February 19, 2010

Recently, MPAC's Census 2010 Coordinator, Saadia Khan, and the U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialist, Manar Fakhoury, presented to a group 60 students ranging from 4th-6th graders at Al Huda School in Hawthorne, CA. The presentation highlighted the importance of the 2010 Census and how it affects youth directly. Due to the poor economy, many parks and libraries are cutting their hours drastically. In addition, tuition of many universities is on the rise. Fakhoury highlighted the Census 2010 will determine funding for the next 10 years. By then, many of these students will be college bound and paying for tuition will be a priority. The bright group were concerned about homeless populations being counted and asked all the right questions.

It is important to educate the youth and the rest of the community on what is at stake if our communities are not completely counted. As Muslim Americans, it is important to not only consider the quality of life of our own families, but the quality of life of those who are less fortunate, sick, and the youth who deserve equal access and opportunities.

It is in the hands of our community to make sure those who may need help filling out their forms receive assistance and to engage the U.S. Census Bureau on any concerns or potential apprehensions regarding the census form. For this reason, MPAC is forming an MPAC Census 2010 Advisory Council to educate, address concerns, and encourage the community to be counted. For Census 2010 presentations, workshops, or other activities to be conducted at your local mosque, business, or community organization contact Census 2010 Coordinator, Saadia Khan.