April 1 is National Census Day, and by now every home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. So far, more than 30% of households across the country have responded, but there is still a long way to go to ensure a full and accurate count.
Unfortunately, with activities across the nation paused to respond to COVID-19, many experts are concerned that Census participation could be negatively affected. Now more than ever, the Census needs your help to ensure all young children are properly counted. The good news is, even during these difficult times, you can still easily participate in the Census, and urge others to do so as well.
Census News & Updates
- The Census has officially announced operational adjustments (PDF download) in response to COVID-19, along with a revised schedule.
- The self-response phase for online or phone participation is officially extended from July 31 to August 14.
- Read more on how the novel coronavirus could hurt the accuracy of the 2020 Census.
- Curious about the response rate in your state? Check out the Census Self-Response Tracker to find out.
One Thing You Must Do: Digital Outreach Amid COVID-19
With social distancing measures in place across the country, digital outreach to encourage Census participation is even more crucial. The Census Bureau itself is encouraging all households to participate online or by phone. Instructions are included on all mailed invitations.
Here are resources you can start sharing today:
- From the NALEO Education Fund: A Bilingual Toolkit (PDF download), including sample social media, to ensure a full count of Latinos amid COVID-19.
- From Sesame Street: 2020 Census kit including printed materials and videos in English and Spanish.
- From “The Present is Latina” Campaign: The first of two sharable videos on Facebook.
- From the Census Bureau: Customizable outreach materials to spread the word about the multiple ways that families can participate.
Additional Resources
- For Kids: Full-color, illustrated children’s counting book guides households on how to report children for the census, covering complicated living arrangements and diverse American families across 32 pages. Download free ebooks in 15 languages—Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean and more!
- For Latino households: NALEO’s Latino guidance sheet on how to fill out your Census form in English and Spanish (PDF downloads), with a particular focus on considerations when filling out questions on Race and Hispanic Origin.
- For faith leaders and organizations: Faith in Public Life’s Faithful Census Weekend Toolkit to share with faith leaders and faith-based organizations in your community and let them know that they too can promote Census participation as an act of faith.
- Read and share: Count All Kids has a new messaging and outreach kit focused on counting young children.
- Learn more: Tips on avoiding fraudulent Census activity and scams.
