Community Voice

Saturday, 30^th May 2009

16^th Jyeth (Samvat 541 Nanakshahi)

UNITED SIKHS Issues Call to Sikh Community to Actively Participate in 2010 Census

Sikh Community Urged to "Be Counted" to Ensure Just Allocation of Resources

New York, NY, USA: Every 10 years, the United States government is required by the Constitution to conduct a Census count. The importance of the Census count cannot be stressed enough – Census data is used to determine how more than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, new hospitals, services for the elderly, roads, schools, education funding, social services, and much more. That's more than $3 trillion over a 10-year period. The Census also determines how many representatives your state will have in Congress. UNITED SIKHS has partnered with the US Census Bureau to ensure Sikhs are counted, so that much needed resources will be available to the Sikh community.

How Can I Participate? Every household in the country will receive a Census questionnaire in 2010. To ensure an accurate and fair count of all populations at all geographic levels in the nation, the Census Bureau needs you or someone in your household to respond to the census questionnaire. By completing your questionnaire you are providing data that will help our nation, your state and your community make major decisions over the next 10 years.

Estimates of the Sikh population as of 2005 came to about 500,000 Sikhs living in the US. This is not an official total, and we will not have an accurate count if Sikhs do not participate, and write in "SIKH" under the "Some Other Race" category. The Sikh population in the US has grown exponentially in the past 10 - 20 years.

Is the Census Safe? Your safety is assured when you participate in the Census. For those Sikhs who are in the United States illegally, this campaign is designated to include you as well. By law the Census Bureau cannot ask you if you are an illegal nor can they provide any information they gather to any other governmental agency for 72 years.

The U.S Census defines who we are as a nation. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands. Give American Sikhs a fighting chance. We need your help with this enormous task. UNITED SIKHS and the Census Bureau are doing presentations in your community; contact us at law-usa@unitedsikhs.org if you are interested in setting up a "Be Counted Site" or a "Questionnaire Assistance Center" in partnership with the US Census Bureau.

Spending just a few minutes to fill out your census form will help ensure your community gets its fair share of federal and state funding. Under the question "What Is Person's Race," mark "Some Other Race" and write "SIKH." Help plant the seeds of OUR FUTURE!!! Census affects your voice in Congress: Mandated by U.S Constitution, the census is used to apportion seats in the U.S House of Representatives and to redistrict state legislatures.

Census affects your representation in state and local government: Census data is used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government.

Census informs your community's decisions: The census is like a snapshot that helps define who we are as a nation.

Census data is used to determine how more than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities, like yours.

You may read a previous press release on UNITED SIKHS community advocacy and empowerment at: https://unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-30-04-2009-00.htm

Issued By:
Jesse Singh
International Civil and Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA)
UNITED SIKHS
Email: law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
1-(646) 315-3909

Our Mission

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.