Census 2010: Make sure you tell them you're Polish

The new Census form is available in Polish! To see the form, please go to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site at: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/pdf/LAG_Polish.pdf.
 
The U.S. Census Bureau also posted additional information in Polish regarding Census 2010. You can find it at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/language/polish.php.
 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the forms are going to be mailed to every household nationwide this week. You are asked to complete the 10-question form and mail it back by April 1, 2010.  As you may know, this year’s format is different than the one used during last Census in 2000.
 
This year there is going to be just one short form. This form does NOT include a general question about one’s ethnic ancestry.
 
Community leaders, including those of the Polish American Congress, raised this issue with the US Census Bureau but it was not rectified.  We strongly feel that there should be a place where Polish Americans can clearly identify their heritage.
 
Please help us show the U.S. Census Bureau our dissatisfaction with the change in format of the questionnaires and mark your Polish ancestry on the form nonetheless.
 
To do that, under Question 9 under "Some Other Race”, please do two things:

1. In block #9 check off  WHITE and write in "Polish" (or "Polish American") right next to it.
2. Later in the same question, where it states “Some other race,” write in "Polish" (or "Polish American") in the blocks provided.

We realize that “race” is not the same as “ethnicity” or “ancestry.”   But, unfortunately, this is the only way our community can make its presence known during Census 2010.
 
Responses to this question will not be published with official race statistics but will be made available upon request.
 
Please make sure to fill out the form as soon as you receive it.  Because it is a short form,  it will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
 
After filling out all fields, you will need to mail it back by April 1, 2010.  If you will not mail it back, you can expect to be contacted by a Census representative.
 
Also, keep in mind that all answers on the Census are strictly confidential and will NOT be released to other governmental agencies.  This means that everyone should fill out the form, regardless of their immigration status.
 
Finally, please make sure to forward this information to as many persons of  Polish heritage as possible and encourage them to do the same.
 
The more Polish Americans mark their ancestry on the form, the louder our voice of discontent with the U.S. Census Bureau’s decision.  Please spread the word!
 
Polish American Congress
1612 K Street NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20006
Tel.: (202) 296-6955
Fax: (202) 835-1565