2009 Internship Blog - Entry 3

Edgar Nunez - Entry 3

Posted July 8, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

The 2010 Census is important to me because it will reveal the changing nation. A nation in flux and a dominant society anxiously awaiting a different picture of society. I think the 2010 Census impacts the Latino community as far as money and political capital Latino communities will receive.

Anthony Martinez - Entry 3

Posted July 8, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

Upon completion of the 2010 Census, the new numbers of Hispanics accounted for is going to be very eye-opening for a number of parties. District boundary lines will need to be redrawn and of course more constituents will need more funding. Business leaders will need to take note when formulating their strategies to account for an increase in their Hispanic markets.

Our personal responsibility in this process is to ensure an accurate count of Hispanics during the conduction of the Census. So, we should be increasing awareness of the impending Census and proper compliance in our Hispanic communities in order to ensure fair representation.

David Justiniano - Entry 3

Posted July 8, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

The 2010 Census does not only represent an opportunity to make us count as citizens, but also serves to identify ourselves and our growing community in this great nation to obtain the adequate representation for decision-making and policy-making as well as distribution of funds.

Jasmine Rosa - Entry 3

Posted July 10, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

Cuantate. Be counted. I never knew how important it was to fill out the census until having the chance to listen to different speakers talk about it and having the opportunity to make an impact by focusing on the 2010 Census for our community service project.

I realized that the census is the single most important data research for the Latino community as well as others. The census gives us a chance to show the world that we are truly growing in numbers and faster than you can blink.

It is especially important to me because now I see how all the programs that helped me when I was homeless and assisted with my leadership development get funded when I was in New York. I am truly appreciative of the census because it allocates billions and billions of dollars in government funding to programs like this who reach people like me.

My career goal is to be the director of my own non-profit organization that will serve underprivileged youth, empower them to develop positive life skills through participation in performing arts, and expand awareness of the important role that performing arts can play as a unifying force in a community of diverse cultures.

So, what does this mean? This organization will keep youth off the streets and promote academic excellence in school to become a nation of successful leaders. I will help promote understanding of youth diversity and give them a positive self esteem. The census will ultimately help me with my non-profit by funding our purpose and definitely impacting our Latino community.

Lastly, it defines who we are as a nation. It shows the multitude of cultures and why we are the melting pot of the world. If you want to see a change in the world, you must be the change- Be COUNTED!

Noel Mendoza - Entry 3

Posted July 10, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

The Census has been one of the most overlooked events within the Latino community. The numerous misconceptions have not only left the Latino community underrepresented, but have also limited the opportunity to thrive as a community. With the growing influx of Latinos in not only in concentrated areas, but all over the Midwest and southern states, it has become even more vital to raise census awareness. The census makes our government work for us. It determines funding, Congress representation, and planning. Most of all, it gives us a voice and we have to make it count.

Melessa C. Rodriguez - Entry 3

Posted July 10, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

In the past, the Latino community has not been counted accurately by the Census. In 2000, nearly three percent or 1 million Latinos were not counted. This upcoming 2010 Census is our chance as a community to make it count. As Latinos we are the fastest growing minority population in the United States, and it's time we stand up on April 1, 2010 and own the political power that comes with it.

Kelly J. Murguia - Entry 3

Posted July 10, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census.
Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

Cuentate! Count Yourself! This is a simple concept with the Census that many people disregard either because they are unaware of its benefits or fearful of its implications. As a CHCI Intern and a U.S. citizen, this issue is of great importance. Growing up, I was instilled with morals and values to do what is right and just. In this particular effort, I must educate others of the important ramifications of the 2010 Census.

I am ready and willing to assume my right and responsibility to raise awareness on this pertinent matter. There is no reason for those who reside in America not to be counted nor remain in the dark whether it is by happenstance or choice.

It impacts the Latino community because it is one way we present ourselves numerically throughout the years, and receive adequate and necessary resources in our local communities. People will notice, but many will not come to terms with the truth numerical data and remain with their eyes shut. It is no longer a black and white issue, but rather an array of shades that seem to fuse together.