Inaction to census is not an option

The 2020 Census deadline is September 30, 2020, so you still have time to shape the next ten years of your community. The power to change Waitsburg, Walla Walla County, and SE Washington is in our hands. We can all help inform funding for each of the next ten years for public services like healthcare; law enforcement; employment and training; agriculture; food programs like school meals and SNAP; childcare; special education; transportation; roads; emergency assistance; and community development. Emergency flood assistance and most of the local, federal emergency pandemic funds were allocated based on the 2010 census counts. They helped shore families up. They were part of what: kept our neighborhoods going; fed families; kept the lights on; distributed meals and smiles to kids whether in school or not, regardless of income; expanded community health care, unemployment benefits, emergency housing, energy assistance; and so much more. Let’s make sure we get our fair share should we ever need this kind of help again—or all the time!

WHAT NOW? 1. You may respond from anywhere at any time http://www.my2020census.gov, simply by following the prompts and using your residential address. 2. You may return the paper form you received in the mail, but receiving a survey is for a response, only that you reside in the U.S. 3. You may respond by phone at (844) 330-2020 (Spanish (844)468-2020). There is no citizenship question on the survey, and the information cannot be used in any other manner.

THEN WHAT? That’s it; you supported your community, your county, and your state in ensuring fair congressional representation and returning a minimum of $1910 in federal tax dollars to fund critical local services. If you are unable to respond, you will likely get some help from The Census Bureau.

Soon (or possibly already), Census workers hired from the local community will go door-to-door to collect information from households that have not self-responded. They will interview residents to collect census information. All census workers speak English, and many are bilingual. If no one is home during the visit, the census worker will leave a notice on the door with information about how to respond online, by phone, or by mail. Census workers will wear face masks and follow CDC and local health guidelines while going door-to-door. All workers will complete a virtual COVID-19 training program before beginning their work. Census workers will have a valid government I.D. with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date on the badge. They will also have a census bag and an iPad or mobile phone.

Confirmation of a census worker’s identity: call Los Angeles Regional Census Office (213) 314-6500.

We All Count!

Cindy Widmer

Blue Mountain Action Council Census Project