Thai
2020 will be an important year. Census 2020 will determine federal funding for our schools, healthcare, transportation, representation, and housing until the next Census in 2030. Wat Buddhanusorn, in partnership with Alameda County, is working to ensure that our community is fully counted. Nearly 26% of Alameda County residents are considered “hard-to-count” and face barriers to census completion. Sadly, families with young children, low-income families, immigrants, and non-native English-speaking households have often been undercounted.
What is the Census? Every ten years, since 1790, the Census Bureau counts every adult, child, and baby living in the country to collect basic information, including age, sex, and race. Census 2020 will NOT ask about citizenship status or for information like a social security number. Starting in March of 2020, everyone will be asked to complete the 2020 census online, by phone, or by mail. Responses are confidential and are protected by law.
Why is the Census important? The Census gives us data about our community, informs the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding, and determines the number of decision-makers representing us. Alameda County gets billions of dollars from the federal government for essential services — healthcare, school programs, housing, transportation, social services, and more — based solely on the census count. An undercount means fewer resources for everyone. For every person not counted, our community loses $10,000 over the next 10 years.
Wat Buddhanusorn and Alameda County are taking steps to ensure an accurate count, working with partners to provide outreach in communities that have previously been undercounted. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QACs) will be located throughout the community, including at Insert Organization locations, to provide access to computers and support in completing the Census. We will continue to provide you with Census 2020 information and updates in the coming months. We are counting on you to be counted!
Want to get involved with Census 2020? Become a Census Ambassador! We invite you to join us in promoting the Census in your community, such as your house of worship, neighborhood, or organization. You will be equipped with training, materials, and messaging to support census participation. Apply today at http://bit.ly/CensusAmbassadorFor more information about Census 2020, please visit http://www. .org/census2020.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS?
The United States counts all persons in the country once a decade in a Census in order to:
- Fairly allocate federal resources across the country, to help ensure public safety and plan new schools and hospitals
- To apportion political representation in the California State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives
For example:- Some federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on population.
- It is critical for everyone to be counted, regardless of immigration status. When you respond to the Census, you help your community get its fair share of federal funds.
- Businesses use Census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores, and this creates jobs.
- Developers use Census data to build new homes and revitalize neighborhoods.
- Local governments use Census data for public safety and emergency preparedness.
Video: 2020 Census Explainer – English
HOW DO YOU COMPLETE THE CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE?
Every person in the country is required to fill out the 2020 Census form. Luckily, you have three ways to respond.
Starting today, Californians will begin receiving invitations to participate in the 2020 Census. The invitation includes information on how to fill out the Census form and includes a unique Census ID that links you to a physical address. Use your Census ID to access the Census form online, by phone, or by mail. You will enter your unique ID login to complete the form.
Online: https://my2020census.gov/
- For the first time, the Census form will be available to complete online in 13 languages.
By Phone:
- The Census can be completed by phone in 13 languages including Telecommunication Device for the Deaf.
- English line: 844-330-2020
- Click here for other language lines.
By Mail: Sample 2020 Census Form
- The paper Census form will be available in English and Spanish languages and can be mailed back to the U.S. Census Bureau. Please note, you cannot request a paper form. Those Californians who have not responded during the self-response period and those with low broadband will receive a paper form in the mail.
Video and printed guides will also be available in 59 non-English languages, and there will be a video in American Sign Language, plus a printed guide in braille.
Whichever you use, just make sure you fill out the form!
Credit:
- Content: https://census.ca.gov/census-101/
- Graphics: http://www.acgov.org/census2020/
