As the country grapples with the effects of coronavirus, it’s clear that weathering pandemics calls for careful emergency planning, assessing and protecting those most at risk, and providing lifesaving resources to people affected. That starts with accurate census data and a complete count.
The 2020 Census is designed so you can get counted at home by going online, calling the Census Bureau, or filling out the paper form. When households respond to the census on their own, it’s easier for the country to get the complete count we need to support emergency planning and recovery. Everyone has a part to play in participating in the 2020 Census. Make sure your community gets the funding and critical resources it needs to weather disaster and to thrive day-to-day by getting counted today.
The Census Bureau is posting updates to their operational plan on their website. Go to the website linked below to access the updated timeline and operational calendar.
During this period, households can still respond to the 2020 Census and households in the update/leave universe that have not received their packets and want to respond can participate in the census using non-ID response. It’s critical that we continue to lift up the importance of responding to the census and how easy it is to do from the comfort of your own home.
We do recommend that stakeholders refer to federal, state and local public health guidance before resuming in-person census outreach efforts.
Talking Points
- Public health and safety is absolutely critical at this moment of uncertainty. That is the case for the public as well as Census Counts organizations, staff, and volunteers.
- We must fulfill our constitutional obligation to complete the 2020 Census and count every single person in the United States. Our country’s future depends on it.
- Fortunately, it has never been easier and more accessible to respond to the census on your own — online, over the phone, or by mail–all without having to meet someone in person.
- The 2020 Census is a modern, technology-enabled process that was designed precisely to offer multiple ways to respond. The Census Bureau is able to make necessary adaptations at the local level for special operations as well, as needed.
- By now, many households have received an invitation in the mail to complete the census. This was planned and continues uninterrupted by the coronavirus.
- The census website 2020Census.gov is also live and can accept your response in English and 12 non English languages or by calling phone questionnaire assistance: Ways to respond by phone
- The Census Bureau, alongside the hundreds of organizations in the Census Counts Coalition, is prepared and is continuing to do everything possible to accurately complete the census.
- Right now, our priority is clear: Making sure that as many people as possible complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. It has never been easier to self-report.
Census Protection Hotlines
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (“Lawyers’ Committee”), in partnership with the Arab American Institute, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, and NALEO Educational Fund, have launched 2020 Census hotlines for the communities they serve. These are still up and running.