Nonprofits: Help Spread the Word about the 2020 Census

The Census is important! Data collected from the Census will inform the distribution of more than $20 billion of federal funds in Massachusetts annually, impacting political representation and a wide range of critical services including public education, social services, roads, health care.

As trusted messengers, nonprofits can raise awareness, help individuals access and complete the Census, and co-ordinate efforts with partners to maximize collective impact.

Feel free to download this great resource from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network on how nonprofits can make sure that everyone counts—and why they should.

Help correct the misconceptions. The truth is:

The Census is safe. Personally identifiable information is stored in the aggregate, and strong legal and technological protections are in place to protect it. Census Bureau personnel can be fined and jailed for sharing information.

The Census is easy. The 2020 Census will contain nine questions, taking 10 minutes to complete, that can be filled out on any device with an internet connection.

Additional Resources:

• Training for staff:
  • MIRA- contact Vatsady Sivongxay- vsivongxay@miracoalition.org
  • Mass Nonprofit Network: http://massnonprofitnet.org/2020-census-resources-nonprofits/
• General Resources and Messaging
  • MA Secretary of State: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/census2020/index.html
  • Mass Census Equity Fund: https://www.masscensusequity.org/
  • US Census Bureau: https://census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census.html

The Timeline:

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, individuals can respond in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

April 2020: Census takers begin visiting college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people. Census takers also begin conducting quality check interviews to help ensure an accurate count.

May 2020: The Census Bureau begins visiting homes that haven’t responded to the 2020 Census to make sure everyone is counted.

December 2020: The Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.

March 31, 2021: By this date, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to states. This information is used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.