MENA Data Equity
MENA Data Inclusion
Why is this important? Currently, MENA communities are not officially counted in state or federal data. Instead, people of MENA descent are often grouped into “White” or “Other” categories. Without a MENA demographic category, critical funding, protections, and services are out of reach.
Redistricting
Redistricting is a political process that takes place every ten years, when political district boundaries are redrawn to ensure each district has equal population. This process happens at the city, county, and state levels.
The lines are shaped by Census data and community input. However, the Census does not fully capture Arab communities, leaving us undercounted and underrepresented. By coming together as one district, we can build the political power needed to elect representatives who reflect our community, champion our demands, and hear our voices regardless of citizenship status.
With this representation, we would have a stronger say in how city budgets are allocated and ensure that vital resources are invested back into our community.
Census
As Arabs in the United States, we have been undercounted for far too long. The Census is a vital tool to ensure that we are seen, heard, and accounted for! Being counted means access to public resources, fair political representation, and accurate information about our communities. Without a MENA category, our communities have been left with little to no resources. In 2020, Majdal took part in efforts to ensure our communities were counted.