The first of April wasn’t just special for the pranks many played on each other, April 1st was important because it was Census Day, the reference point used for counting the population of the nation. The information gathered from the census is important because it helps allocate money for community hospitals and schools. Over $400 million dollars will be spent according to information determined by the census. Revamped from the longer version used during the 2000 Census, the 2010 Census consists of only 10 questions. Americans have been challenged to participate with the slogan, “We cant move forward, until you mail it back.” I received my census form in the mail 2 weeks ago and I remember the anticipation that welled within me as I waited for my chance to participate in history. I never really understood what the census was all about, I figured it determined which groups are minorities and majorities in this country and that’s it. Boy was I wrong! I did my research and learned that along with funding infrastructure, the census also has political implications. Having an accurate count of each state’s population will help determine how many seats are given to each state in the House of Representatives for the 2012 election. The census will also help determine how many Electoral College votes each state is given during that election as well. I want to do my part and make my voice heard.
President Obama set the standard by filling out his census form on March 29. H
is signing was historic because when asked to choose his race, he checked the box marked, “Black, African Am. or Negro.” Now you already know that the president comes from a mixed background; his mother, a Caucasian from Kansas, his father, a black man from Kenya. The President had the opportunity to check any box that applied to his background, meaning more than one. His response made him officially this nation’s first black president. His participation showed just how important it is that everyone be counted.
is signing was historic because when asked to choose his race, he checked the box marked, “Black, African Am. or Negro.” Now you already know that the president comes from a mixed background; his mother, a Caucasian from Kansas, his father, a black man from Kenya. The President had the opportunity to check any box that applied to his background, meaning more than one. His response made him officially this nation’s first black president. His participation showed just how important it is that everyone be counted.An accurate census count affects where funds go in the coming years, which means that it affects you too. The information gathered from it tells about community demographics and the funding will affect how things are run in your community. It is important for you to do your part and get the word to maximize participation, to provide as accurate a count as possible.
Has your family received a census form in the mail? Already filled it out and mailed it back? Wonderful! However, don’t stop there make sure others around you have done their part. Talk to your neighbors; let them know that completing their census form will bring dollars and services to the community. Make an announcement at church that the deadline for returning forms in the mail is mid-April.
Do your part to make a difference with the Census 2010 because it’s more than just ten questions, it’s our future.
--Amelia Jones
Brownstone Intern
Brownstone Intern
No comments:
Post a Comment