Be Counted and Be the Difference
MATT.org and MALDEF
"It is important that we all step up and take an active role in this vital count."
-Gabriel Sanchez, U.S. Census Bureau, Dallas Regional Director
Be Counted and Be the Difference
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes the momentous task of counting every person in America. It’s the one and only time when everyone in the nation has an equal voice, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, income, education, or immigration status.
The time has arrived. This month, a sleeker, condensed Census form will be mailed to every household in America.
That’s great you may say. "But what’s in it for me?" The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), a MATT collaborator and major partner with the 2010 Census, wants you to know that the answer is a lot. MALDEF’s Anna Alicia Romero, Regional Census Director and Luis Figueroa, Legislative Staff Attorney, explain:
We have a rare chance to participate and promote Census 2010. It is important, safe and easy. Everyone must be counted.
The Census is important because it determines political representation and is used to fund many essential programs for our communities. Over 400 billon dollars go to improve roads, pay for health care, provide adult education and job training, and provide children with new school buildings and educational programs.
Not participating in the Census is extremely costly to communities across the country. For example, in the 2000 Census, around 373,567 Texans were not counted, and as a result the state missed out on approximately $2,913 in federal funds per person - a total loss of over $1 billion over the last decade.
The Census form is easy and safe to fill out with only ten simple questions. Confidentiality is guaranteed by law and provides both a fine and prison sentence for those violating the Census confidentiality rules. Remember, those who do not fill out the Census form by April 1st, 2010 will be visited by Census takers.
What can you do to promote a complete count?
- Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to get counted by April 1st.
- Display a sample Census form and promotional materials at centers and businesses so people can become familiar with the ten simple questions.
- Ask your community leaders about their plan to promote Census 2010.
At MATT we are doing our part to make sure everyone is counted. MATT Maestro en Casa is devoting its 5th book to the topic of the Census; the lesson will air on March 9, 2010. It’s one of the ways we are reaching out to the Spanish speaking and immigrant community to inform them about the Census and encourage participation. In addition, we are part of MALDEF’s Texas Latino Complete Count Committee, which is helping to make sure that everyone in Texas is counted in 2010.
But we can’t do it alone. We’re counting on you to do your part too. Watch for your Census form in the mail, fill it out and mail back by April 1.
Be counted and be the difference.
Sincerely,
Rebecca J. Viagran
VP of Community Affairs
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