February 26, 2010

Recently, the Iranian American community was out in full force at the "Stand Up and Be Counted" townhall meeting in Los Angeles, which was attended by more than 300 people. The townhall served as a kick off of the Iranian American Coalition for Census 2010, which is backed by 23 Iranian American organizations.

The speakers included Norma Vega (Executive Director of Census 2010 for L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa), James Christy (Census Bureau Regional Director), John Tehranian (Chapman Law School) and stand up comedian Maz Jobrani.

Tehranian pointed out in the 2000 Census, only 388,000 Iranians were officially counted, which severely under-represents their actual numbers. He went on to say many post-9/11 policies impact Iranian Americans, which makes an accurate count critical so politicians take notice when a high population group in their district has a concern. If a person is not counted, it is almost as if they do not exist and robs them of their voice when they need it most.

It is important the rest of the under-counted communities -- including Arab, South Asian, and Afghan -- form coalitions, advisory councils, complete count committees in order to educate the commuinity on all the reasons why we need to be counted and what is at stake for the next 10 years.

Filling out the census form and sending it in is just as important as voting.