The 2020 Census Is Here!

Today, March 12th, the Census Bureau will begin to send out the first mailings inviting people across the country to go online to fill out the Census.

Learn more about our campaign, the 2020 Census, the undercount of young children, and ways you can get involved.

A fair and accurate census count is critical to ensuring New York communities are represented in decisions that impact their lives. The Census informs how we understand community needs, and it determines our political representation in Washington DC, as well as federal funding that supports critical housing, nutrition, education, and other programs children and families rely on.

We know that an estimated 70,000 New York City children were missed in the 2010 Census. Projections show that NYC will be one of the places with the highest risk of undercounting young children in the 2020 Census.

Our message to families and our New York Community is that the 2020 Census story will be one where every child is counted.

Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know for the 2020 Census:

What Should I Expect?

The census is safe, has 10 questions, takes 10 minutes and impacts the lives of young children for the next 10 years.

Just a reminder, the website accepting census responses is now live at 2020Census.gov.

Starting today, March 12th, the Census Bureau letters/postcards will invite you to complete your 2020 Census form. There are three ways to respond to the 2020 Census from the comfort and safety of your own home – online, by phone or by returning the paper questionnaire. Each mailed invitation will include a unique Census ID you can use. But know that you do not need the ID number to complete the Census.

A full list of language support provided by the Census Bureau can be found here.

Knowing that the Census will be conducted digitally for the first time, conversations about data privacy, safety and security are at the forefront of concerns raised as we prepare for the 2020 Census.

It is important to reiterate that The Census Bureau, bound by Title 13 of the United States Code, has one of the strongest confidentiality guarantees in the federal government. Government workers or others who disclose any individual’s information can spend up to 5 years in jail or pay a fine as large as $250,000. It is against the law for the any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census or survey information that identifies an individual or business. More information about the Census and Confidentiality can be found here.

What Resources Are Available?

As we mobilize to Get Out the Count, our campaign webpages hosts a Census Resource Library (updated regularly) where you can access a selection of key materials, resources, and content geared towards ensuring every young child in your community is counted. You can access those resources here. An introductory letter is also provided highlighting some of those resources available to you. Here are some steps you can take to count young children and Get Out the Count:

• Place census flyers, posters, informational postcards and other resources parents and community members can see or take. Multiple languages are available.
• Familiarize yourself with what the Census invitation letter and form look like.
• Know some of the key messaging points as you engage families and communities on the 2020 Census and the importance of counting young children.
• Know how to identify a Census Bureau employee and the steps you can take to avoid fraudulent activity and scams.
• Know and share information on Census hotlines provided by our partners to support you, immigrants and communities of color.
• Have a list of where you and your communities can get support in completing the Census. If you need assistance completing your Census form, call the Census Bureau Customer Service Center at 1-800-923-8282.
• Attend or post events on the New York Counts 2020 Census calendar.
• Know a community member who does not have internet access? Direct them to their local Public Library or an organization that provides computer/internet access for anyone looking to complete their Census form.
• Learn about some of the ways you can organize for the 2020 Census.
• Reach out to CCC and our Census partners at New York Counts 2020 and Count All Kids so we can support you, provide trainings or conduct presentations to your staff and community. You can email us at advocate@cccnewyork.org or call us at 212-673-1800 ext.13.

If anything, talk to someone you know about the Census. You are a trusted messenger to the people and networks in your life. Become a Census Advocate so we can Count All Children!