Civil society organizations can play an important role in global health initiatives by bringing community perspectives and social influence. The presentation discusses how civil society organizations in India were engaged as equal partners to help eliminate polio. By addressing community concerns, building trust, mobilizing local leaders, and adapting strategies based on data and feedback, the partnership overcame initial barriers and suspicions to eventually achieve a polio-free India in 2014. The experience demonstrated that civil society organizations are valuable partners who can help ensure community needs are understood and programs are locally tailored.