Organizations seeking advocacy roles must be informed, organized, and consistent in their commitment to achieve and maintain success. The experiences of the Texas Speech Communication Association's 12-year process to become a viable force in drafting and implementing educational policy in Texas might be useful to other state educational organizations seeking to influence policy in their respective states. If protecting the interests of speech communication in the curriculum in public and higher education is a focus of the state association, the organization must be involved and active. Involvement in advocacy efforts should be considered carefully before any action is taken. It is essential that state organizations seeking involvement in policy making endeavors establish a network for forming organizational positions and implementing the organization's chosen course of action. Organizations also need to observe the following guidelines: (1) keep up with changes in a state's legislative bodies, committees, and in individuals serving in various policy making processes; (2) gather and marshall facts regarding all facets of state and national legislation; (3) set goals; (4) formulate a clear position; (5) cover all fronts by conducting local surveys, and working with other state and national organizations; (6) engage in a systematic, pragmatic approach; (7) follow through by maintaining communication with policy making officials; (8) when necessary, use candid dialogue when commitments are not honored by policy makers; and (9) "don't count your chickens before they hatch." (RS)