In the third week of March this year, every single household in the United States will be getting the 2010 Census official form.
The Sikh-American community supports this and is excited about the idea of self-identification for the Census.
It is important that all Sikh-Americans be counted as constituents of their districts.
However, it is imperative that they be counted as Sikhs.
Being correctly identified, counted and recognized are central to protection and equality for any community in the United States. Sikhs have a right, under international law and the United States' treaty obligations to be correctly identified.
This is the first opportunity for Sikhs to be counted as a people in the United States of America.
One would think that this would be a no-brainer. Alas, this is not the case.
Unfortunately there is no 'Sikh' category on the form. The form allows only race based categories at a more general level and Sikhs span across all races; yet they are a unique people.
Recently, in the State of Georgia, the Sikh Count Committee had a very productive meeting with the Census Bureau officials.
In the State of Connecticut, a query was put to the Census Bureau to seek guidance as to which box the Sikh community should check off.
Our questions to the officials were:
1. On question 9 - can we write in the word 'SIKH' in the "Some other race" category? Yes
2. Will the computer reject the form? No
3. Will someone eventually read what is filled in the "Some other category"? Yes, that is why we have that category.
4. Are there other minorities that are not an identified race have been counted in the past? Yes, there are several tribes, ethnic and ancestry groups that do not have a nation state or an identified race but are in significant numbers and have been able to be successfully counted as a people using this approach.
To see what kind of minorities have been successful in getting themselves counted in the 2000 Census, you can go to factfinder.census.gov/ - highlight ‘Fact Sheet' - click on ‘Fact Sheet for a Race, Ethnic or Ancestry Group'.
In the 2000 Census, groups with more than 20,000 counts were reported at the National level, and groups with more than a 500 count at the state level.
They further added that a lot of minority groups are not happy with the racial categories that are on the form. Hence, the Census Bureau has provided a place for them to be counted or represented using the ‘Some other race' category.
This was a very encouraging response.
There is a possibility for Sikhs to be counted as a people. But there is no guarantee, yet.
We therefore, proceeded to call all leading Sikh organizations, some Sikh media, and Sikhs from different states, and found out that:
There is big confusion in the Diaspora.
Every organization and every state has a different strategy.
Some are totally clueless on the approach that should be taken.
Dearest Sangat ji, Wake Up! We need to act! This is a Panthic Moment!
We need every Sikh in the United States to weigh in on this and decide the direction we should take.
To succeed we must have ONE VOICE.
Why is it important that we be counted as Sikhs?
Sikhs throughout the country have common needs and challenges that no other community identifies with.
We cannot say it better than what the Sikh Coalition has written on their blog:
"If we had an accurate count of how many Sikhs live in the United States and where, we would gain many advantages - from being able to showcase voting blocks in certain areas to obtaining funding for our community's needs. Every time we walk into a legislator's office to ask them to do something for Sikhs, the first question is always "How many Sikhs are there in my district." Therefore, having an accurate count of our community is key to our progress in the United States."
If we have enough Sikhs identified in the 2010 census, then maybe the 2020 Census form will have a ‘SIKH' category. We know this is wishful thinking on our part. We are fully aware that if Sikhs wish to have their own category, they need to approach Congress, which then instructs the Federal Office of Management and Budget on which categories to create.
But, if we don't do anything, we will be stuck in the status quo. This is a grass-root movement for the community. We need all Sikhs to think about this and come to a unified decision.
So we are suggesting that we write in "SIKH" under "SOME OTHER RACE". This is the only way to include Sikhs of all colors or national origin residing in the U.S.A.
We see NO downside to writing the word SIKH in the ‘Some other race' category.
Our Sikh organizations are actively working with the government agencies to be counted. They are doing a tremendous job.
But what private Sikh citizens do is the key here. Can the voice of many make a difference?
We strongly believe so.
And, that is what grass-root movements are all about.
Helpful Information to filling out the Census Form:
1. Everyone counts! Whether you are a citizen, resident alien, or illegal. Census Bureau does not ask for social security number or share its data with any other agencies such as INS, FBI or IRS. Even if you are/have a visitor that is staying until April 1, 2010 or a baby that can come along, wait and include them too.
2. Don't be afraid to include your telephone number. It is only to be used to call if something is not clear in the form. If you feel more comfortable, give your local Gurdwara representative's number with her/his permission. Similarly the ‘Date of Birth' information is to avoid duplication.3. And finally: how to get yourself written as a Sikh?
a. Check ‘No' in Section 8. ('Is person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?')4. Fill the data for up to 11 more people in your household in the same way.
b. Check ‘Some other race' category in section 9. ('What is Person's race?')
c. Print the word ‘Sikh' in the box underneath ‘Some other race' (Spell exactly)
What can you do to help more?
1. Form your State's Sikh Complete Count Committee. It is easy. Just contact the US Census Bureau local chapter and they will provide you with a partnership specialist, that will train volunteers and provide sample forms that you can take to your Sangat to educate.
2. Register your Complete Count Committee with your States' census website.
3. Formulate an action plan to reach out to all the Sikhs in your state via phone chains, email chains or Gurdwara announcements. Help them with 'why', 'how', 'when' and 'what' to do.
4. Sign the following petition to have Sikhs counted correctly in the 2010 and all future censuses.
unitedsikhs.org
5. At minimum, share this article with all Sikhs you can and ask them to do the same. Have a conversation about this at your Gurdwara. Talk to your local officials about getting Sikhs included in the next Census. Become part of the process. Get involved.
We urge you to please call your local U.S. Census Bureau Office or visit www.2010.census.gov to get more information.
We strongly feel that this opportunity should not be missed!
Please also share your thoughts below, in the comments section, and with your local census committees, regarding the direction we as a community should take.