For our own sake, the Valley needs everyone counted in upcoming 2020 Census

Each holiday season, families and friends gather to reflect on the past year and put forward intentions for the new year. As diverse as the California dream, families come in all shapes and sizes, with unique traditions and cultures.

For many, the celebration of a posada is a time-honored tradition, increasingly etched into Latino culture, becoming a way for communities to strengthen ties.

The roots of a posada are deeply spiritual and set in scripture. Essentially, these peregrinos — “pilgrims” or “migrants” in Spanish — honor Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus and their journey in search of a warm place to stay the night. What is often lost on those who recognize this journey is that Mary and Joseph were heading to Bethlehem because of a census decree.

Today, the United States conducts a census that is similar in many ways to the biblical version. However, unlike the biblical census, U.S. residents will not have to return to their hometowns. Instead, the 2020 Census will count people where they are now. The upcoming Census questionnaire can be answered online, by phone, or via mail.

The 2020 Census will determine funding that communities rely on including schools, hospitals, roads and parks, and much more. Data derived from the Census will also be used by businesses to decide where to invest and to create jobs. The 2020 Census is a snapshot in time that impacts how we shape the future. In short, it affects almost everything.

However, there are still many barriers to overcome to motivate Californians to participate in the Census, including distrust in government and concerns over their private information. That is why California is working with local and statewide partners to spread the word.

Here in the Central Valley, home to some of the deepest poverty and air pollution in the nation, our risk and possible consequences of a Census undercount are perhaps greater than almost anywhere. Our Central Valley communities need far more resources and investments to address our urgent needs – and we absolutely cannot afford to lose the limited resources we currently receive.

Time and again, as we unite and advocate for investments in our people and communities, we are told by our public officials that the money is not there. This is why we at Faith in the Valley, alongside a coalition of community partners, are working in the Central Valley to ensure residents know about the 2020 Census and its importance.

Representing over 100,000 families in Fresno, Kern, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, our multi-faith, multi-racial coalition of congregations is focused on empowering communities to fight for the equity they deserve. We serve Californians who are considered the hardest to count, those who are often disenfranchised, and ultimately would be most benefited by a complete count in 2020.

The state, along with its diverse partners and stakeholders, is activating an outreach and communications campaign to reach the hardest-to-count Californians and let them know their information is safe, private, and confidential.

The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to protect any personal information it collects and keep it confidential. The federal law, known as Title 13, states it is against the law to disclose or publish any private information that identifies an individual or business. In addition, answers cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine personal eligibility for government benefits.

Across California, posadas this season will bring people together; a seasonal opportunity to unite people of differing backgrounds or beliefs.

Throughout this next year, let’s commit to embodying the essence of the posadas, embracing our shared humanity and ensuring all Californians, regardless of background, are included in the Census. California thrives when we are all counted.

This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 4:06 PM with the headline "For our own sake, the Valley needs everyone counted in upcoming 2020 Census."