Another important aspect of the story is that the Census Bureau is stressing its inclusiveness as well as its importance. The Bureau is mandated by the Constitution to count all residents, regardless of residency status. It is stressing the confidentiality of its data -- their employees take a lifetime secrecy oath. It is hiring legions of bi-lingual census takers. It is reaching out to historically overlooked populations through various media campaigns. Community groups need to pick up on this to ensure that everyone knows exactly what to expect and when. The Census Bureau recognizes that the best method of local outreach is through a partnership with Federal and Local entities, such as by forming local Complete Count Committees.
These groups should raise local awareness, encourage co-operation, expect and encourage feedback about the process and pass such feedback to Census. Thus, people who are missed or do not respond to the questionnaires sent in February and March are sure to be included when the census takers make their household visits from April through July. If the committees do a good job of raising awareness, a more complete count will be possible. Preemptively assuming a confrontational posture toward the Census 2010 headcount by politicians and local leaders will do nothing to improve the headcount.
These groups should raise local awareness, encourage co-operation, expect and encourage feedback about the process and pass such feedback to Census. Thus, people who are missed or do not respond to the questionnaires sent in February and March are sure to be included when the census takers make their household visits from April through July. If the committees do a good job of raising awareness, a more complete count will be possible. Preemptively assuming a confrontational posture toward the Census 2010 headcount by politicians and local leaders will do nothing to improve the headcount.
By ilara on 2009 05 29
Page 1 of 1 pages
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