We are a statewide coalition of organizations led by, and who serve communities of color, in order to focus energy and resources on historically undercounted communities in their regions and throughout Washington state.
Communities of Color have been historically undercounted in the previous Census counts. Our alliance has come together because we know that organizations led and served by communities of color are instrumental to understanding and advocating for the unique needs of our communities.
Why a Community Alliance for the 2020 Census
The Census results determine how much federal funding is allocated to each state, as well as how many seats in the US House of Representatives. Washington State stands to lose $19,000 for every person not counted. Unfortunately, due the fear-based policies under the current administration, Census 2020 is at grave risk for severe undercounting, which will greatly jeopardize funding for critical services.
Meanwhile, we have organizations led and served by communities of color who are instrumental to the outreach efforts. Due to the heightened fear regarding any government interaction inspired by the Trump Administration, these trusted groups play critical roles. To compound the challenges, there are many organizations that care about the Census, but have not had the funding or the time to coordinate services.
This year, a group of these organizations came together to form the Census Organizing Alliance to coordinate efforts, strengthen collaborations, and develop a program that will provide organizations led by and serving communities of color with the staffing and support they need to be engaged in the Census.