The heart of MAC's work since its beginnings in the early 1970s has been to create new laws, policies and regulations to benefit children - including the first special education and bilingual education laws in the nation - and to hold accountable those institutions which are responsible for implementing and enforcing those laws, policies and regulations.

This type of advocacy is done with public and elected officials, whether in the state legislature, state departments, or local school districts, by combining technical expertise and political support from constituency groups.