As a great way to start the New Year, the New Americans Initiative held a two day training that focused on the importance of the 2010 Census and the significance of having immigrant communities counted. On January 7th and 8th, 2010, dozens of community organizations* such as the Northwest Neighborhood Federation, Southwest Organizing Project, Instituto del Progreso Latino, Chinese Mutual Aid Association convened to gather the tools necessary to ensure that immigrant communities get counted in this year’s census. Fellows from many of these organizations were present to learn about the census; they will be working with our communities to encourage their participation. The training began with City Clerk Miguel Del Valle who kicked off the 2 days with an empowering speech on the Census and undercounted immigrant communities. The various organizations learned how to develop effective community organizing to boost immigrant participation and ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to their neighborhood once counted. Furthermore, our great presenters talked about how to develop effective relationships with members in our communities, how to manage door to door programs as well as how to recruit and retain volunteers. Needless to say, our training was an absolute success and we are certain the tools and skills learned will ensure that our communities get counted.

*New Americans Initiative & Census Partner Organizations:

Albany Park Neighborhood Council, Chicago
Arab American Action Network, Chicago
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Chicago
Centro Romero, Chicago
Chinese American Service League, Chicago
Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Chicago
Erie Neighborhood House, Chicago
Family Focus, Aurora
HACES, Waukegan
Instituto del Progreso Latino, Chicago
Interfaith Leadership Project, Cicero
Korean American Community Services, Chicago
Latino Organization of the Southwest, Chicago
Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Chicago
Mujeres Latinas en Accion, Chicago
Northwest Neighborhood Federation, Chicago
PASO - West Suburban Action Project, Melrose Park
Southwest Organizing Project, Chicago
The Resurrection Project, Chicago
United Congress, Chicago
Universidad Popular, Chicago