"The Shape We're In" is a national public education initiative that places a media spotlight on physical activity and obesity to promote public awareness and spark dialogue and action across the country. The centerpiece is a five-part newspaper series delivered to newspapers nationwide. This community action guide begins by describing how to recruit the local newspaper. The next section, "Media Tools," focuses on: getting started with promotions, national events, creating media coverage, writing a news release, news release template, writing an opinion-editorial, connecting with local radio and television outlets, and pitching local stories. The next section, "Community Activities," includes: 20-percent boost approach to 10,000 steps a day (sample news release), walking school bus (sample pitch for a local story); 1-percent or less campaigns (sample media advisory); walkability checklist (sample opinion-editorial); pedestrian cross walk action (sample public service announcement); trips for kids (sample radio pitch); and pace care programs (sample flyer). The final section, "Support Materials," includes a series summary and upcoming conferences and meetings. (SM)