U.S. Census Bureau Seeks Partnerships with Russian American Organizations

Washington, D.C. Sept. 16, 2009- The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking to partner with Russian American organizations to increase participation of hard-to-reach Russian communities for the 2010 Census count. Russian American organizations can educate their audiences about the benefits of the 2010 Census and stress the value of a complete count for projections of Congressional representation. Following the census, results determine how more than $400 billion in funds are allocated to states for the development of hospitals, schools, police stations, roads and other critical community services. “It is extremely important for our community to be accurately counted,” stated Rabbi Alexander Milchtein, the Milwaukee Synagogue for Russian Jews (MSRL). “The 2010 Census helps gain an accurate picture of America today. If this community is undercounted, they will be underrepresented for all the government and private services for the next ten years. The role of the government is huge and many decisions are going to be made depending on the results of the census.” The Milwaukee Synagogue, an official partner of the 2010 Census, is an organization that supports Russian speakers in becoming full participants of the greater U.S. community. Rabbi Milchtein also works with a federation of synagogues in cities across the U.S. with the common goal of serving the Russian-speaking community. “Most people in our community don’t realize how important this is. A large portion of our community who came in the late 1990s or early 2000s were not educated enough to understand the importance of the census,” added Milchtein. “This time, I want our community to understand how important the 2010 Census is and how it will impact them for the next ten years in a big way.” To Milchtein, success means correctly counting the community. To make that happen residents must get involved, step up, and spread the word—after all “everyone has friends or relatives who will benefit from the services.” To ease the process, a new shorter form has been introduced with only ten easy questions, and the Census Bureau guarantees total privacy and confidentiality of the data. Every person must be counted whether he or she is a citizen or non-citizen, documented or undocumented for the greater good of the community. The Census Bureau hopes that partnering with local Russian American organizations will bring a greater sense of inclusion to Russian-speakers. “Get your full share!” Milchtein concludes. “Residents pay taxes no matter what, if taxes go back to the community, you want to get benefits back the same proportion that you paid. If you’re not counted, it’s like you’re not here.” For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010.census.gov/2010census/