ABSTRACT
Hughes's story suggests what can be practically possible, even when others might think that the cast of characters involved surely has irreconcilable differences. In the early 1990s, the state health department received a directive from the US Centers for Disease Control. From that point forward, health department funding for HIV prevention would be linked to how successfully the agency was able to gain community-based input in the area of HIV prevention strategies. In 1993, at the request of the state health department, the National Civic League became involved in the planning stage of Coloradans Working Together (CWT). This preliminary work jointly conducted by the Civic League and the health department was called the ad hoc process. Its aim was to design community planning for HIV prevention in Colorado, statewide, and to set the stage for CWT. The policy dialogue began with an organizational meeting. It was a huge kick-off with a great deal of publicity.
