ENCINO, CA–With the 2010 Census being conducted this month, the Armenian National Committee of the San Fernando Valley-West (ANC SFV-West) has been spreading the word about the importance of the census and how to accurately complete the Census form.
As one of the oldest established Armenian communities, the ANC SFV-West serves as a hub of activity in the Armenian American community and helps educate the public when it comes to Armenian American issues. As a strategic Census partner with the Federal Government and the City of Los Angeles, the ANC SFV-West hosted several activities to promote greater awareness about the 2010 US Census.
This past February, the ANC SFV-West organized a community forum featuring Census Bureau Partnership Specialist, Anahit Tovmasyan. ANC SFV-West Executive Committee members also focused on outreach to the Ferrahian Armenian School campus in order to provide information to students and their families, especially clarification as to the questions asked on the Census form. Local ANC supporters have also assisted the effort by distributing informational fliers to church goers in the area.
“As Armenians, we have the opportunity to designate our ethnicity as ‘Armenian’. It is vital to have an accurate count of all Armenians, in the United States, as it will benefit Armenian organizations, educational programs, and the community as a whole,” said ANC-SFW Executive Committee member, Aleen Khanjian, Esq. “It was a pleasure to assist senior citizens in completing their Census questionnaires, and it will be ultimately most satisfying to see the tangible product of all our combined efforts.”
The United States Constitution provides that the Census must count every person living in the United States, every ten years. The Census is responsible for funding and political representation. Federal, state and local spending is generally based on population size and distribution. This is determined by data collected by the Census.
During the 2000 Census, only one third of the Armenians living in the United States were identified as Armenians by the Census.
“An accurate Census count of Armenian Americans will help ensure a stronger voice and encourage public officials to address the needs of the community,” noted ANC SFV-West activist Koko Alexanian. “The Armenian American community in the valley is dynamic and plays a significant role in the greater Los Angeles areas. Through the collaborative efforts of faith and community-based organizations, schools, and businesses, we can make sure all Armenians are counted.”
The Armenian National Committee of the San Fernando Valley-West advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels. For more information please email ancwsv@gmail.com.