by Ruth Brandwein, Political Action for Candidate Election Chair and Dawn Brown, Legislative Committee Chair

"It was the worst of times, it was the best of times."   Although there is understandable despair among many based on the unjust and inhumane treatment of everyone from migrant children and their families to women, people of color and our LGBT community, there also seems to be a reaction growing in the country that will hopefully lead to positive, equitable change.

As social workers, we have "Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society."  According to the NASW (2017) Code of Ethics, "Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully.  Social workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups. " Legislative advocacy before, during and after election season, along with the endorsement of political candidates that promote these values are central to our work as professional social workers!

NASW-FL has two arms that support and promote that involvement: 

One is the NASW-FL Legislative Committee.  Each year our Board of Directors vote on the Legislative & Policy Advocacy Agenda. We organize our annual LEAD (Legislative Education and Advocacy Day) in Tallahassee to provide students and social work professionals the opportunity to engage in advocacy with our elected officials.   We have Legislative Chairs in each unit along with Interest Chairs for the state that promote our NASW policy agenda through meetings with legislators and advocacy of support or opposition to specific bills.  As social workers, we know the importance of establishing relationships and "starting where the client is."  These skills are paramount to be able to effectively support our legislative agenda and have sustainable change for our profession and the well-being of those we serve. 

The other arm is PACE-Political Action for Candidate Election.  Because we endorse and make contributions to candidates we are a separate entity, a 501(c)6.  We endorse candidates at the state level, but if a social worker is running for a local office, we can endorse them as well.  We have a small fund that we use to make strategic contributions to candidates who have a good chance of election and who need our money.  NASW National PACE endorses candidates at the federal level.

How Do We Endorse?  PACE is non-partisan and our criteria are based on the candidate's record, and their policy positions as articulated on their social media platforms and/or at forums. If we have good reason to believe they will support our policy, social justice and professional issues we will support them.  We encourage all of our members to suggest candidates for endorsement.

This year our PACE Committee had an exciting meeting to endorse several excellent candidates, including five social workers running for local office.