Great news! SSMMA was notified of funding awards from Cook County and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to support local municipal 2020 Census activities. SSMMA will be hiring a Community Outreach Specialist to support these efforts, and provide pass-through micro-grants to hard-to-count Southland communities to help them achieve a complete count.
The 2020 Census is an important effort to make sure your community is represented accurately. The U.S. Census determines apportionment, redistricting, money to states and localities, planning, emergency response, and a base for federal surveys.
Efforts to make sure every person is counted in the 2020 Census started months ago, and several people within your community may be working by leading or participating in a Complete Count Committee. The idea behind these committees comes from the idea that community members who are unaware or unsure of participating in the census will be more likely to respond if they are informed by a trusted local community member.
Education on the U.S. Census is important because the requirement only occurs every ten years. The U.S. Census Bureau works to collaborate with local groups or individuals who have local knowledge, influence, or resources to educate the public about the census.
The U.S. Census Bureau website has posted a map of officially partnered Complete Count Committees in Illinois. That being said, there are many more individuals and groups working to spread the word on the value of participation in the 2020 Census.
See a related story here.
Other 2020 Census News:
SSMMA is applying for additional funding to make sure we’re supporting our communities in getting accurate counts. MMC recently announced that there will be a second round of rolling grants, and are working out the details. In the meantime, they are advising all who wish to be pre-qualified to complete the requirements below.