YES YOU COUNT

Kids having fun at Shelby Park's Census Cookout

This Spring, the Network hit the streets to talk about the 2010 Census. Over these five weeks, Network teams knocked on 1,647 doors because we know that the Census count drives money, resources and political power to our neighborhoods. More people filling out the form means more resource for parks, programs, schools and even more political representation in our neighborhoods. The Census Outreach Campaign is already making big returns – not just in Census forms returned but in new connections among neighbors and new demand
for change.

Director of Network Organizing Anthony Smith says, “Completing the Census is just as important as voting. It makes folks see and hear you and shows that you care about your community.” 

While we were out, many neighbors talked about things that matter to them. Neighbors wanted to know more about youth opportunities, and they were very concerned about vacant and abandoned housing and neighborhood safety. Funding and resources for all
these neighborhood concerns is tied to the Census Count!

Outreach teams learned a lot just walking up and down each street of California, Phoenix Hill,

Smoketown and Shelby Park. Most of all, the Network learned that getting an accurate Census Count is one way we can all work together to create positive change.  If you weren’t home when a Network Outreach Team came by, we left you a flyer with that important information. We also had four cookouts on April 10th to remind folks to “March to the Mailbox.” 

Our data partner Social Compact found that the four Making Connections neighborhoods were under-counted by 2,903 people – that’s 21.4% fewer folks. What does that under-count mean? It means fewer federal and state dollars for the things we need in our neighborhoods. Things like community centers, summer jobs programs, violence and gang prevention, parks and green space, affordable housing, schools and after school programs. The under-count may
mean we get less than our fair share.

What’s the good news? To date, four of the five census tracts in California, Phoenix Hill, Smoketown and Shelby Park are already higher in 2010 than they were in 2000. That means we are really counting in 2010. What’s the other good news? There is still time to complete your census form.

Making Connections Executive Director , Dana Jackson calls us all to action. “As a Network, we’ve made a commitment to make change together. This is one way we do that. By standing up and being counted.”

If you haven’t completed your Census form yet, a Census Worker may come by your house to complete the form with you. You can also call 1 (866) 872-6868 and request a form. Completing the Census form is easy and safe. It takes about five minutes to fill out the form. The law says that none of the individual information you provide on the Census form can be shared with anyone else.

Yes You Matter – Yes You Count! Census 2010