    
|
Written by G. Anthony Knowles
|
Why is your participation important?
Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau counts every resident in the United States as required by the Constitution. Some people consider this an intrusive process, an attitude that is prevalent in the ethnic community; which is understandable. We’ve witnessed years of government incursions into our lives and thus remain mistrustful of anything with a federal seal on it. However, the intent of the census is not to poke into anyone's business or find out about your personal matters. The results of the 2010 Census will help our communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for the things that are critical to us and our families. That's more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period.
Without an accurate census count, many of our communities will be underfunded for:
* Hospitals
* Job training centers
* Schools
* Senior centers
* Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects
* Emergency services
Your participation in the census is your statement about what resources your community needs to support its population. By not participating you’re potentially hurting your community's chances to receive its full share of federal resources. Also, the data collected by the census help determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Without an accurate count, your community may not be adequately represented in government.
Ethnic concerns
One of the biggest challenges facing the accuracy of the US Census is under-counting. Under-counting results from low census participation in some communities. This is a big issue in our community. The reason for the low participation varies, but one concern is confidentiality. This is particularly an issue among immigrants as they fear that personal information could be used against them if it gets revealed to local authorities. Unfortunately, this concern is simply unfounded. The fact is that anyone who reveals specific information about any household would be subject to up to five years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine. Furthermore, federal laws require that specific data about residents be concealed for 72 years before it can be made accessible to the general public. The fact is your census data is protected! So don’t be afraid…get counted!
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. Most of the forms will be in English; however, communities with high Spanish speaking populations will receive Spanish language forms. When you receive your form, take the time to answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back. A postage-paid envelope is provided for you. Keep in mind that if you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker who will ask you questions from the form.
The simplest and easiest approach is to just fill out the form and send it back as soon as you receive it. The whole process should only take 15 minutes, but the benefit to your community may last a lifetime. | G. Anthony Knowles - | 
| G.A. (Gregg) Knowles is a freelance writer and active blogger. Born in Miami, Florida, he has spent over a decade living in Kingston, Jamaica, with his grandparents. Gregg is the Atlanta Ethnic Community writer for Examiner.com where he's an inside source for everything local. In 2010, his articles were the most accessed web-page on Atlanta's Examiner.com, where he provides his unique and original social commentary to enhance and educate ethnic life in the city of Atlanta. Read More >> | |
|
Related Articles:
More articles by this author
Trackback(0)
 |
 JP-Bookmark plugin
www.joomlaportal.hu |
|
Spotlight Feature
Sometimes, it must fall upon the journalist to ensure that what they are hearing in an interview is clear enough that they can truthfully and accurately present their subject's words as quotations. This may require asking for an answer repeatedly, admitting you missed something that could have been important, or actively picking and choosing which quotes should be completely captured in a form of verbal triage. Other times, it may simply require asking the subject to slow down because your cell phone's speaker is woefully inadequate. Such was the case with Kirko Bangz, and regrettably, I did not follow the advice laid out above. The following is what I can transcribe from my conversation with the Houston hopeful, whose Drake on promethazine approach has been reverberating within the scene.
|
|
Read more... |
Magazine Writers
 Herina AyotHerina Ayot is a graduate of New York University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in...Read more >> Patrick MoodyPat Moody, 24, is a writer out of CT. With a deep love and appreciation for music, he has been a contributor...Read more >> Alan VerlyAlan Verly, 24 years old is from Cambridge, Massachusetts. A recent college graduate, Verly has written...Read more >> Eddwina GreggEddwina Gregg is a dynamic fashionista that currently balances her spare time between being a Plus Model,...Read more >> Alexander CroftBorn in Atlanta, Croft grew up in Columbus, Ohio, graduating from Ohio State. He's been writing hisentire...Read more >> AJ MosesAJ Moses is a 23 year old future writer who may not need an introduction one day, but for now will provide...Read more >>
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
