The purpose and nature of advocacy are explained. Efforts to change the juvenile justice system's handling of status offenders and community approaches such as crisis intervention services, in-school suspension, and involvement of youths in community arts projects are described. The first steps that advocates should consider prior to developing and implementing advocacy plans are explained. These steps include identifying the role and responsibility of the board of directors, taking positions on relevant issues, forming or joining local coalitions, assessing community needs, determining a strategy, and taking legal precautions. The alternative types of advocacy strategies, the characteristics of successful advocacy efforts, and guidelines to several specific advocacy actions are explained. Types of advocacy approaches to avoid are also depicted. The manual also details the workings of the legislative, executive, and judicial systems at the Federal, State, and local levels and suggests the most productive ways to advocate on behalf of juveniles within each system. Ways to practice advocacy in the community through education are also delineated, including using the media, operating a speakers' bureau, organizing a public meeting, running a recorded message service, coordinating an exhibit, issuing publications, and planning and implementing mailings. Seven appendixes present a definition of advocacy and model policy statements, a glossary, 129 references, and lists of resource organizations and publications.