Advocacy simply means the speaking out on behalf of others and promoting their best interests. As parents we find ourselves in situations where we have no choice but to advocate on behalf of our children, whether it's with schools or with government agencies. There are also Gifted Advocacy Organisations both in Ireland and abroad which tirelessly champion the rights of gifted children worldwide through providing a support network for parents, children and educators. They also engage with education departments and governments to provide a best practice approach to gifted education.

Irish Centre for Talented Youth - the CTYI website is information rich and has been a life line for a lot of parents of gifted children in Ireland.

World Council for Gifted and Talented Children - a fantastic website from the worldwide gifted advocacy organisation, the purpose of which "is to focus world attention on gifted and talented children and ensure the realization of their valuable potential to the benefit of humankind."

European Council for High Ability (ECHA)

National Association for Gifted Children UK - This is a 40 year old Charitable organisation for Gifted Children and their families in Britain. A great website with lots of information.

Hoagies Gifted Education Page - a fantastic US resource for parents and educators of gifted kids, with a special section for kids only. Totally self funded it gives fantastic advice such as dealing with schools. Don't be put off by the fact that its an American site; there's lots of good, practical advice here.

National Association for Gifted Kids (U.S.) - An excellent website, professionally produced. Defintely worth visiting.

Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development - "Our vision is to inspire and serve the worldwide gifted community of students, educators, and families through exemplary leadership in advocacy, programming, and research." Based at the University of Iowa, this reknowned Center has become a world leader in gifted education programmes. Celebrating 20 years they have recently launched an International Partnerships website which showcases their many collaborative international projects.