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2020 Census Resources

We're just one year out from the decennial Census. GCN has put together some of the most vital resources and news sources to support your Census-related efforts.

A clear understanding of what the Census is (and isn't), how it works, and why everyone should participate starts with the fact that it has direct, far-reaching effects on the way your constituents are represented and resourced over the next decade. A complete and accurate count has critical implications on our organizations and those we serve on a daily basis, including:

  • Legislative redistricting, which shapes power and policy decisions
  • The allocation of funds to public and nonprofit agencies for vital services,
  • Market research and planning for programs, and
  • Investments in your communities.

Failure to count just 10 households containing 2.5 people in your county could result in the loss of $334,750 over the 10-year census period.

The following resources are curated for nonprofits and community leaders who want to ensure that their constituents are represented in the 2020 count.

 

NEWS & UPDATES

For the most up-to-date news, insights, and deep-dives, Hansi Lo Wang (@hansilowang) is on the Census beat for NPR.

If you’re more into podcasts, check out Code Switch on your favorite listening platform. Code Switch covers race, identity, and culture with periodic reporting on the Census.

 

RESOURCES

Timeline 
As a general guide for coordinating Census-related programming and communications, the Census has put together a timeline of key activities and milestones.

For the first time, people are encouraged to complete the Census online. In fact, 80 percent will be classified as "internet first" respondents. Everyone will receive notifications and instruction by mail. Here's what that campaign will look like (click the image for full-size).

self-response mail strategy

Hard-to-Count
The City University of New York (CUNY) developed an interactive mapping tool to highlight areas that are projected to be underrepresented in 2020. In Georgia, these communities are often rural, low-income, majority-minority, or some combination of these characteristics. 

Georgia's hard-to-count regions

Messaging 
Multiple agencies have studied how to communicate Census messaging to maximize the completion rate among specific segments, especially hard-to-count populations. The findings can be found here:

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government has developed Georgia-specific branding guidlines [PDF] for use in any collateral and campaigns conducted by community organizations.

 

Additional Resources
Georgia-specific info and resources can be found at census.georgia.gov.

Local governments and public agencies can find specific resources at the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Municipal Association sites.

The Funders Committee for Civic Participation is supporting the philanthropic community with fact sheets, webinars, and other materials. They are also actively convening and engaging stakeholders around the country.

 

GET INVOLVED

The Georgia-wide Governor’s Complete Count Committee (CCC) is the primary planning entity for Census 2020 in the state. 

If you are interested in creating or joining a local CCC, sign up here. Local CCCs are particularly useful in understanding, connecting, and motivating your communities to complete the Census.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements.

Join or start a local Complete Count Committee to raise awareness and increase participation in your region.

Understand the benefits and implications of a complete and accurate count.

Educate your constituents about the Census and encourage them to complete it.

Connect your constituents to local Census jobs.