The aliens, homeless, poor: No one should be left out of 2020 Census

In a few months, we will ask to be counted. The U.S. Census, conducted every 10 years, gathers information about the population of our nation. The information helps allocate billions of dollars in federal funds and assists state and local communities make informed decisions. Also, the results will be used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives. The census matters as reflected in slogans and tag lines used to nudge people to participate: “Shape Your Future Start Here” (2020) “It’s In Our Hands” (2010) “This Is Your Future, Don’t Leave It Blank” (2000). Everyone counts, everyone needs to be counted.

I hope people want to be counted and included in this map of our country. Threats about a citizenship question — which will not be on the 2020 census — created initial distrust of the federal government, further alienating people, such as immigrants and those who live in the shadows and want to be hidden. But the census is about surveying everyone, including aliens, the homeless, the poor and those at the fringes of our society. No one should be left out.

Even in my family’s history, the 1930 census of a struggling Japanese immigrant family documented each member of the household. That information would be utilized 90 years later and provided the opportunity for lost family members to be reunited. To be included provides a means to archive and capture of the definition of family history and legacy. A census is about being found and not lost.

In the first part of 2020 — estimated to be mid-March — we will be contacted, mostly by mail, and asked to participate. This year’s census will also include online filing, a new twist compared to the prior decades of paper forms. In the past, April 1st was called the National Census Day and an army of “enumerators” fanned out in the countryside, going door to door, helping to insure everyone would be counted. Even in our digital age, numerous organizations are working to make sure those without addresses or access to computers will still be included. Complete count committees have been created at the local level to help those historically undercounted are not left out.

Who is US? That’s what the census is all about — but a larger issue is who is left out? This especially affects us in California; we are the first state to reach 40 million. We have one of the most diverse populations, immigrants from more than 60 countries. We are a majority-minority land, as no single race or ethnic group dominates social or political categories.

We need to gather the numbers behind this unfolding story. Children are often left out. So are young men, Latinos, African Americans and renters. Another category of those historically undercounted would surprise many: men between ages 30-49, according to estimates from the 2010 census — it was as if 3.57% of middle age men vanished.

A central barrier to participation lies in trust. Census slogans used to be driven by patriotic emotions. The 1940 census poster included an image of Uncle Sam with the tagline “It’s Your America. Help the Ten-Year Roll Call.” Yet new politics of fear cloud the 2020 census. The citizenship question already cast a shadow. Others proclaim to be part of America is defined by class — the homeless should not be included. Or language — English should be what defines who is counted or not. Tribalism may prevent the census from getting to everyone, and some feel there’s nothing wrong with that.

We can combat these negative forces locally. Support our Valley’s groups who strive for a “complete count.” Reach out at your local schools and libraries to help encourage participation. Churches and civic groups can all play a vital role — imagine the Valley’s networks of people banning together for a simple task: stand up and be counted.

Local broadcast media will play a crucial role. Studies have documented that the local news shows reach many of those who have been historically undercounted. Our television media can encourage and inspire us to participate in the census. Emotions matter when people are recognized and counted. A sense of identity is fostered for every community in our valley. A local focus on something simple yet powerful will be a welcomed distraction to the dysfunction happening in D.C. The impact of the census will be immense in our backyards and neighborhoods. We can take control of his narrative and demand to be have a voice.

Farmers should want all of those invisible people who work our fields to be valued. Rural communities can gain a voice with correct numbers. Small businesses can leave a powerful footprint when all their employees are grouped together — despite the showy ribbon-cutting ceremonies of new big businesses coming to the valley, small businesses continue to be the backbone of our economic development and the greatest source for growth. We often complain that our Valley is excluded and lacks social and political power - a proper Census count can leverage our authority, Engagement is all we’re asking for: to be visible. The rest of the state and nation will pay attention to us if we work together to demand attention - as in our true numbers.

So be prepared to be nudged: positive reinforcement and suggestions to participate in this year’s census. To be counted is simply the right thing to do. Inclusion is at the heart of being American. An accurate census is a great equalizer, not just for our Valley, but also our state. We all matter. This is us.