The 2010 Census: It’s In Your Hands

According to the United States Constitution, the Census must count every person living in the United States every ten years. What many people don’t realize is that Census numbers are closely tied with funding and political representation.

Funding at the Federal, State and local levels is usually divided up according to population, and that means Census numbers.  Will your community get its fair share of funding dollars?

Sample Census form with directions

Census Partnership Specialist Anahit Tovmasyan does outreach to the Armenian community in Southern California on behalf of the Census. She points out that back in 2000, only one third of the Armenians living in Unites States had been identified as Armenians by the Census.

“An accurate Census count of Armenian-Americans will ensure that Armenians will have a stronger voice and better political representation to address the needs of our community,” she says, explaining that this is all the more important in “these hard economic times. “We need to make sure that the communities we work, live, pray and play in have access to their share of resources.”

“The Armenian community is dynamic and plays a significant role in the United States, Tovmasyan explains. ” Through the collaborative efforts of faith and community based organizations, schools, and businesses, we can make sure all Armenians are counted.”

When filling out the Census questionnaire, Anahit reminds us that people can check more than one box in the category for race.  “Many Armenians will check the box for ‘white’ and also check the box for ‘other’ and write in ‘Armenian.'”

She stresses, however, that “the best thing you can do is to fill out the form and mail it back without waiting for someone to come to your door.  That saves the taxpayers money, and ensures that your community will be counted.”

The Census does not share personal information (like your name) with any other government agency – not with Immigration, not with the I.R.S, and not with law enforcement.  The Census counts every person – regardless of age, race ethnicity or legal residential status. In fact, the Census form doesn’t even ask about a person’s citizenship status.

Census participation is safe, simple, and important.

The Census is in your hands! Don’t pass up this opportunity to help our communities and the future generations of America.

There are several ways that you can participate in raising awareness of the 2010 Census in your own community.

For more information please contact Anahit Tovmasyan at anahit.tovmasyan@census.gov or visit: http://ancensus2010.org/