Dress Rehearsal
Importance to Sikhs
Participation
Concerns
Job Opportunities
2020 Census Goals
The Sikh Information Centre has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to to encourage Sikh participation in the 2010 census. We have four major goals:
1) To generate awareness among Sikhs about the census
2) To explain the importance of the census to Sikh-Americans
3) To describe the participation process
4) To inform Sikh youth and others about census jobs
In preparation for 2010, the Bureau is conducting a 2008 “Dress Rehearsal.” This practice census will occur in two locations: 1) San Joaquin County, California and 2) A nine-county region surrounding Fayetteville, North Carolina. The nine North Carolina counties are Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland.
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The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and performed by the U.S. Census Bureau every 10 years. It is an official count of the population to record various details of individual households. The results are used to determine allocation of government funding and the number of Congressional seats. They are also presented to the president to help him understand the demographics of the country.
Officially, there are only 50,000 Sikh-Americans, but unofficial estimates suggest there are as many as 500,000 Sikhs in America. Having an accurate count of the Sikh population ensures proper representation. Whether speaking to City Councils, Congress, or other elected officials, knowing the true strength of the Sikh-American community will compel increased government recognition of Sikh issues.
As recorded by The Sikh Coalition, Sikh-Americans are frequently harassed, denied jobs, thrown from clubs, beaten and sometimes even murdered. Sikhs such as Sukhvir Singh in Seattle and Amric Singh Rathour in New York City have suffered from hate crimes and job discrimination.
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These hate crimes cannot be properly reported and categorized unless Sikhs are recognized as a separate ethnic group. Counting Sikhs separately will help the government to document, aggressively prosecute, and prevent hate crimes. It will also help Sikh organizations to effectively oppose discriminatory policies like the recent TSA turban searches or any potential attempt to duplicate the French turban ban.
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Sikhs need to participate in mainstream American life in order to overcome differences, establish their identity, and educate the community about Sikhism.
If you are a resident of 1) San Joaquin County, CA or 2) the nine-county region in NC then you will receive a 2008 Census Dress Rehearsal form in the mail in mid-April 2008. There will be seven brief questions, and filling out the form will only take a few minutes. It will look like this:
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Under the question “What Is Person’s Race” make sure you mark “Some Other Race” and write “SIKH.” This is the most important part of your participation, because it is the only way Sikhs will be counted separately. Tell your family and friends to make sure they also write “SIKH” when giving their race.
Mail the form back using the pre-paid envelope.
Census employees will visit households that forget to mail back their forms. Don’t be afraid if you get a visit from a Census Bureau employee. He or she will have an official Census Bureau badge to prove his or her identity.
Your answers to the census questionnaire are 100% confidential. The Census Bureau does not share info with anyone, including IRS, FBI, and INS. Census Bureau employees also takes an oath to protect your answers - violations are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
The Census Bureau offers well-paid short-term jobs. The jobs last 5 to 10 weeks during early 2008. They are close to home, pay $14.50 - 17.50/hour, and employees are reimbursed for mileage.
You can apply for a job if:
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You are not a U.S. citizen and no U.S. citizens are available, especially in areas where bilingual ability is a necessary qualification.
- You have a valid social security number.
- You pass a written test of basic skills.
- You pass a background check, which may include a fingerprint check.
- You have a valid driver’s license (for field jobs only).
- You are able to commit to at least 40 hours of training. You will be paid for training.
- Training could be held five days during daytime hours or over a seven-day period with an evening/weekend schedule.
The application process begins with an employment test consisting of 28 multiple-choice questions designed to measure the skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs:
- Clerical
- Reading
- Numerical
- Information Evaluation
- Organizational
To apply for a job, call 1-866-376-2008 in CA or 1-866-673-2008 in NC.
Census officials have assured SIC that write-ins of “SIKH” will be counted. With enough write-ins, we can get “SIKH” added as permanent category to 2020 Census form.
Success in USA will set an example for other regions around the world. Countries in Asia and Europe which have large Sikh minorities will be pressured to follow America’s lead to recognize and count their Sikh populations.
If you have any questions, contact us at info@sikhinformationcentre.org or 1-888-551-SIKH (7454).
