AROC Launches Census Campaign!

April 1^st of this year is officially “Census Day”, and in the days and weeks surrounding this date, households across the US will be filling out their Census forms to be counted in the countries population.  There are two central uses for the Census: it determines how federal budget dollars get distributed to local communities, and it determines how many Congressional representatives we have for our districts.

For the Arab community and many communities of color and immigrant communities the Census can be a controversial issue.  For good reason, Arabs and Muslims are hesitant to give our personal information to the government.  And, we STILL don’t have our own racial or ethnic category on the form—come on already, get with the times!

AROC, alongside Ayadi, and the Arab Cultural and Community Center, is hitting the streets to talk to the Arab community about these tough topics and more.  This year, the Census is only asking for minimal information—probably less than required for any government form—and your information is legally required to be kept strictly confidential and not shared with any government or private agency.

We’re encouraging all Arabs to check the “Other” box (even though we’re sick of it…) and to please write in ARAB.  It’s important that our community gets counted as a whole Arab community, and not separated into many nationalities or races.  Counting our community can help us fight for more resources and services in our language and that account for our culture and traditions.