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Census 2010 Complete Count Committee and Partnership Agreement
THE CITY OF Dubuque ~T T~ ~ All-AmericaCity ~J ~~ !. kr ~v ~: Masterpiece can the Mississippi ,, 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Census 2010 Complete Count Committee and Partnership Agreement DATE: September 1, 2009 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens and Public Information Officer Randy Gehl recommend City Council approval of a proclamation and formation of the Census 2010 Complete Count Committee, and request that the City Council designate the Mayor or appoint one of the City Council Members as the Complete Count Committee Chair. It is further recommended that the City Council approve the resolution and authorize staff to submit Census 2010 Partnership Agreement forms for both the City of Dubuque and the Complete Count Committee. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval and designation of a representative as Committee Chairperson. '-'~ -- Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer .,,. THfi CITY OF Ubt!gUe f ~~ fl (> F r f-J A!i-~!fi7,.~i~BGity Masterpiece an tlTe Mississippi 2007 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer SUBJECT: Census 2010 Complete Count Committee and Partnership Agreement DATE: September 1, 2009 INTRODUCTION This memo requests that the City Council approve the formation of the Census 2010 Complete Count Committee (CCC) for the City of Dubuque and authorize submittal of a Census 2010 Partnership Agreement. Attached are a proposed CCC membership list, a 2010 Census Partnership Agreement Form, and a resolution in support of the partnership. A proclamation declaring the City of Dubuque's commitment to partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau for Census 2010 is also on the agenda. The attached Complete Count Committee guide outlines a process for launching the public relations campaign associated with Census 2010, which will take place in April 2010. Additional information from the Census Bureau is attached. BACKGROUND The purpose of a Complete Count Committee (CCC) is to spread the word about the importance of the 2010 Census and to motivate every resident to complete and return their 2010 Census questionnaire. Made up of state, local and tribal governments and/or community leaders, CCCs are one of the core strategic elements of the 2010 Census. Committees often include a cross section of community representatives-including government agencies, education, business, faith-based organizations and the media-and aim to address the various racial, ethnic, cultural and geographic considerations of their communities. Using local knowledge, expertise and influence, CCCs plan and implement census awareness campaigns that address the special characteristics of their communities. Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Census 2010 Complete Count Committee Page ~ 2 Local campaigns are designed to reach traditionally undercounted populations by stressing the importance of an accurate census count, including how data are collected and used. Since the 1980 Census, CCCs have played a major role in raising awareness of the census among all groups and populations through various activities. A number of CCCs are already in place in cities nationwide, and more are forming each day. From now until May 2010, CCCs nationwide are implementing key activities, which often include: • Holding events that generate interest and participation • Distributing census information and materials through Web sites, newsletter and events. • Partnering with organizations in their communities to include census messaging in their communications. The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history and consists of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the confidentiality of respondents and the information they provide. As a participant in the Census Bureau's Partnership Program, the City will receive promotional materials, updates and data assistance. The 2010 Census Partnership Agreement Form lists a number of ways the City and the CCC can participate. DISCUSSION As was done for the 2000 Census, staff recommends formation of a local Census 2010 Complete Count Committee. We are recommending seven subcommittees: Government, Education, Faith-Based, Media, Community-Based Organizations, Housing Organizations and Business. We propose that two representatives from each subcommittee serve on the CCC, for a total of 14 members, plus a chair and a facilitator. The members would become co- chairs of their own subcommittees, and could draw upon the expertise of the other proposed members and any other knowledgeable community members they know. According to the information provided by the US Census Bureau, the chair of the CCC should be the City's highest ranking official. Therefore, we recommend Mayor Roy Buol to either serve in this capacity, or that a City Council member is appointed to lead the CCC. Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Census 2010 Complete Count Committee Page ~ 3 As was done for the 2000 Census, we have retained Jan Powers, The Powers of Communication, as our public relations consultant for the 2010 Census. Regular meetings will be scheduled for the CCC, beginning this fall and concluding in May 2010. City staff will provide any necessary support, and Jan Powers, our consultant; will act as the committee's facilitator. Initially, the entire committee will meet to become acquainted with each other and to understand the CCC's roles and timelines. Subcommittees then will form and meet as necessary. We anticipate that the subcommittee chairs will meet regularly for updates, and the entire CCC will meet periodically as the census draws near and is completed. Our in-house Census 2010 working group consists of the following staff members from the Planning Services and Public Information Offices: o Co-coordinators: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager and Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer; • Jan Powers, Consultant, The Powers of Communication; • Nikki Breitspecker, GIS Coordinator/Analyst; • Guy Hemenway, Assistant Planner; e Kelli Buchenau, Communications Assistant; • Kay Munson, Planning Technician. We will rely on Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist, Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director and David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director to provide support to this group when necessary. Both the City of Dubuque and the Census 2010 Complete Count Committee can complete Census Partnership Agreement Forms. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that the City Council approve the proclamation and formation of the Census 2010 Complete Count Committee, and designate the Mayor or appoint one of the City Council members as the CCC Chair. We further recommend that the City Council approve the resolution and authorize staff to submit Census 2010 Partnership Agreement Forms for both the City of Dubuque and the CCC. Attachments cc: Jan Powers, The Powers of Communication In-House Census 2010 Work Group F:\USERS\Kmunson\WP\Census 2010\CCC letter to City Council 08_21_09.doc Prepared by: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210 Return to: Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk Address: City Hall- 50 W. 13 St Telephone: 589-4121 RESOLUTION NO. 336-09 RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE'S SUPPORT OF AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE 2010 CENSUS. WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau is required by the Constitution of the United States of America to conduct a count of the population and provides a historic opportunity the City of Dubuque for to help shape the foundation of our society and play an active role in American democracy; WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque is committed to ensuring every resident is counted; WHEREAS, more than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities, and decisions are made on matters of national and local importance based on census data, including healthcare, community development, housing, education, transportation, social services, employment, and much more; WHEREAS, census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils, and voting districts; WHEREAS, the 2010 Census creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across the nation; WHEREAS, every Census Bureau worker takes a lifetime oath to protect confidentiality and ensure that data identifying respondents or their household not be released or shared for 72 years; WHEREAS, a united voice from businesses, government, community-based and faith-based organizations, educators, media and others will allow the 2010 Census message to reach a broader audience, providing trusted advocates who can spark positive conversations about the 2010 Census; Census 2010 Resolution Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY ThiE CITY COUNCIL OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The City of Dubuque and its Census 2010 Complete Count Committee supports the goals and ideals for the 2010 Gensus and will disseminate 2010 Census information to encourage participation. Section 2. The City of Dubuque and its Census 2010 Complete Count Committee asks its affiliates and membership to partner together to achieve an accurate and complete count. Section 3. The City of Dubuque and its Census 2010 Complete Count Committee encourages people in the city of Dubuque to participate in events and initiatives that will raise overall awareness of the 2010 Census and increase participation among all populations. Passed, approved and adopted this 8th day of september 2009. j ~~ ,A ,~~ Roy D. Buol, Mayor Attest: anne F. Schneider, City Clerk f:\users\mrettenb\wp\council\resolutions\census 2010 resolution.doc ~ °+! ~.~ '~~`~,, I i `~=, IN C?UR MAN® • ' 2010 Census Partnership Agreement Form ~~ The Census Bureau's partnership program combines the strengths of local governments, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, media, businesses and others, to ensure a complete and accurate 2010 Census. The Census Bureau will provide promotional materials, updates and data assistance to partners to assist in this effort. Together we can ensure the 2010 Census message is delivered to every corner of the nation. There are many ways to get involved with the 2010 Census (Please check activities in which you are interested in participating) f~ Organize and/or serve on a Complete Count Committee. ^ Identify job candidates, distribute and display recruiting materials. ^ Provide space to test job applicants. ^ Provide space to train new employees. ^ Provide space for Be Counted sites and/or Questionnaire Assistance Centers. ^ Encourage persons to return their questionnaire. ^ Display/distribute 2010 Census promotional materials. ^ Issue public endorsement for the 2010 Census and send endorsement to members or affiliates. ^ Place 2010 Census articles in publications. Donate space for census advertisements. ^ Air 2010 Census PSAs and B-Roll, and cover census eve nts/programs. ^ Provide speaking opportunities and exhibit space at conferences or trade shows. ^ Sponsor community events to promote 2010 Census participation. Name: Title: Organization: Address: City: County: State: Zip Code: Phone: E-mail: Signature: Date: ^ Participate in a speakers' bureau for the 2010 Census ^ Allow the Census Bureau to post your organization's name on the 2010 Census Web site. ^ Provide link to the 2010 Census Web site from your organization's site. f~ Use 2010 Census drop-in articles, messages and logos in newsletters, mailings, and other in-house communications (e-mail, Web site, etc.). i~ Appoint a liaison to work with the Census Bureau. ^ Provide volunteers for census promotional events. ^ Put the 2010 Census on meeting agendas and/or allow presentations by Census Bureau staff. ^ Use and distribute educational materials. ^ Provide atranslator/translate 2010 Census material ^ Participate in 2010 Census kick-off meetings. ^ Highlight key 2010 Census operational events in newsletters or other publications. ^ Participate in Census Bureau-sponsored events. ^ Other: Name: Pamela Billingslea Title: Partnership Specialist Organization: U.S. Census Bureau Address: 2001 N.E. 46`h St. Kansas Citv. MO 64116 Phone: 319-601-9552 E-mail: pamela.g.billingslea@census.gov Signature: Date: If you have any questions, please call the Partnership Department at (816) 994-2045 Thank you for becoming an officiai 2010 Census partner! We appreciate your support in ensuring the success of this great effort. USCENSUSBUKE:IU Ce 1~t5 2010 2010 Census Timeline 2007 • Tribal, state, and local governments determine if local resources are needed to promote the 2010 Census. • Local Census Offices begin opening. • Highest Elected Official or community leader. determines Complete Count Committee (CCC) membership. -~~© • CCC is established. • CCC receives census training. •CCC develops strategy and work plan. • CCC spreads word about census jobs. .~~~~' • Questionnaires are delivered to every address. • CCC begins community organization mobilization. • CCC conducts 2010 Census publicity campaign. April ~, 2010-CENSUS ®A1' • Households return completed questionnaires. • CCC urges nonresponding households to cooperate with census takers. • CCC thanks the community for their participa- tion in the 2010 Census. I3ecember 31, 2010 • Census Bureau delivers population counts to the Contact Information If you reside in: Alabama, Florida, or Georgia Please Call: ATLANTA 1-404-335-1467 Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, upstate New Yorlc, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, or Vermont ICentuc]<y, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, or Wyoming Michigan, Ohio, or West Virginia Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, or 0]<lahoma Hawaii or Southern California New Jersey: 10 Northern Counties New Yorlc: 5 Boroughs of NYC; Counties of Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Southern New Jersey, Delaware, D. C., Maryland, or Pennsylvania Alaska, Idaho, Northern California, Oregon, or Washington BOSTON 1-617-223-3610 Puerto Rico Area Office 787-705-8201 CHARLOTTE 1-704-936-5330 CHICAGO 1-312-454-2770 pnt I nq 1-214-637-9680 DENVER 1-720-457-3670 DETROIT 1-313-259-1875 KANSAS CITY 1-816-298-9704 LOS ANGELES 1-s18-717-s8zo NEW YORK 212-356-3100 PHILADELPHIA 1-215-717-1020 SEATTLE 1-425-908-3060 President. <www.census.gov/2010census> U.S. Department of Commerce Issued March 2009 Economics and Statistics Administration D-1256 U.S. CENSUS 6UREAU Complete Count C'nmmittee Prnuram IT'S IN OUR HANDS USCENSUSBUREAU TT:~Qa~~. Census 2010 The 2010 Census Is here! The 2010 Census is on the horizon and the U.S. Census Bureau wants to ensure that everyone is counted. We are developing partnerships with tribal, state, and local governments; community-based organizations; faith-based groups; schools; businesses; the media; and others. Through these collabora- tive relationships, we can reach our shared goal of counting all residents in the 2010 Census. By being informed about the census and better understanding the census process, residents are more likely to respond to the census questionnaire. The Complete Count Committee (CCC) program is lcey to malting this happen in communities all across the country. CCCs incorporate local knowledge, influence, and possible resources to educate residents and promote the census through alocally-based and targeted outreach and promotion effort. CCCs provide a vehicle for coordinating and nurturing a cooperative effort between local governments, communities, and the Census Bureau. Local governments and community organizations can help the Census Bureau get a complete count in 2010. Get Started Tribal, state, and local governments work together with partners in the community to form Complete Count Committees (CCC) to promote the 2010 Census in their communities. Community-based organizations also establish CCCs that reach out to their constituents. ~- - -_- A Complete Count Committee is a team of com- munity leaders appointed by the highest-elected official or assembled by community leaders to develop and implement alocally-based outreach and awareness campaign for the 2010 Census. This team's primary focus is to promote the 2010 Census in a particular community and to ensure that every resident in that area is counted. Community leaders are most qualified to understand the best way to reach all popula- tions that reside in their area. The team is also best suited to mobilize community resources in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. w The process starts I+iOW! Identify CCC leaders and budget resources where possible to pro- mote the census locally. Identify CCC members and establish your work plan. In 2010, you will be ready to implement your plan and lead your community to a successful census count. Its up to you! You know the best way to reach your community. Some activities could include • Census rally or parade • Ethnic media luncheon • Census unity forum for youth • Interfaith breakfast and weekend events Early Involvement of Tribal, State, and Local Governments Is Crucial "The Complete Count Committee turned out to be an excellent way to reach all segments of the commu- nity and educate them about the Census. Our efforts resulted in a mail-back response that was higher than anyone had anticipated." Albert Pritchett, C/rairman, Complete Count Com- mittee, Coolc County, Illinois `Rapidly growing and diversifying cities need to realize just how critical a Complete Count effort is to .. . getting the absolutely best count possible during the 2010 decennial enumeration ... to ensure their fair share of federal and state funding. The Census Bureau relies heavily on local Complete Count efforts to reach ...difficult to enumerate populations. Each city can tailor their Complete Count efforts to best meet the needs of their urban personality." Ryan Robinson, Ciiy Demographer, Austin, Texas 'Forming a Complete Count Committee was indeed a labor of love for us. We followed the guide, formed the subcommittees and our entire city was energized. There is no doubt about the effectiveness of the Tell City Complete Count Committee. This was an effective program in bridging the gap between the community and the government. What a novel idea!" Louie Heitkemper, CCC Co-Chairman, Tell City, Indiana "With the 2010 Census quickly approaching, it is impor- tant that every citizen in our community be counted. The Complete Count Committee ...helps us mobilize resources, and ensure that Miami-Dade County gets its fair share of the federal funds and resources." Carlos Alvarez, Mayor, Miami-Dade County "The Complete Count Committee included every seg- ment of our community. Some of the activities we incorporated in our CCC campaign were so successful in bringing everyone together that we have continued them as annual festivals. The CCC was indeed a strat- egy for building our community and learning more about our immigrant populations." Graham Ric-rard, Mayor, Fort, Wayne, Indiana CENSUS 2010 Proposed Complete Count Committee Facilitator: Jan Powers, Public Relations Consultant, The Powers of Communication Government subcommittee City Staff: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager, Guy Hemenway, Assistant Planner, Kay Munson, Planning Technician, Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer, Kelli Buchenau, Communications Assistant Nikki Breitspecker, GIS Coordinator/Analyst; Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director; Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist and David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director. ECIA representatives Dubuque County representatives Education subcommittee Dubuque Community Schools Holy Family Catholic Schools Loras College Clarke College University of Dubuque Northeast Iowa Community College Emmaus Bible College Wartburg Seminary Faith-based subcommittee DACU Archdiocese of Dubuque Sisters of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters of Charity Sisters of the Order of St. Francis Media subcommittee City Channel 8 Woodward Communications Radio Dubuque Census 2010 Proposed Complete Count Committee Page 2 Cumulus Broadcasting Group KDFX KWWL KCRG Lamar Outdoor Advertising Co. Mediacom Community-based organizations subcommittee St. Mark's Community Center Local neighborhood councils AARP Operation New View NAACP Project Concern St. Patrick's Hispanic Ministry Hispanic Community representative(s) Marshallese Community representative(s) African-American Community representative(s) Transitional housing representative(s) SRO housing representative(s) Multi-Cultural Family Center Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Housing organizations subcommittee Senior Housing Assisted Living Centers Long-term care facilities: Sunnycrest, Albrecht Acres, ARC of Dubuque Nursing homes Homeless shelters Marinas Business subcommittee Chamber of Commerce Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Dubuque Initiatives Dubuque Area Labor-Management Council Dubuque Main Street United Labor Participation Committee Dubuque Federation of Labor Westside Business Association ~m}~l~te Count Commi C; side Issued Novemher 2008 D-1280 IT'S I N BUR HANDS www.census.gov/2010census U S C E N S U S B U R E A U U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. CENSUS BUREAU United States• Census 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS Message From the Director ................................................................................................... 3 Why Do We Take the Census? .............................................................................................. .. 5 How Are Census Data Used? ............................................................................................... .. 6 Are Census Data Really Confidential? .................................................................................. .. 7 What is a Complete Count Committee (CCC)? ...................................................................... .. 8 How Do You Organize a Complete Count Committee? ................................................ .. 9 State Government Complete Count Committees ........................................................... 9 Local Government Complete Count Committees ........................................................ 1 1 Community Complete Count Committees .................................................................. 12 When Should a Complete Count Committee Organize? ........................................................ 14 What Is the Subcommittee Structure of a Complete Count Committee? ................................ 1 5 Suggested Schedule for the Complete Count Committee ............................................ 17 Summary: What Are the Benefits of a Complete Count Committee? ..................................... 19 Appendix A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used ....................................................................... 20 Appendix B: Understanding the Language of the 2010 Census ............................................ 21 Regional Office Contact List ................................................................................................ 24 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide ~s Message FYOYYI the DIYeCtOY U.S. Census BuYeau Every decade since 1790, the U.S. Census Bureau has conducted a constitutionally mandated census to determine the number of people living within the United States and our territories. These data are used by our nation's leaders to help make vital decisions on behalf of all residents, including reapportionment and redistricting. Census data also affect how more than $300 billion in federal funds are distributed to tribal, state, and local governments each year. One of the primary goals of the 2010 Census is to increase the national mailback response rate. This not only reduces the overall cost of the census, but it also increases the accuracy of these data as well. Tribal, state, and local governments, as well as community and business organizations can help us achieve this goal by bringing local knowledge and expertise to the process. The Complete Count Committee is a major vehicle for planning and implementing local., targeted efforts that will uniquely address the special characteristics of your community. The role of the Complete Count Committee will be to plan and implement local outreach efforts to publicize the importance of the 2010 Census. The work of this committee will be innovative, exciting, and rewarding. The 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide provides guidelines for the active involvement of government officials, community leaders, and businesses in promoting the 2010 Census to residents in your area. The guide suggests a structure for organizing a local campaign, provides examples of activities that may be implemented, and gives a timetable for these activities. If you have any questions about the guide or how to get started forming your own Complete Count Committee, please refer to the back of this guide for your local Census Bureau Regional Office or visit <www.census.gov/2010Census>. Your participation in the 2010 Census program is voluntary. However, many government officials and community leaders understand that their participation is vital to help ensure an accurate and complete count of their community. The Census Bureau is strongly committed to the most accurate and efficient census in 2010. With your help, we will ensure every resident is counted once-only once-and in the right place. We look forward to partnering with you to obtain an accurate count for your community. Sincerely, Steve H. Murdock 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide ZO10 Census Complete Count Committee Guide r WHY DO WE TAKE THE CENSUS? ^ The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years, of everyone residing in the United States: in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and has been carried out every 10 years since then. ^ The next census occurs in 2010. The population totals from this census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative districts. ^ The U.S. Census Bureau must submit state popula- tion totals to the President of the United States by December 31 , 2010. ^ The totals also affect funding in your community, and data collected in the census help inform decision makers how your community is changing. Approximately $300 billion in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. ~;~ No, there are some important changes: ^ 2010 Census will be short form only just 10 easy questions. ^ The long form is now part of the annual American Community Survey. ^ Handheld computers with Global Positioning System will be used to check our address list in 2009. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 5 HOW ARE CENSUS DATA USED? i. ~~ Determining congressional seats and federal funding is just a hint of the many important uses of census data. Tale a look at examples below and refer to the appendix for even more uses of census data. (See Appendix A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used.) ^ The federal government uses population data to allocate funds in a number of areas: • Title 1 grants to educational agencies (school districts across the nation) • Head Start programs • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (food grants) • Public transportation • Road rehabilitation and construction • Programs for the elderly • Emergency food and shelter • Empowerment zones • The data help the private sector as well as state and federal governments determine where jobs and job programs are needed. ^ Census data help potential homeowners research prop- erty values, median income, and other demographic information about a particular community. ^ Corporations use population data for market research to determine locations for commercial enterprises, such as food stores, pharmacies, and other essential services. 6 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide ~~ ~` ~' ~~ 1 ~~ ~ _~ ARE CENSUS DATA REALLY CONFIDENTIAL? ~r ^ ABSOLUTELY! Your answers are protected by law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code, Section 9) and are strictly confidential. It is illegal for the Census Bureau, or its employees, to share your personal information with any other govern- ment agency-not law enforcement, IRS, Welfare, FBI, Immigration, etc. ^ No court of law, not even the President of the United States, can access your individual responses. 1953-During the Truman administration, the White House ` had to undergo renovation. It was necessary to relocate the President until the renovation was completed. The Secret Service requested from the Census Bureau information on residents liv- ing in the proposed relocation area for the purpose of performing background checks. However, because census data are ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENTIAL, even to the President, the request was denied. President Truman spent his exile at Blair House. ^ Census workers must pass security and employment reference checks and are highly motivated to protect your answers. All Census Bureau employees are subject to a .5250,000 FINEAND/OR A 5-YEAR PRISON TERM for dis- closing any information that could identify a respondent or household. 1980-Armed with a search warrant authorizing them to seize census documents, four FBI agents entered the Census Bureau's Colorado Springs office. No confidential information was ever released because a census worker held off the agents until her superiors resolved the issue with the FBI. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 7 WHAT IS A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE (CCC)? .._ Now that you are familiar with what a census is and why we conduct a census every 10 years, you can appreciate how much work is required to count every resident living in the country. The Census Bureau cannot do this alone. We require the assistance of partners-individuals, groups, and organizations across the nation that can help us build awareness about the census, why it is important, and encourage their community to participate. One very effective way to accomplish this is through Complete Count Committees. t Is A Co~rrnl~t~ C~u;Ht Cof~~~it~ee? A Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a volunteer committee established by tribal, state, and local governments, and/or community leaders, to increase awareness about the census and motivate residents in the community to respond. The committees work best when they include a cross section of community representatives from government agencies, education, business, religious organizations, and the media. The CCC is charged with developing and implementing a plan designed to target the unique characteristics of their community. Complete Count Committees (CCCs) come in different types and sizes, depending on how they are organized and where they are located. The following table gives you an idea of the types and sizes that are most common. $ 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Type of Responsible CCC Body Size Location State State government Large Statewide Local Local government Large, Urban, (Regional, County, Medium, Rural, or City, Town) or Small Suburban Community Community Large, Urban, organization/ Medium, Rural, or leader or Small Suburban Government-sponsored CCCs may have a state, regional, or local focus, and operate within the jurisdiction of their highest elected official(s). Local government CCCs may include more than one jurisdiction. Community-sponsored CCCs may be organized by a community group or a coalition of community groups. A CCC may also be assumed by or assigned to an existing committee or group such as a city planning board, a regional planning commission, or a local community committee. Once the CCC members have been identified, chairpersons may wish to divide the members into subcommittees based on the activities that the committee plans to undertake. For example, a media subcommittee may be formed to identify local officials and other persons of influence to record public service announcements (PSAs) and appear on local television and radio shows about the census. A second subcommittee might be on education, targeting the schools, colleges, and uni- versities with promotional materials and ensuring that the Census in Schools materials are being used by schools across the state. Another may be a business subcommittee that targets businesses and encourages them to post census materials and sponsor local events. Other possible subcommittees may include afaith-based focus to reach religious groups in a community or a youth focus to target organizations providing services to children, such as Head Start or day care centers. The type of subcommittee created is really based on the needs of the community the CCC serves or the focus of committee outreach. Tailor subcommittees to meet the community needs. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee?" on page 1 5. The common thread among all CCCs is that they are a team, CCCs are a team: • Charged with influencing members of their community to complete the 2010 Census questionnaire in a timely and accurate manner. • Of community members that will lead their community in the promotion of a 2010 Census awareness campaign from now through October 2010. Why FOYiYI t~ ?:~u~:%s-.Jj~:i_w. ~'ral«~f 4~~;5~3';`3a1$~~~ A Complete Count Committee should be formed to: • Increase the response rare for residents mailing back their questionnaire through a focused, structured, neighbor-to-neighbor program. ^ Utilize the local knowledge, expertise, and influence of each Complete Count Committee member to design and implement a census awareness campaign targeted to the commu- nity. Bring Cogether a cross section of community members whose focus is 2010 Census aware- ness. The CCC speaks the language of its community, therefore establishing an information highway that even the Internet cannot rival-neighbor informing neighbor. The CCC makes sure each resident is aware of the importance of an accurate census count. I~~oW ISO 1~0u ®t°~~~r.~iZe a Cornplete Count Corninitt~~? Based on the previous table, there are three types of Complete Count Committees, state government- sponsored, local government-sponsored, or community-sponsored. Let's take a look at each of these and review the differences between the committee types and sizes. Knowing what the differences are will help determine how to form your Complete Count Committee. Stag Government Corrl~let~ ~'.olil~t C01111I11ttE'.~S The Governor of the state, who appoints individuals to serve as members on the committee, typically creates state Complete Count Committees. The committee may be chaired by an individual desig- nated by the Governor, such as the Governor's Liaison or staff from the State Data Center. State CCCs may be fairly large with anywhere from 20 to 100 members. The committee members should be representative of the residents of the state and have 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide the time and commitment needed for a successful committee. State CCCs typically have members from various state agencies, local government agencies, schools, churches, media, and community organizations. Tap groups or organizations that will best help you implement and achieve your goals. State CCCs may operate with or without a subcommittee structure. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee?" on page 1 5. State CCCs often have a better understanding of the economic impact of a complete count and are highly motivated to develop a comprehensive outreach plan. They tend to have more resources (funds and/or staff) to support a CCC. >.~ie~ o~State Coftaple~e Several states organized Complete Count Committees in Census 2000, and we can look to them for best practices. The important thing to remember is to do the best you can with the resources you have. Here are some suggested strategies that worked well for them: Sat»ple Activities of State Co~saplete Cor~;sit Cort~mittees 2008-2009 ^ Allocate funds to conduct CCC outreach. ^ Encourage local governments to form Complete Count Committees. ^ Develop a list of barriers or concerns that might impede the progress of the 2010 Census in your state, such as pockets of populations speaking a language other than English, recent immigrants, and significant numbers of children under age 18. Explore ways/activities to address or overcome these barriers. ^ Develop and implement activities to involve state government employees in 2010 Census awareness campaign. ^ Include the 2010 Census logo and messages on letterhead, brochures, newsletters, and Web site. ^ Display census information/materials in all state government buildings. ^ Sponsor a contest to create a state slogan and/ or mascot for promoting the 2010 Census. ^ Allocate state funds for implementation of the state CCC. January-March 2010 ^ Develop an action plan. ^ Assign staff to work with the state CCC. • Set clear, achievable goals and objectives. ^ Identify targets (populations or areas) for aggressive outreach through- • direct community outreach-touching as many people as possible through swap meets, sports events, festivals, parades, etc. • strategic partnerships with counties, schools, state agencies, and community-based organi- zations. • a state media campaign with a catchy slogan. Example: California state CCC in 2000 used the slogan "California, You Count!" ^ Coordinate activities with local CCCs throughout the state. ^ Develop a state 2010 Census Web site with links to the Census Bureau Web site. ^ Create promotional materials and items for populations or areas identified. ^ Create events in key areas where none exist. ^ Add census messages to meetings and corres- pondence. ^ Implement major promotional events around mailout of questionnaires and nonresponse follow-up. ^ Provide information on federally funded programs that have benefited the state. ^ Saturate targeted areas with census information that is easy-to-read and understand. ^ Change telephone hold messages in state offices to remind residents to complete and return their questionnaire immediately. April 2010 ^ Have government employees answer the phones with a 2010 Census message. ^ Change telephone hold messages in state offices to one that encourages residents to cooperate with the census workers that may come to their home if they don't return their questionnaire. 1 0 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide May-July 2010 ^ Prepare final report of committee activities and provide a copy of your report to your regional census contact person. ocal or Tribal Governor omplete Cou~it ~ammlil Local Complete Count Committees are formed by the highest elected official in that jurisdiction, such as a mayor, county commissioner, tribal leader, or regional chairman. The highest elected official may appoint a chair of the CCC and may then appoint residents of the community to serve as members of the CCC. Members appointed could be representative of a cross section of the community, be willing and able to serve until the census is over, and help implement a creative outreach campaign in areas that may pose a challenge in 2010. Members could include persons from the areas of education, media, business, religion, and community groups. Most local government CCCs are small to medium size depending on the jurisdiction. A town may have a small committee with only 3-5 members, while a city CCC may be medium to large size with anywhere from 10 to more than 100 members, depending on the size of the city or tribe. Both county and regional CCCs, since they cover a larger geography, tend to be larger in size with 20-50 members. The size and number of members depends on what works best for each jurisdiction and what will make the most effective and successful committee. Mayors, county commissioners, and heads of regional boards understand the importance of getting a complete and accurate census count and how census data impacts their communities. In previous censuses, experience has shown that local government CCCs are more productive with subcommittee structure. Examples of subcommittees and what they do are covered under "What is the subcommittee structure of a Complete Count Committee?" on page 1 5. Examples of Local s~~as~ T~°~~ ~9 ~f~.~. i`% ~~",rar ~p17~?3 f~ ~f ~IJ;f?7'~H t~~' _. Nationwide, there were 1 1,800 Complete Count Committees formed in Census 2000, and the major- ity of them were local government committees. Here are some suggested strategies that worked for them: ^ Allocate funds for the CCC, and assign a staff person to work with the committee. ^ Set clear, achievable goals and objectives. Identify areas of the community that you want to target, either a geographical area or a population group that might be hard to count. Use a "grassroots" approach, working with community-based organizations and groups who have direct contact with residents, especially those who may be hard to count. ^ Create promotional materials and products customized for your area. ^ Implement special events such as a Census Day "Be Counted" parade. Sat~ple Activities of ~ocat Cor»plete Coi~~3t Cnr~~y~titiees 2008-2009 ^ Develop a list of barriers or concerns that might impede the progress of the 2010 Census in your local area, such as recent immigrants, non-English speaking groups, high crime areas, and communities with gated residents. Explore ways/activities to address or overcome those barriers. ^ Create ways to dispel myths and alleviate fears about the privacy and confidentiality of census data. ^ Place census messages in water bills, property tax bills, and other correspondence generated by the jurisdiction. ^ Develop and implement activities to involve local government employees in 2010 Census awareness campaign. ^ Encourage corporations to become official sponsors of your census activities. ^ Have census banners, posters, and other signage placed in highly visible public locations, ^ Include the 2010 Census logo and message on bus schedules, brochures, newsletters, and your local jurisdiction Web site. ^ Sponsor a census booth at county fairs, carnivals, and festivals (especially cultural or ethnic celebrations). ^ Sponsor a contest to design a sticker or poster promoting the 2010 Census. ^ Have census information available during voter registration drives. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide January-March 2010 ^ Add a census message to all meetings, events, and correspondence. • Provide information on federally funded programs that have benefited the community. ^ Plan a major promotional event around the mailout of census questionnaires. ^ Saturate public access areas with easy-to- read and understandable census information customized for your community. ^ Ask elected officials to encourage residents to complete and return questionnaires immediately. ^ Place a census message on all municipal marquees urging residents to complete and return their questionnaires. April 2010 ^ Place public service announcements in local media encouraging residents to cooperate with census workers. ~;omrnu~Yity C®>~iplete ~'.(?Utlt ~dmlltlittll~~?S Community Complete Count Committees are often formed in areas that do not have a government CCC or areas that may require a more targeted outreach approach. Community CCCs may be formed by a community group/organization or a coalition of several organizations. For example, an organization in a predominantly elderly community may want to form a community CCC in order to build awareness among that population and encourage them to respond when questionnaires are delivered. A tenant's association may form a committee to educate tenants about the census and help those needing assistance in completing their questionnaire. Community CCCs identify their own chair and committee members. They may choose residents who are influential leaders or gatekeepers in the community to serve as members or others that will help accomplish the goals of the committee. Community CCCs are usually small to medium in size with anywhere from 5 to 25 members depend- ing on the sponsoring organization(s) and the size of the community it represents. Small committees may not need subcommittees, however, larger committees may find this structure helps them focus and work more effectively. ~xc~t;tiples o f Cor~~~~~a~~ity ~,__~:~_; ~. _~ A number of organizations formed community Complete Count Committees in Census 2000. Some examples of these organizations are Community Action groups, Hispanic Service Center, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Human Development Commission. Here are some suggested strategies that worked for them: • Set clear, achievable goals and objectives for your committee. Identify what your committee will focus on. Some examples include increasing the response rate in public housing communities among cultural/ethnic groups in your area or among students in colleges/universities, outreach and promotion to youth or elderly in the community, or a global approach if no other CCCs are in the area. • Develop an action plan that will include activi- ties, events, etc., which will support your efforts and help you meet your goals and objectives. • Create promotional materials that appeal to your focus areas, if resources are available. • Implement special events that will generate interest and participation in the census. Sat~rp/e Activities of Comma,f~ity Co-t;rplete Count Comr»ittees 2008-2009 ^ Identify organizations in the community that can provide space for Questionnaire Assistance Centers and will serve as a Be Counted site. Pass this information on to your census contact person. • Make a list of community-based organizations in your area. Hold a meeting with leaders of the organizations and solicit their help in creating a census awareness campaign targeted for community residents. ^ Check the community calendar in your area for events. Contact event organizers to see if you can a have a census table or pass out census materials to increase awareness. ^ Plan and solicit sponsors fora "Census Day/ Night Street Festival" in late 2009. Think of creative games or activities where census information can be incorporated. • Develop a 2009 Census Activity Calendar, ask organizations to choose a month in which they will sponsor census activities or promote census awareness. ~ 2 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide ^ Ask organizations to include a census article or message in all of their publications from April 2009 to August 2010. January through March 2010 ^ Encourage organizations to include 2010 Census on the agenda of their meetings, workshops, or conferences. ^ Distribute/post fliers announcing the delivery of the census questionnaire at busy locations in the community. ^ Check with your census contact person about the locations of Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Be Counted sites in your commu- nity. Get signs from the contact person with the days and times the centers will be open. If signs are not available, make and post them as a committee project. ^ Sponsor a "Little Miss/Mr. Census" contest and have the winners complete and mail a "symbolic" census questionnaire. April 2010 ^ Encourage residents to complete and mailback their census questionnaires. ^ Plan a Census Day event to motivate community response. ^ Check with your census contact person about response rates for your community. If rates are low, plan special events or activities to motivate residents to respond. ^ Remind residents if they don't mailback their questionnaire a census worker may come to their home. Encourage residents to cooperate with census workers. May 2010 ^ Continue to encourage community residents to cooperate with census workers. ^ Evaluate what worked best for your community and briefly report this information to your census liaison. • Celebrate your success and thank all those involved in making it happen. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 3 WHEN SHOULD A COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE ORGANIZE? ^ Although the 2010 Census questionnaires will not be delivered to households until mid-March of 2010, the census awareness campaign should start TODAY. Residents will begin to experience, by the end of 2008, some type of census operation such as address listing. These operations are necessary to verify the accuracy and location of each address in the United States. ^ The immediate formulation of a Complete Count Committee will ensure that local residents are kept abreast of the various census operations before the information is nationally circulated. • The more informed residents are about the 2010 Census operations, the better their understanding of the census process becomes, thus increasing their willingness to be apart of the successful enumeration in 2010. 14 2010 Cens~xs Complete Count Committee Guide ~~ WHAT IS THE SUBCOMMITTEE STRUCTURE OF A COMPLETECOU~T COMMITTEE? The StrNCie~re ^ The Census Bureau regional staff will serve as a liaison or an informational resource. • The operation of the Complete Count Committee flows from the highest elected official or community leader to the chairperson, the committee members, and/or to the community at large. ^ The highest elected official or community leader appoints a chairperson. The chairperson is the liaison or main source of contact between the Complete Count Committee and the Census Bureau. ^ The chairperson collaborates with the highest elected official or community leader to select subcommittee chairs. ^ The Complete Count Committee should involve every aspect of a local community in its subcommittee structure-government, education, faith-based, media, community-based organizations, business, and recruiting. The U.S. Census Bureau does not manage the Complete Count Committee. The following are examples of a typical subcommittee struc- ture. Other subcommittees may be formed based on the focus of the CCC or the needs of the community. Examples of other subcommittee topics are migrant and seasonal farmworkers, children/youth services, immigrants, senior services, and the disabled community. Government subcommittee-Assists in all activities between the Census Bureau and the local government, such as participation in decennial geography programs, free space 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 5 for Questionnaire Assistance Centers, and identifying other resources for CCC activities. Education subcommittee-Facilitates census awareness for local schools from prekindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as postsecondary education institutions in the area. May also encourage school administrators, teachers, and students to use Census In Schools materials. Faith-based subcommittee-Creates and coordi- nates activities and materials that can be used by any local faith-based institution in the promotion of the 2010 Census awareness and participation. Media subcommittee-Creates and facilitates ways to get the census message to all community residents, using all available sources such as local newspapers, newsletters, fliers, local festivals, billboards, radio, and television. Community-based organizations subcommittee-Collaborates with community organizations to inform residents of the importance of participating in the 2010 Census and the benefits derived from census data. Business subcommittee-Creates and coordi- nates activities that involve businesses in census awareness, such as distribution of census infor- mation and census messages on packaging (grocery bags), and the inclusion of the census logo and message on sales promotion materials. Figure 1. Sample Organizational Chart Recruiting subcommittee-Disseminates informa- tion about census job openings for the 2010 Census. Information will include the number of jobs avail- able, types of jobs available, and the locations of testing and training sites. The subcommittee chairpersons may recruit mem- bers for their respective teams. The ideal candidates for a Complete Count Committee are those com- munity members who have expertise, influence, and experience in the area of the respective committee. Committees are more productive and successful if willing to invest time, resources, and energy in this project. Figure 1 is a sample Complete Count Committee organizational chart. The organizational chart is a guide to assist in forming a CCC and implementing the CCC plan. Once discussion has started about the focus and goals of the committee, subcommittees and/or activities may be added to fit the customized plan. Both the government-led and the community-led Complete Count Committee operation flows the same, from chairperson to committee and/or subcommittees and then to the community at large. The community CCC essentially functions the same as the governmental CCC. HIGHEST ELECTED OFFICIAL OR COMMUNITY LEADER CHAIRPERSON (Liaison) ~_ ~ I- COMMUNITY- GOVERNMENT EDUCATION FAITH-BASED MEDIA BASED BUSINESS RECRUITING SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE 16 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide St~gge~tei~ Srhe~»><ie ~®I the C~~ni,lete ~'n>ttxalt Committee Action Steps 2008 Summer and FAIT ^ Highest elected official or community leader meets with regional office partnership staff to discuss forming a partnership for the 2010 Census and the establishment of a Complete-Count Committee. ^ Highest elected official or community leader appoints the chairperson of the CCC. ^ Highest elected official or community leader, with the assistance of the chairperson, appoints the subcommittee chairpersons (if necessary). ^ Highest elected official or community leader holds a press conference to announce the formation of a CCC and the appointment of the chairperson. ^ Official or community leader issues a proclamation/resolution stating that it will formulate a Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census. 2008 Fall and Winter ^ Hold first Complete Count Committee meeting: • Give an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a CCC. • Select a secretary to record minutes of meetings. • Establish committees (if necessary). • Develop a plan of action for 2010 Census awareness campaign to cover the period from now through October 2010. • Set a schedule for the CCC meetings as well as the subcommittees. February-December 2009 ^ CCC members participate in census CCC training. ^ Hold regularly scheduled meetings to report on tasks and subcommittee activities. ^ Proceed with census awareness activities generated by each subcommittee. ^ Evaluate the activities for effectiveness. ^ Modify action plan as needed. ^ Saturate community with at least one census awareness activity each month. January 2010 ^ Hold monthly CCC and subcommittee meetings. ^ Finalize plans for activities surrounding question- naire delivery days and Census Day activities. ^ Review task lists and subcommittee activity plans. ^ Proceed with 2010 Census activities generated by subcommittees. ^ Finalize plans for activities to encourage residents to complete and return census questionnaires. ^ Develop and finalize plans for motivating resi- dents who do not return their questionnaires to cooperate with census workers during non- response follow-up. Plan these activities for April 2010. February 2010 ^ Hold regular CCC and subcommittee meetings. ^ Review and modify, as needed, plans for ques- tionnaire delivery and Census Day activities. ^ Review and modify, as needed, plans for residents who do not respond. ^ Finalize plans for all activities scheduled for March and April. ^ Check with subcommittee chairs on the number and location of Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Be Counted Sites. Publicize the location, dates, and times of operations in the community. March 2010 Countdown to Census Day ^ Review and implement activities leading to Census Day-April 1, 2010. ^ Finalize plans for all activities planned for the end of March and the month of April. ^ Proceed with activities generated by subcommit- tees. ^ Send press release highlighting 2010 Census activity schedule. ^ Encourage community members to participate with census workers during address canvassing operations. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 1 7 Census Day-April 1, 2010 April 2010 The ti~aae has come to act. ^ Implement Census Day activities. ^ Hold daily activities to encourage residents to complete questionnaires accurately and to return them quickly. ^ Evaluate activities and make changes as necessary. ^ Prepare to implement activities for residents that did not return their questionnaire. ^ Implement activities to keep the census awareness and interest strong. May July 2010 Nohvesponse follow-up ^ Use all sources to encourage residents to cooperate with census workers. ^ Continue to meet regularly to give and receive 2010 Census progress reports. ^ Prepare summary report of CCC activities, operations, and member feedback. ^ Celebrate the success of the 2010 Census enumeration and recognize the efforts of the CCC members. 18 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide SUMMARY: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A ,~ COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE (CCC)? The CCC speaks the language of and knows the pulse of its community, therefore establishing an information highway that even the Internet cannot rival-neighbor informing neighbor. The CCC will help ensure an accurate 2010 Census count. The CCC gains valuable knowledge about the census process at the local level and develops a plan to impart that know- ledge to each and every resident as only a neighbor and fellow stakeholder can do. The CCC increases the participation ratio and the response rate by continuing awareness of the 2010 Census through July of 2010. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 19 APPENDIX A: 50 Ways Census Data Are Used ^ Decision making at all levels of government. ^ Drawing federal, state, and local legislative districts. ^ Attracting new businesses to state and local areas. ^ Distributing over $300 billion in federal funds and even more in state funds. ^ Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population. ^ Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and the location of other health services. ^ Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population. ^ Directing funds for services for people in poverty. ^ Designing public safety strategies. ^ Development of rural areas. ^ Analyzing local trends. ^ Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disasters. ^ Developing assistance programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives. ^ Creating maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance. ^ Delivering goods and services to local markets. ^ Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, or children. ^ Planning future government services. • Planning investments and evaluating financial risk. ^ Publishing economic and statistical reports about the United States and its people. ^ Facilitating scientific research. ^ Developing "intelligent" maps for government and business. ^ Providing proof of age, relationship, or residence certificates provided by the Census Bureau. ^ Distributing medical research. ^ Reapportioning seats in the House of Representatives. ^ Planning and researching for media as backup for news stories. ^ Providing evidence in litigation involving land use, voting rights, and equal opportunity. ^ Drawing school district boundaries. ^ Planning budgets for government at all levels. ^ Spotting trends in the economic well-being of the nation. ^ Planning for public transportation services. • Planning health and educational services for people with disabilities. ^ Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices. ^ Directing services to children and adults with limited English language proficiency. ^ Planning urban land use. ^ Planning outreach strategies. ^ Understanding labor supply. ^ Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases. ^ Analyzing military potential. ^ Making business decisions. ^ Understanding consumer needs. ^ Planning for congregations. ^ Locating factory sites and distribution centers. ^ Distributing catalogs and developing direct mail pieces. ^ Setting a standard for creating both public and private sector surveys. ^ Evaluating programs in different geographic areas. ^ Providing genealogical research. ^ Planning for school projects. ^ Developing adult education programs. ^ Researching historical subject areas. ^ Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans. 20 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide APPENDIX B: Understanding t~1e Language of the 2010 Census ~tossAry Thy X0]0 ~'QC~~~a~ ~;roi`~ A to Z Advance Letter A Census Bureau letter sent to alert households that the census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to them soon. American Community Survey (ACS) A monthly sample household survey conducted by the Census Bureau to obtain information similar to the long-form census questionnaire. The ACS is sent to a small percentage of the U.S. population on a rotating basis. First tested in 1995, it will replace the long form for the 2010 Census. Since 2004, ACS has provided annual data for social and economic characteristics for many geographic entities and population groups. Be Counted Site The Be Counted program provides a means for people who believe they were not counted to be included in the 2010 Census. Special Be Counted census forms in five different languages-Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Russian, will be available at different locations in the community. Businesses and organizations may agree to be a Be Counted site by donating space to display a Be Counted box with forms in appropriate languages for their location. The Be Counted program runs for about 4 weeks in spring 2010. Census A complete enumeration of a population or business and commercial establishments, factories, farms, or governments in an area. (See decennial census.) Census Bureau An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce and the country's preeminent statistical collection and dissemination agency. It publishes a wide variety of statistical data about people, housing, and the economy of the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts approximately 200 annual surveys, conducts the decennial census of the United States population and housing, the quinquennial economic census, and the census of governments. Census Day The reference date for collection of information for a census. For the decennial census, this has been April 1 of the decade year (year ending with zero) since the 1930 census. April 1 , 2010, is the reference date, Census Day, for the 2010 Census. Census in Schools (CIS) A national program component of the 2010 Census with an emphasis on kindergarten through eighth grade students in schools located in hard to count areas. The purpose of Census in Schools is to educate all of the nation's K-12 students about the importance of the 2010 Census. Commitment An agreement or pledge to carry out a particular task or activity that will in some way help the census achieve its goals. Complete Count Committee (CCC) A volunteer committee established by tribal, state, and local governments, and/or community organizations leaders to include a cross section of community leaders, including representatives from government agencies; education, business, and religious organizations; community agencies; minority organizations; and the media. The committees are charged with developing and implementing a 2010 Census outreach, promotion, recruiting, and enumeration assistance plan of action designed to target and address the needs of their communities. Confidentiality The guarantee made by law (Title 13, United States Code) to individuals who provide information to the Census Bureau, ensuring that the Census Bureau will not reveal information to others. Decennial Census The census of population and housing taken by the Census Bureau in each year ending in zero. Article 1 , Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years for the purpose of apportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. The first census of population was taken in 1 790. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 21 Early Local Census Offices (ELCO) A temporary office opened to conduct early census operations such as check addresses and develop and refine the Master Address File for mailing census questionnaires. Enumeration The process of interviewing people and recording the information on census forms. Enumerator A Census Bureau employee who collects census information by visiting households during census field operations. Governmental Unit (GU) A geographic entity established by legal action for the purpose of implementing specified general- or special-purpose governmental functions. Most gov- ernmental units have legally established boundaries and names. GU officials (elected or appointed) have the power to carry out legally prescribed functions, provide services for the residents, and raise revenues. To meet Census Bureau criteria, a government must be an organized entity that, in addition to having governmental character, has sufficient discretion in the management of its own affairs to distinguish it as separate from the administrative structure of any other governmental unit. To have governmental character, an entity must exist as a legally organized entity and have legally defined responsibilities to its residents. Hard to Count (HTC) Groups or populations who have historically been undercounted and/or traditionally have not responded well to the decennial census question- naire, such as ethnic/minority populations, renters, low-income, etc. Hard to Enumerate (HTE) An area for which the environment or population may present difficulties for enumeration. Highest Elected Official (HEO) The elected or appointed person who is the chief executive official of a governmental unit and is most responsible for the governmental activities of the governmental unit such as the governor of a state, chair of a county commission, or mayor of an incorporated place. Household (HH) A person or group of people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence. The number of households equals the number of occupied housing units in a census. Housing Unit (HU) A house, townhouse, mobile home or trailer, apartment, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters or, if vacant, is intended for occupancy as separate living quarters. Local Census Office (LCO) A temporary office established to oversee census operations in a specific area. These operations include address listing field work, local recruiting, and visiting living quarters to conduct the 2010 Census. Mailout/Mailback (MO/MB) A method of data collection in which the U.S. Postal Service delivers questionnaires to housing units, based on geocoded addresses (usually city-style mailing addresses) recorded in the Census Bureau's Master Address File. Residents are asked to com- plete and mail the questionnaires to a specified data capture center. Mail Return Rate (MRR) The total number of households returning a ques- tionnaire by mail divided by the number of estimated housing units that received a questionnaire by mail or from a census enumerator (the only units that can return a questionnaire). This measure cannot be finalized until the enumeration is completed, and the final number of occupied housing units is determined. Master Address File (MAF) A Census Bureau computer file of every address and physical location, including their geographic locations, that will be used to conduct the next decennial census, as well as some ongoing surveys. This address file is updated throughout the decade and is supplemented by information provided by tribal, state, and local governments. Nonresponse (NR) A housing unit for which the Census Bureau does not have a completed questionnaire and from which the Census Bureau did not receive a telephone or Internet response. Nonresponse Follow-up (NRFU) Afield operation designed to obtain a completed interview from households where a questionnaire was not returned. Enumerators will make personal visits to these households to obtain completed interviews. The enumerator will enter respondents' answers to interview questions or information about the status of the housing unit (for example, vacant or nonexistent). If all attempts to contact the residents of a household are unsuccessful, an enumerator will obtain as much information as possible about the household from a neighbor, building manager, or another reliable source. Partner A partner is a group or individual that commits to participate in some way with census activities. 22 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Partnership An agreement with tribal, state, and local govern- ments, national organizations, and community groups (faith-based organizations, businesses, media, schools, etc.) that allows their active participation in various census activities. Partnership Specialist The Partnership Specialist takes a lead role in outreach and promotional efforts before and during census operations. Their main duties are increasing awareness and outreach in communities and gaining cooperation and participation from those communities. Privacy Act The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that each federal agency advise respondents of their rights. Specifi- cally, every respondent must know under what law the information is being collected, how the information will be used, whether he or she must answer the questions, and the consequences of not answering the questions. Questionnaire Assistance Center (QAC) A center established by a local census office to assist people with completing their questionnaires. For Census 2000, the centers were established in community centers, large apartment buildings, churches, and so forth. The centers are staffed by Census Bureau employees. QAC's are open when census questionnaires are mailed, about 4 weeks from mid-March to mid-April 2010. Regional Census Center (RCC) One of 12 temporary Census Bureau offices established to manage census field office and local census office activities and to conduct geographic programs and support operations. Regional Office (RO) One of 12 permanent Census Bureau offices that direct and advise local census offices for the 2010 Census. The Regional Office also conducts one-time and ongoing Census Bureau surveys, such as the Current Population Survey (CPS), which is used to publish unemployment figures each month, and the American Community Survey (ACS), a nationwide survey designed to obtain information similar to long-form data and to provide communities a fresh, more current look at how they are changing. Respondent The person who answers the Census Bureau's questions about his or her living quarters and its occupants. The respondent is usually the member of the household who owns or rents the living quarters. Title 13 (U.S. Code) The law under which the Census Bureau operates. This law guarantees the confidentiality of census information and establishes penalties for disclosing this information. It also provides the authorization for conducting censuses in Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. Value Added Refers to any service or activity provided by partners that would ordinarily require payment such as room/ space for testing or training, use of staff time, and use of other business resources. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide 23 If You Live Here _ Call This Regional Office Phone Number ALABAMA Atlanta 404-730-3832 ALASKA Seattle 206-381-6200 ARIZONA Denver 303-264-0202 ARKANSAS Kansas City 913-551-6728 CALIFORNIAN Los Angeles 818-267-1 700 CALIFORNIAN Seattle 206-381-6200 COLORADO Denver 303-264-0202 CONNECTICUT Boston 617-424-4501 DELAWARE Philadelphia 21 5-71 7-1 800 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Philadelphia 21 5-717-1800 FLORIDA Atlanta 404-730-3832 GEORGIA Atlanta 404-730-3832 HAWAII Los Angeles 818-267-1 700 IDAHO Seattle 206-381-6200 ILLINOIS Chicago 630-288-9200 INDIANA Chicago 630-288-9200 IOWA Kansas City 913-551-6728 KANSAS Kansas City 913-551-6728 KENTUCKY Charlotte 704-424-6400 LOUISIANA Dallas 214-253-4400 MAINE Boston 61 7-424-4501 MARYLAND Philadelphia 21 5-717-1800 MASSACHUSETTS Boston 61 7-424-4501 MICHIGAN Detroit 313-259-1 158 MINNESOTA Kai~~a~ Clty 913-551-6728 MISSISSIPPI Dallas 214-253-4400 MISSOURI Ku~~~«~ City 913-551-6728 MONTANA Denver 303-264-0202 NEBRASKA Denver 303-264-0202 NEVADA Denver 303-264-0202 NEW HAMPSHIRE Boston 61 7-424-4501 NEW JERSEYz Philadelphia 215-717-1800 NEW JERSEYz New York 212-584-3400 NEW MEXICO Denver 303-264-0202 NEW YORK3 Boston 61 7-424-4501 NEW YORK3 New York 212-584-3400 NORTH CAROLINA Charlotte 704-424-6400 NORTH DAKOTA Denver 303-264-0202 OHIO Detroit 313-259-1 1 58 OKLAHOMA Kansas City 913-551-6728 OREC;UN Seattle 206-381-6200 PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia 215-717-1800 RHODE ISLAND Boston 61 7-424-4501 SOUTH CAROLINA Charlotte 704-424-6400 SOUTH DAKOTA Denver 303-264-0202 TENNESSEE Charlotte 704-424-6400 TEXAS Dallas 214-2 5 3-4400 UTAH Denver 303-264-0202 VERMONT Boston 617-424-4501 VIRGINIA Charlotte 704-424-6400 WASHINGTON Seattle 206-381-6200 WEST VIRGINIA Detroit 313-259-1 158 WISCONSIN Chicago 630-288-9200 WYOMING Denver 303-264-0202 24 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Guide Regional Office Contact List Note: For more information, go to <www.census.gov>. ~ The Los Angeles Regional OfFice covers Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura counties. The remaining counties are covered by the Seattle Regional Office. z The New York Regional Office covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties in New Jersey. The remaining New Jersey counties are covered by the Philadelphia Regional OfFice. s The New York Regional Office covers Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. The Boston Regional Office covers the balance of New York State.