Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Mary Ann June at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend.
Have you sent in your 2020 census? This question was asked by a First Congregational United Church of Christ committee to church members and friends. Of all the calls and emails sent, we got a 100% – YES response.
People of faith can play an important role in making sure everyone is counted. Our faith reminds us that every person carries within the image of God and every person counts in the well-being of the whole community. Communities of faith are critical in making sure that historically undercounted communities are counted.
Why is it important for everyone to be counted? Over the next 10 years, data from the 2020 Census will form the distribution of billions of federal dollars to support education, highway plans, emergency services, housing and food assistance, libraries, assistance for older adults, firefighters, and rural hospitals, to list a few programs.
The 2020 Census determines our House of Representatives and the size of congressional districts. Being undercounted affects our voice in government. It is important for rural communities to be represented.
Why are we counted? It is mandated by the U.S. Constitution to count the country’s population every 10 years. Census workers will begin visiting households that have not responded to help ensure everyone is counted. Communities can minimize the in-person census takers by responding to the census now—online, by phone, or by mail at 2020census.gov.
What to expect if a Census taker comes to your house? They will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines. If the census taker does not speak your language, you may request a visit from a census taker who does. The Census Bureau will never ask for: your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, your bank or credit card account numbers, or whether you are a citizen.
Is it confidential? Yes, the Census Bureau is bound by federal law to protect your information, and your data is used only for statistical purposes. Information in the 2020 census will remain sealed for 72 years. FCUCC member Karen Neuforth responded “I filled out and sent mine in ages ago ... As a genealogist, I’m kind of fond of the census.”
Shape the future of your congregation, neighborhood, and community by supporting the 2020 Census before September 30, 2020, be a 100% counted church. Find more information about the 2020 Census including a sample questionnaire at 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.
