Problem/Objective: Review of two-year experience as Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition recruited more grassroots organizations to implement Clean Indoor Air policies. The statewide coalition recognized that ownership in the process was critical. However, the political knowledge and energy of statewide advocates conflict with a local coalition's reticence in promoting policy change which alienates community members and business owners who support the coalition's other health programs.

Methods: Six regional networks were developed to provide technical assistance in tobacco control, as well as to create meaningful programs that better met the needs of local coalitions.

Results: 1.) Streamlined meetings which incorporated advocacy and education of statewide campaigns and taught practical skills that local coalition could use across diverse health issues.

2. Valued the different strengths of statewide partners and created ways to communicate that to the doubters at the local level. Synthesized information and energy of state advocates to those messages the local community were ready to hear.

3. Helped local, rural coalitions overcome the costs of participation: time and travel away from “real work.”

Conclusions: Additional resources at the local level were met through creative use of technology, feedback on programs, and skills training. A more meaningful timeframe was developed that incorporated patience for completing the state vision and practical skills for the daily work of local practitioners.