and strategies of parent and professional groups involved in special education. The study shows that parent groups and conventional groups differ in their motivations and define policy problems using competing perspectives. Pain/loss groups, although formally organized, engage in expressive actions and use strategies outside the institutional structures. These differences among group types complicate the policy process and pose strategic choices for groups, as pain/loss organizations are less likely to bargain and compromise. I discuss the implications for agenda setting and policy formulation. (Contains 6 tables, 1 figure and 8 notes.)