A conference in Washington, D.C., brought together leaders from six communities to share their strategies to mobilize residents to fight substance abuse problems. The actions taken by community groups and leaders in the following cities are described: Portland (Oregon); Hampton (Virginia); Baltimore (Maryland); New Haven (Connecticut); Newark (New Jersey); and Kansas City (Missouri). In each of these cities, strengthening the community's civic infrastructure to respond to pressing issues was an unintended but positive outcome of efforts to reduce alcohol and drug abuse. The central strategy of these successful programs has been creating new social and professional networks to reduce substance abuse and crime in their communities. The following lessons can be drawn from the communities' experiences: (1) strategy matters, and a sound strategy is required to guide community efforts; (2) leadership is key to building and sustaining a healthy civic infrastructure; (3) public-private partnerships must exist; and (4) community accountability is crucial. Profiles of the six partnerships provide additional information about their implementation and operation. Suggestions are given for building civic infrastructure. (SLD)