For immediate release
July 14, 2009
Contact: EunSook Lee, NAKASEC, 323-937-3703
Becky Belcore, KRCC, 773-588-9158
Dae Joong Yoon, KRC, 323-937-3718
NAKASEC Applauds the Confirmation of Dr. Robert Groves as Census Director
(Los Angeles, CA) The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and its affiliates – the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) in Chicago and the Korean Resource Center (KRC) in Los Angeles – congratulate Dr. Robert Groves in his appointment as Director of the Census Bureau.
“The leadership void of Census 2010 work has now been filled and we warmly welcome Dr. Groves as Census Director. Dr. Groves has shown a dedication to the counting of communities traditionally overlooked by the Census, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander and Korean American communities, and brings expertise in survey methodology and statistics that will be critical in his role as Director,” said Becky Belcore, executive director of KRCC.
“As a community where 76% are foreign born and 41% are linguistically isolated, Korean Americans face real challenges in access to information that is linguistically and culturally competent. That is why Census 2010 must commit adequate funding for ethnic-specific education and outreach and address concerns over privacy and confidentiality,” said EunSook Lee, executive director of NAKASEC.
“The Census is vital in ensuring that a community is politically represented and has access to resources. Community-based organizations must work with their local Census bureau offices because they have the direct relationships with the community members and have built trust which is essential in breaking down the barriers and ensuring an accurate and complete count. We look forward to working with Dr. Groves and the Census Bureau to implement an effective and comprehensive education and outreach campaign to ensure a successful Census 2010,” said Dae Joong Yoon, executive director of KRC.
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Founded in 1994, NAKASEC is a multi-issue civil and human rights organization that is based within the Korean American community. We promote equitable changes to the political and legislative systems through a combination of education and policy advocacy with grassroots organizing and community mobilization.
