Concerning Census Questions From: "Betti Bresette" <BettiBresette@Dreamsoft.com> The information here isn't all together true and factual. I am a sworn volunteer working for the US Census Bureau assisting in getting as many possible to stand up and be counted. I am an in house worker working at California Indian Manpower. We are an authorized QAC (question and answer center) working with American Indian Communities and Reservations. Enumerators are hired to go out and help people complete their census forms if they are not received by April 14th. Some tribes have their own QAC centers established and are doing their own counts. For those that do not enumerators hired by the Census Bureau will be sent to help with questions and to collect the forms. The Census will not be a count of city and urban folk. Reservations will also be counted. The only people who will not be counted are those that do not wish to fill out the form. Even then an enumerator will come out to see if there was a problem or if you just wish to be left out of the count. There are two forms. A long and a short form. Although the more information that is given the needs of specific areas become more apparent. That is why they ask housing questions, employment questions, and question how you get to work. Local Agencies and governments can better see the needs of their people, such as housing, transportation, programs for the elderly, low income, etc. The gathering of this information is to obtain funds and grants where needed, but some feel the long form is too intrusive. By law all you are actually required to give is your name, but if you only do this you are not helping the cause. You can leave blank any questions that you do not feel comfortable filling out. If anyone needs a list of American Indian QAC centers available in California I can post them. There is an 800 number on your census form. You can call and ask for the closest American Indian QAC center to you or ask for help over the phone. You can also ask that someone come to your home to help fill out your questionaire. QAC centers are available for American Indians, Latino's, Hispanics, Chinese, Vietnamese, Afro American's, Cubans, and yes, whites. I hope I helped clarify things. B. Bres -- André Cramblit, Operations Director The Northern California Indian Development Council ( http://www.ncidc.org ) NCIDC is a non-profit organization that helps meet the social, educational, and economic development needs of American Indian communities. NCIDC operates a fine art gallery and gift boutique featuring the best of American Indian Artist's and their work, with emphasis placed on the work of the Tribes of N.W. California. (http://www.ncidc.org/gift/gifthome.htm#anchorgift)