The 2020 Census is right around the corner, and members of the Northwest Food Partners Network will play a key role in ensuring an accurate and complete count.
This page features resources that organizations can use to promote the 2020 Census in their communities.
You can complete the 2020 Census by going to https://my2020census.gov/. It takes less than fifteen minutes!
Contents
Click a link below to quickly scroll down to the resources you’re looking for.
- Census Information
- Outreach Strategies and Ideas
- Additional Websites
The 2020 Census in Chicago
This presentation from the Chicago Regional Census Center provides an overview covering…
- What the Census is,
- The funding and political reasons that make it important to have an accurate Census count,
- The Constitutionally-mandated confidentiality protecting Census respondents,
- How people of all language and immigration backgrounds can respond to the Census, and
- The Chicago Regional Census Center’s timeline f0r outreach and job recruiting efforts.
Potential Census Outreach Strategies
Physical Engagement
- Hanging a poster in your lobby
- Provide a computer for clients to use when completing their census form online
- Provide tablets with internet connection for those who wish to complete the Census online
- Set up Census Questionnaire kiosks at your organization or a public location
- Make and give census buttons to staff to wear
- Commission a mural promoting the Census in your community
Client Engagement
- Have your intake specialist ask clients if they are aware of the Census or have gotten counted
- Promote census job opportunities
- Participate in a Local Complete Count Committee
- Provide volunteers for census events
- Have community members contribute to a poster, wall, or message board listing all the community services they are thankful for (and which may be jeopardized by an undercount)
- Submit an op-ed or news article lead to community or city news outlets
Digital Engagement
- Include census information in your e-newsletter, website, and other organizational communications
- Collect email/phone numbers of community members and send them Census reminders/info
IDHS Census Contact Information
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is committed to ensuring that Illinoisans get their fair share of federal resources and Congressional representation by encouraging the full participation of all Illinoisans in the 2020 Census. IDHS is leading the 2020 Census efforts in Illinois.
- Text “Question” or “Pregunta” to 987987 to get answers to your questions about the Census.
- Text “Jobs” or “Empleo” to 987987 to get support in applying for federal Census positions.
- Text “Pledge” or “Censo” to 987987 to commit to completing the Census.
Sign up for the IDHS Stakeholder Newsletter to stay up-to-date regarding IDHS Census activities.
2020 Census Timelines
These timelines illustrate the many digital and physical activities the US Census Bureau will be undertaking for the 2020 Census.
Operational Timeline
Census Response Timeline
Info for Clients
These are fact sheets you can give to your clients in case they have questions or concerns regarding the 2020 Census.
- No Citizenship Question Census Fact Sheet (English, Customizable)
- No Citizenship Question Census Fact Sheet (Spanish, Customizable)
- Illinois Latinos in the Census Fact Sheet (English, Customizable)
- Illinois Latinos in the Census Fact Sheet (Spanish, Customizable)
- Census Confidentiality Fact Sheet (English, Customizable)
- Census Confidentiality Fact Sheet (Spanish, Customizable)
Info for Providers
Want to make sure you give the right 2020 Census information and guidance to your community? Check out these resources.
- Guide on Providing Assistance with the Census Questionnaire
- No Citizenship Question Talking Points (English and Spanish)
- Get Out The Count Do’s and Don’ts
- Webinars
Census Bureau’s Response Outreach Mapper
The Response Outreach Area Mapper (ROAM) is an interactive, online data map that makes it easier to identify Hard to Count communities near you and plan outreach efforts in those communities.
Click the image below to go to the Census Response Outreach Area Mapper.
Outreach Toolkits
These comprehensive toolkits provide Census outreach strategies, messaging examples, fact sheets and posters, social media content, and much, much more!
- Greater Chicago Food Depository Census Outreach Toolkit
- US Census Bureau Community Outreach Toolkit
- US Census Bureau Public Service Announcements Toolkit
- Cook County Census Resource Toolkit
- Illinois Count Me In Communications Toolkit
- #TogetherWeCount 2020 Census Toolkit by Public Narrative
Census Lotería
These are materials for you to host a fun and informative Census Lotería event at your organization.
- Lotería Cards PDF (English)
- Lotería Tablas PDF (English)
- Lotería Cards PDF (Spanish)
- Lotería Tablas PDF (Spanish)
- Lotería Game PowerPoint Slideshow (English)
Outreach Printables
These are materials you can print out and use to conduct in-person Census outreach.
- Census Informational Postcard for Families (Spanish and English)
- Census Pledge Cards (English)
- Census Pledge Cards (Spanish)
- Greater Chicago Food Depository Census Outreach Toolkit
- Census Posters (Spanish and English)
Additional Websites
Here are additional websites you can browse for even more Census related info and outreach material.
Last updated 3/17/2020
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