We May Be a Speck on the Map, But our Numbers Count Big Time

Come 2020, it is imperative that everyone in Connecticut is counted in the census. An accurate count determines (among other things) how congressional seats are apportioned, how state and federal dollars are distributed, and where businesses choose to build new stores. That equals fair representation, adequate support for social programs, and employment. Something we all want!

The Census Bureau considers nonprofits key ambassadors to help raise awareness of the census and to encourage participation.

Your clients can typically be the ones who are most often overlooked by the census and the ones who have the most to lose if the count is inaccurate. Please start talking to your clients about the importance of being counted as a way to help themselves in the future. You may also wish to lend your organization’s support in other ways.

1. Sign up for updates on new resources and opportunities to partner with the U.S. Census Bureau.
2. Follow @uscensusbureau and spread the word about how the census is easy, safe and important by sharing our news, data products, fact sheets and infographics.
3. Host a workshop to develop solutions to 2020 Census challenges in your community and generate commitments to tackle them.
4. Form or participate in a State Complete Count Commission or a Complete Count Committee to encourage participation in your community.
5. Participate in The Opportunity Project to use open data — data that can be freely used and distributed by anyone — to create digital tools that address our greatest challenges through innovative, collaborative solutions.

Go to the US Census Bureau website to find out more about the count and how you can help.