Share The Importance of the Census with Your Community

Dear Faith Leader:

We know that the current pandemic may be changing how you conduct your religious services at this time, but we wanted to reach out about your support in the 2020 Census complete count efforts. We need your help and we are writing to ask you to encourage the members of your religious organization to participate in the Census count.

The Census is important! The results are used to determine the number of representatives each state has in Congress. And, the population counted in each state determines how federal funds are allocated for public services such as roads and safety net programs including food stamps and child care.

Households across Florida should have already received a letter inviting them to participate in the 2020 Census. The letter includes a Census ID unique to the household to use in completing the census form online, by phone or by completing and mailing a paper questionnaire. This year for the first time, the Census can be filled out completely online. For those households who do not respond, the invitation letter will be followed by postcard reminders and, eventually, a phone call or a visit from a census worker. At any time during the process, a member of the household can still fill out the form until July 31, 2020 in one of three ways: online, by phone or by mailing in a paper form.

How can you help? Here are several suggestions:

• Incorporate census information in newsletters and social media posts from your organization. Check out the Census 2020 Toolkit for resources, FAQ sheets, and more.
• Add a Census slide to your display screens in service.
• Mention the Census as a part of a worship service. Reassure your congregants that there is no question on the Census form about citizenship and that federal law prohibits the sharing of information about any household.
• Have your own Podcast or YouTube channel? Feature census information. 

Find suggested faith-based social media posts, newsletter and website language and more here.

There are a lot of people that want to help ensure that everyone in our community is counted. If you have questions and need assistance, please contact the Complete Count Committee at (850) 891-6400.

Sincerely,

Cherie Bryant, Chair

Leon County Census 2020 Complete Count Committee