LOS ANGELES, CA – The two largest Hispanic evangelical faith-based networks, Esperanza and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), have joined the historic ya es hora !HAGASE CONTAR! (It’s Time, Make Yourself Count!) Campaign to help ensure a full count of the Latino community in next year’s Census.

In the coming week, more than 7,000 churches will receive a special poster designed to motivate members of the community to participate in the upcoming 2010 Census. The poster highlights that the birth of Jesus occurred when Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to participate in the Census and will be distributed across the country for display during the Christmas season.

“We encourage all Latinos of Faith to participate in the 2010 Census,” said Dr. Jesse Miranda, CEO of the National Hispanic Association of Evangelicals of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. “Participating will help us secure a better future. The Census results will be the catalyst for financial and community development opportunities that can lift our community into social and economic prosperity.”

“Every single person living in the United States can and should be counted in the 2010 Census,’" said the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, Director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary. “The faith-based community is committed to promoting a full count.”

The U.S. Constitution requires all residents of the United States, including immigrants, to participate in the decennial Census. Census statistics determine reapportionment and political representation, and are also used for allocating $440 billion annually in federal funding for scores of social and economic programs that benefit the states and localities.

“By being counted in the 2010 Census we will help ensure that the ‘little ones’ have access to a good education and essential health services,” said José García, Presiding Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy California Spanish.

About the ya es hora campaign:
The ya es hora campaign is the largest and most comprehensive non-partisan effort to incorporate Latinos as full
participants in the American political process. The campaign had a dramatic impact on naturalization rates and spurred
record Latino turnout in the 2008 presidential election. For more information, visit www.yaeshora.info.