Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE)

In order to achieve our Chapter's Mission, we endorse candidates that support social work values, professional mission, and NASW-MA-endorsed legislation.

NASW-MA PACE, the political action arm of NASW-MA, endorses candidates seeking political office in Massachusetts at the local and state level. MA PACE  is a separate entity from the NASW-MA Chapter. Please note that we are only involved in local races if a social worker is running.

PACE-MA endorses candidates that support our Legislative Agenda and social work values, and supports endorsed candidates by providing them with financial or in-kind support. We also make formal endorsements of ballot initiatives and concept campaigns or initiatives. PACE-MA is on the board of the Mass Alliance, an organization which is made up of 27 statewide agencies working together to elect progressive candidates.

Help us support our endorsed candidates by making a donation to PACE-MA! 
                                       Donate to PACE

2025 Special Election Endorsements

National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts Chapter PACE Endorses 

Hannah Bowen for 6th Essex House of Representatives

The National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts Chapter (NASW-MA) Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) committee has endorsed Hannah Bowen in her campaign for the 6th Essex House District.

“We are confident that Hannah Bowen will bring her life experience and expertise to the State House, making her an effective and equity-minded leader for all people in the 6th Essex district,” said Kim Hokanson, NASW-MA PACE Chair. “We are proud to endorse her for the Massachusetts House of Representatives.”
 

Hannah’s experience and expertise as a city councilor and non-profit organization leader gives her the skills needed for this position.  She shares the values and priorities of NASW-MA to advance social justice. She has the energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to successfully engage with her community to advance education and housing availability in the district.  NASW-MA PACE is proud to endorse Hannah Bowen for the 6th Essex House District.

 

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, April 15 and the general election on May 13th. Voters can find their polling location by visiting WhereDoIVoteMA.com.

To get Involved with Hannah's campaign, please visit: 

Activist Opportunity: Join PACE-MA!

NASW members have the opportunity to participate in the endorsement process and to work on the political campaigns of PACE-MA-endorsed candidates. PACE-MA typically meets virtually on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. PACE-MA is currently meeting virtually.

2024 Executive Board of PACE:
Chair: Kim Hokanson, MSW

Treasurer: Carly Burton, MSW

See our endorsements here: www.facebook.com/naswmapace

Find your legislator and district here.

To get involved in the PACE Committee, please contact Beth Morrison, Political Action Manager.

Candidates - Are you seeking an endorsement?

Thank you for your interest in seeking an endorsement from NASW-MA PACE!

Please keep in mind the following:

• We do not get involved in local/municipal races unless you are a social worker who is running, or there are extenuating circumstances.
• Our process begins with a short questionnaire submitted along with a letter of recommendation from a Massachusetts social worker (unless you are a social worker), and an interview to follow with members of the committee either in person or Zoom.
• Some ways we support our endorsed candidates have included a combination of: a press release, an email to NASW members in the candidate's district, and/or a monetary contribution to their campaign.

If you are interested in seeking our endorsement, please email Political Action Manager, Beth Morrison, bmorrison.naswma@socialworkers.org.  

For Members: Help Them Get Elected!

Do you have a plan to vote?  Vote by Mail and Early Voting are available.  Make sure you're registered to vote and find your polling place here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote

Endorsements are a powerful tool; they boost a candidate's platform by declaring that an organization trusts them to be an ally to their cause. Many candidates seek PACE's endorsement to show their constituents that the largest group of professional social workers stand with them.

Even if you're not a member of PACE, you are still able to help endorsed candidates get elected several ways:

1. Visit their website and tell voters who live in their district about their key issues/platform.
2. Donate to their campaign. Even small donations like $10 can add up to big change- and campaigns aren't cheap!
3. Phone bank to help them fundraise. Candidates will often hold phone banking nights at their campaign headquarters, some have the option to do it remotely from your home. Text banking is also a great way to be involved and can be done from home. These shifts are typically 1-2 hours.
4. Door knock (aka canvass) the voters in their district. Canvassing are typically short shifts (2 hours) and happen during weekday evenings and mid-afternoon on weekends. You're typically paired with a buddy and knock doors in the neighborhood to drop literature, talk about the candidate and collect feedback to bring to the campaign manager.
5. Volunteer your special skills. Do you have a knack for graphic design or social media? In addition to paid staff, candidates are always looking for people to lend their special talents.

To learn more about ways to support PACE-endorsed candidates, please contact us!