‘Everyone must be counted or we all lose.’: OCEIA encourages young people to participate in ‘Why Family Counts’ contest

The undercount of children under age five in decennial censuses and in Census Bureau Surveys has been a long-standing problem in America. Some people, especially those who belong to racial and ethnic groups, remain uncounted due to political climate and confusions on government eligibilities. As a result, only fewer resources go to communities that depend on these programs.

In an effort to further inclusivity and celebrate diversity, the San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs and Ethnic Media Services under the fiscal sponsorship of the San Francisco Study Center, will be having a creative writing, poetry and arts contest for high school and college-age young people.

The competition, which is titled “Why My Family Counts in the 2020 Census,” is part of OCEIA’s mission to promote inclusive policies and foster immigrant assistance programs that lead to full civic, economic and linguistic integration. To participate, young people, who are 14-21 years old and living in San Francisco, can send powerful messages to family members and spotlight why each person is so important to ensure a complete and accurate count––because everyone must be counted or we all lose.

All you have to do is write a 400 word essay; design an art piece (painting, graffiti, mural); create a 2 minute video/audio-music rap or spoken word about your family. Explain who your family is, how and where your family lives, and why you think counting every member of your family matters to gain an accurate picture of the people who live in this city.

A 1st place winner and a 2nd place winner will be selected for each age group and category–– essay, art work, video and audio. There will be 8 first place winners and 8 second place winners in all. Each first place winner will receive a cash prize of $500; each second place winner will receive $250.

Participants may send their entries to [email protected].

For more information, please visit: ethnicmediaservices.org/myfamilycounts/ and for inquiries, email [email protected] with the subject line: “Questions about WMFC.”

Entries must be submitted before December 1, 2019. Winners will be announced early next year.

advt.