Key Points: This training model is built upon a dynamic partnership between a state health department and a capacity building entity to ensure that community funded partners address tobacco control through evidence based approaches.

Learning Objectives: To demonstrate a comprehensive training project that supports tobacco related policy and social norm changes.

Benefits:

The training program builds partners' capacity to change local policies and social norms. We begin with foundation courses followed by modality specific training that includes custom materials, target population expertise and post-training integration. This combination of methodologies provides partners with on-going skill development to effect local policy change. All trainings and materials are custom developed.

To illustrate this model we will examine our work with the School Policy Partners.

1. Foundation Courses (2 days/each): introduce strategic thinking and skill development. These include Engaging Decision Makers, Making the Most of Media and Bringing Partners to the Table.

2. Custom Materials: Tobacco-Free School Policy Toolkit takes schools through the steps of policy assessment, revision and implementation.

3. Target Population Expertise: The Principals Advisory Group made up of retired principals.

4. Partner Specific Training: Two-day training retreat introduces the Toolkit and skill development in recruiting and working with schools.

5. Post-training Integration Monthly teleconferences and individual technical assistance.

Preliminary data and evaluation feedback from trainees supports this model to be a promising practice in building capacity of partners on the local level to effect policy change.