Write 'ARMENIAN' on your Census form

Dear Friends,

This week, you should receive a U.S. Census form in the mail. The forms are being delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico (regardless of your citizenship status). The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. The Census is the only comprehensive and free method for counting all persons in the U.S., including those who identify as Armenian.

CHECK OFF "SOME OTHER RACE" AND WRITE "ARMENIAN"
As an Armenian-American, it's important that you fill out the form identifying yourself as Armenian, and promptly mail it back by April 1st. On Question #9 in the form, please write that you are Armenian, and make sure to mail back the form in the postage-paid envelope. When asked what your race is, please check "some other race," and then write in the space allotted that you are "Armenian."

HOW IT HELPS

• The forms will be instrumental in determining how our community is served and perceived.
• Census information affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Congressional offices will often look to Armenian American census figures for their particular district to determine how responsive they will be to our community's concerns.
• Government institutions will look at the Armenian American census figures to determine whether or not to fund Armenian-language programs.
• The information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services, including services offered to Armenian-Americans.
• The results of the Census are very valuable to social scientists who study the Armenian American community. The studies they generate can be useful in providing services for Armenian Americans and/or investing in new institutions such as retirement and nursing homes or Armenian day-schools in specific areas.

ONLY ONE THIRD OF ARMENIANS COUNTED IN 2000
Anahit Tovmasyan, Census Partnership Specialist, is a community outreach worker on behalf of the census. She says that in 2000, only one third of the Armenians living in Unites States were 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 the community. Especially 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. Through the collaborative efforts of faith and community based organizations, schools, and businesses, we can make sure all Armenians are counted.”

YOUR INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL
The Census does not ask about or distinguish between citizens versus non-citizens or legal versus illegal residents. Your personal information is confidential and it is illegal for the Census Bureau to share respondents’ answers with anyone, including the IRS, FBI, CIA or any other government agency. All Census Bureau employees take the oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.

QUESTIONS?:
If you don't receive a form in March, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (your local time) seven days a week through July 30, 2010.
For more information on the census:
ANCA Census website: http://www.ancensus2010.org
Census information in Armenian or English: 1 888 666 4761
U.S. Census website: http://2010.census.gov/2010census (For Armenian language information, choose Armenian from the language menu on the top right)

Please fill out the form you will receive and mail it back before April 1, 2010. If you do not send the form, a census employee will to come to your home to ask you the questions on the form personally. That means more taxpayers’ money is used than necessary.

PASS IT ON!
Please forward this email to Armenian Americans persons you know nationwide and ask them to complete the 2010 Census and ask them to write ARMENIAN on Question 9.

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Armenian National Committee
San Francisco - Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-387-3433
Fax: 415-751-0617
mail@ancsf.org
www.ancsf.org