April 1st is Census Day.
By then, every household should receive an invitation to complete a short questionnaire that will determine how $675 billion in federal funding is invested in local communities—including money for public schools, roads and services. Census Bureau data also helps healthcare providers determine where hospitals or clinics are needed, and the type of care different communities require. Amidst the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, it is critical that Black and Brown families don’t get left behind.
With so much at stake, it is important we call out misinformation. Earlier this month, Facebook removed Donald Trump’s campaign ads falsely claiming to part of the official Census. In this moment, it’s important Advancement Project National Office amplify truth and ensure our communities are counted.
In the spirit of truth, here are some important facts to know about the Census:
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You don’t have to be a citizen to participate. The Census counts every individual, not just U.S. Citizens. There is no citizenship question on the questionnaire, and the U.S. Census Bureau is barred by law from sharing personal information with law enforcement agencies. All U.S. residents are urged to complete the Census.
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There are many ways you can complete the Census. For the first time, families can complete the Census form online. It can also be completed via phone in more than 13 languages or by mail.
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The U.S. Census Bureau has delayed in-person field operations due to COVID-19. This makes responding to the Census online, via phone or by mail even more important.
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Racial justice organizations are leading the charge in getting out the count. A new effort by the W.K. Kellogg Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative, a coalition of nine national organizations, provides individuals and organizations with resources to encourage their communities to complete the Census. Learn more about the My Family Counts campaign by visiting makemyfamilycount.org.
But, you don’t have to wait until April 1st to fill out the Census. Complete the Census questionnaire today to ensure your family and community count. Because whether black, white, Latino, Asian, or American Indian—we all count. Be counted today.
Learn more about the 2020 Census and download the My Family Counts toolkit by visiting makemyfamilycount.org.
Advancement Project National Office Team
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