Political Action

For many years, including those prior to the advent of collective bargaining in 1966, NEARI has been a major player before the legislature and state agencies in advocating the interest of education and labor. An important part of these advocacy activities is the political action arm of the Association, NEA Rhode Island Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI-PACE).

NEARI-PACE is a voluntary, non-incorporated, non-profit organization formed in the 1970s in order to recommend to members candidates who believe in the organization's goals. In election years, the NEARI-PACE Steering Committee interviews candidates for possible recommendation to members of the Association.

The National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education is the political action arm of NEA nationwide, and the means through which the state Association is legally allowed to campaign in federal elections. Each political action committee is funded through member contributions, not dues dollars.