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CATs will not be designated by size, affiliation with any established national, regional or local group, payment of dues or adherence to any bylaws. Designation will be based on two simple criteria: 1). Willingness to pursue the community goals of greater organization and more effective communication with government: and 2). Familiarity with and use of common advocacy materials and techniques. Each CAT will have a recognized leader, or be lead by committee. For purposes of building an efficient communication network, each CAT will designate one contact person. Ideally, each contact person will have a telephone answering machine (or voice mail), access to a fax machine, and the ability to receive, send and print email communications. However, such technical proficiency is not as important as establishing a competent and reliable means of exchanging information. Efficient communications also require CATs to be organized into a hierarchical structure for regions, states, Congressional districts and other areas where groups may overlap. This structure will undoubtedly become apparent as the CAT program progresses, and will adapt to accommodate additional CATs. It is expected that the CAT network will closely parallel the current infrastructure of Parkinson's support groups and established local activists. CATs are also intended to appeal to active individuals not involved with traditional support group activities. Materials An important part of the CAT program will be the distribution and use of a common set of fundamental advocacy materials. These materials will help ensure a well informed and uniformly equipped advocacy community, and will in turn help establish a clearer, more effective dialogue within the CAT network as well as with Congress. Each CAT will be provided with a foundation of advocacy and informational materials, including: 1. Community Action Team list, contact persons and essential information 2. Congressional Handbook 3. Sample Letter to Congress 4. Sample Letter to Editor 5. Sample Letter From Scientist/Researcher to Member of Congress 6. Sample Letter From Member of Congress to NIH or NINDS 7. Copy of Udall Act of 1997 and all relevant accompanying report language 8. Detailed review of passage of Udall Act, report language, increases in NIH and NINDS budgets, and explanation of how they relate to each other and what it means 9. A To-Do List, or Check list of basic information each CAT will need to know, and advocacy goals each should pursue Other advocacy and informational materials will also be available, and new materials generated as necessary. We hope for your input and suggestions regarding materials. (continued in post 3 of 3)