 CENSUS STORY OF THE WEEK
Kids Count Too
Nationwide, “the 2010 Census missed more than 10% of young children – one in every ten children age 0-4, or about 2.2. million children” (countallkids.org). When young children aren’t counted it has serious consequences for them, their families, our communities, and the country. Demographers have been struggling with an explanation of why young children have a higher undercount compared to any other age group. Several recent studies are providing new answers for why young children are missed so often in the Census.
Children are more likely to be missed in a census if:
- They live in large and complex households.
- They live with single parents or young parents between the ages of 18-29.
- They are not the biological or adopted child of the householder.
- They live with their grandparents, aunts and uncles, or other family members.
- They live in families that do not speak English or their family includes immigrants.
- They live in lower income households.
- The child is a newborn.
- Their families rent rather than own their home or they have recently moved.
- Finally, some adults may not realize that babies, toddlers and young children are supposed to be included in the Census.
How you Can Help:
- Emphasize that the Census counts everyone where they live and sleep most of the time, even if the living arrangement is temporary or the parents of the child do not live there.
- Explain that, when children are missed in the Census, funding for programs such as the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the National School Lunch Program, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) miss out on their fair share of federal dollars.
- Distribute outreach materials from the State, the U.S. Census Bureau, and various organizations to help increase awareness.
- Work with existing Complete Count Committees (CCC) or form your own specialized CCC and make sure promote messaging about counting young children.
Information and Resources on Counting Children Can Be Found at:
Count All Kids - Partnership for America’s Children
US Census Bureau – Counting Young children in the 2020 Census
Evidence Mounts Regarding Respondent Confusion About Counting Young Children in the Census - The Census Project
SHARED SUCCESS ON CENSUS PROMOTION IN MONTANA
Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA)
MNA just launched the Census 2020 page on their website. To view their site which has many helpful resources specified towards non-profits and the Census click HERE.
Western Native Voice
Western Native Voice has joined the State Complete Count Committee to assist in outreach efforts for Montana’s Native American communities. They have also added a 2020 Census page to their website. Click HERE to visit their site.
Montana Community Foundation (MTCF)
MTCF has begun including a Census 2020 update in their monthly e-newsletter where they share a fact about the importance of the Census or the latest job postings to keep the upcoming Census at the forefront of everyone’s mind
Montana State University Nursing Students
Recently, the Montana State University (MSU) School of Nursing announces that more than 100 MSU nursing students will pitch in to help with the Census count. MSU nursing students are stationed in every corner of the state, from Lame Deer to Wolf Point, Libby to Dillon.
The student nurses will each have a computer tablet and will be available at libraries, Extension Service offices and similar public locations. The students will assist Montanans in filling out their census forms on-line; however, they cannot fill in the form for the resident.
The student nurses are getting training in census-taking and learning how census information can be used in promoting, planning and evaluating health services.
Have Census success to share email Cassidy.blanton@mt.gov for a chance to be published in the next newsletter.
CENSUS OUTREACH IDEAS
Did you know that you can offer incentives for people to fill out the Census form? Both financial and non-financial incentives can be powerful motivators. A few ideas that you can incorporate into promotion are coupons, hosting community feeds, offering a free service, or even micro-incentives like a sticker or pen for filling out the form. Consider partnering with local companies to promote the 2020 Census and increase their business.
Some incentive ideas you can incorporate are:
- 25% off a cup of coffee if you self respond to the Census.
- A free dessert with your meal if you pledge to take the Census.
- A pin that says “I filled out my form” offered at your “Be Counted” location.
More information on incentives and outreach from the U.S. Census Bureau can be found HERE as well as printable stickers on pg. 20.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES
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UPCOMING EVENTS
January: Montana Conservation Voters Presentation
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CENSUS IN THE NEWS
How Google and Youtube are working to protect the 2020 U.S. Census Kristie Canegallo, VP of Trust & Safety, Google
How Facebook is Gearing Up to Protect the U.S. Census from Misinformation
Washington Post
U.S. Census Bureau Rolls Out Innovation Tools for 2020 Count
GT – Government Technology
In 2020 Census, Big Efforts in Some States. In Others, Not So Much.
NY Times
Researchers warn Census about accuracy concerns with method
AP
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HAVE YOUR CENSUS EVENTS AND NEWS PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER
Do you have a Census event coming up? Have you been working on community outreach? Or have success you'd like to share? Contact us HERE for a chance to be published in the next newsletter and have your next event displayed on the 2020 Census Events Calendar at CENSUS.MT.GOV.
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