7 Reasons to Participate in the 2010 Census ...

By Jennifer

7 Reasons to Participate in the 2010 Census ...

It’s 2010, and that means it’s time for another U.S. Census. It’s time to be counted, so the government knows how many of us there are, and where the most of us live. There are thousands of worry-warts and conspiracy theorists out there who think this is some dastardly plot so our government can keep an eye on all of us, but that’s not the case. I interviewed Michelle Garcia in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Macomb County, Michigan office, and she assured me that the information you provide is not ever, EVER used in prosecution. And it’s used for a lot of GOOD, actually… here are the top reasons she shared with me to participate in the U.S. census.

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1

To Make Sure You Get Your Share

To Make Sure You Get Your Share Photo Credit: Nux Pix

You and your family deserve to be counted as part of a unique household and part of your community. If a census shows that there are fewer people living in an area, policy makers don’t know that you just decided not to participate — they assume the numbers are correct and make decisions on how to spend tax dollars… FEWER tax dollars, if there are fewer people! So make sure you get your share by being counted!

2

To Make Sure Your Community Gets Its Share

To Make Sure Your Community Gets Its Share Photo Credit: bw.futures

The federal government distributes much of its $400 billion dollars each year based on census data. Infrastructure, like hospitals, roads and bridges, senior centers, schools, and the like are all built and maintained depending on how many people live in each area. When you participate in the census, you’re making sure your community gets its share of all of these things, and more!

3

For Future Generations

For Future Generations Photo Credit: JennKstep

When I was working on my family tree (which I have been able to trace back to the early 14th century, in Wales), I came across my great-grandfather’s census from 1930 and it was very informative. Back then, the census was done by hand by door-to-door census takers, and they recorded information about the household that we don’t collect now, like how many radios were in the household, and what sort of work everyone in the household did. It’s fascinating to think that someday, your great-grandchildren might look at your census information to learn more about you!

4

Because It’s Secure

Because It’s Secure Photo Credit: Jase Wells

If you’ve ever had your identity stolen, you know how much of a hassle it can be to repair the damage it can do to your credit. Some people are afraid to participate because they think that somehow the data can be used to steal their identity, or something even worse. Not true. The data you share is secure.

5

Because It’s Your Civic Duty

Because It’s Your Civic Duty Photo Credit: DottieboBottie

Just like voting, or registering for the draft (if you’re a guy), participating in the census is another way to do your civic duty. Did you know that the census data is also used to help draw district lines?

Famous Quotes

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

George Santayana
6

Because It Could Be Used in Future Studies

Because It Could Be Used in Future Studies Photo Credit: Wessex Archaeology

Over the years, the data collected in the census has been used in studies to prove that certain groups were being targeted for unfair treatment, or were exposed to dangerous environments because they were low-income. Without the census data, these studies, and their subsequent corrective actions, would not be able to happen.

7

It’s Fast and Easy, so Why Not?

It’s Fast and Easy, so Why Not? Photo Credit: State Farm

Over the years, I’ve known about a dozen people who have boycotted the census as a political statement, and while I respect their freedom to do as they choose, I tend to dismiss their claims as bordering on silly because I can’t see how it will make any sort of difference for them not to be counted. It’s free, it only takes a few minutes, and entire communities stand to gain from it, so why not just participate?

I expect that when the census taker knocks on your door, or calls you to set an appointment, you’ll be delighted to share your information now that you know it’s safe. I know I will! Why do you participate (or not participate) in the census? Please tell me!

Top Photo Credit: scottdunn

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Your reason #6 is why I am excited to participate in the Census this time around, although I always have participated. But this will be the first census that going to get information specific to the LGBT community. I am proud to finally be counted...whether they like it or not :) It's crazy – the U.S. Census Bureau wants an accurate count of everyone in the country – but there's no question in the survey that asks if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. You read that right: LGBT people are basically invisible in the survey that is supposed to reflect the diversity of America's population – and that's a big problem. The data collected impacts issues critical to every American – like our health care, our economic stability, and even our safety. And when LGBT people aren't counted, then we also don't count when it comes to services, resources ... you name it.

i believe the cencus is the biggest bunch of bs since the finding no weapons of mass destruction then why are so many us citizens being nerve gassed why are people from other countries in charge of things oh yeah me speak no english and why are they allowed to put co in our homes cars outdoors and any place of business we choose to go including hospitals when we are there for help oh is this weeding out the population so all the aholes can survive to run this f up earth my family all fought for this country servants to a government that wants to poll how many people are left that dont have the mark of the beast i serve God until the day i die even though millions of people work hard to make me and my loved ones feel like we are in hell the city i live in had a rise in population until the last sign was put up with a 2000 decline first time in 40 years weird considering how health conscience people have become oh well conspiracy continues

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