Key Points: Every community is different and readiness for policy change is a key factor for success. Laying the groundwork for a policy campaign should include an assessment of readiness based on public opinion, community concern and knowledge about the issue, decision makers' history and background on similar issues, as well as advocates' interest. The experience of two counties in the San Francisco Bay Area will be described as they advocated for the expansion of protections from exposure to second hand smoke by including many outdoor areas and closing some of the loopholes of the California Smoke Free Workplace Laws. The presenters will describe how key factors that played a role in the advocacy campaign outcomes varied based on a number of local conditions. Finally, the challenges of implementing a wide range of policies will be described.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to explain what groundwork was laid for advocacy campaigns in two Bay Area counties; identify factors that contributed to the outcomes of the adoption of policies; and describe challenges that were encountered during the first year of implementation. The audience will learn key points through oral presentations reinforced with Power Point presentations, handouts and question and answer discussion period.

Benefits: Policies that provide protection from second hand smoke typically are adopted in a progressive fashion over time. Readiness to adopt policies that address second hand smoke in a comprehensive fashion will vary from community to community.