TALKING POINTS Introduce yourself Mention how you relate to this particular audience/community (nationality, background, family, etc.)

What is a Census? A count of people and households in the U.S. Helps decision-making in governments and communities. TALKING POINTS What is a Census? It’s basically a count of all the people who live in the United States that helps decision-making in governments and communities.

Why do we do it? It’s required by law It’s about power Required by U.S. Constitution every 10 years First taken in 1790, then every year ending in “0” It’s required by law Say “I Count!” Determines # of seats our state gets in Congress Used to redraw district boundaries, from congressional to school districts It’s about power TALKING POINTS It’s required by law. The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years, in years ending in zero, with first Census conducted in 1790. It’s about power. By participating in the Census, you’re telling your government “I Count!” The Census helps to determine how many seats our state gets in Congress. And it’s used to redraw all kinds of district boundaries, from congressional districts to school districts.

Why do we do it? It’s about money It’s about data A fair share of funding for your community Distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funding per year It’s about money Guides important decisions regarding programs and services provided in our communities It’s about data TALKING POINTS It’s about money. A complete count of people living in your community helps to make sure that your community gets its fair share of more than $675 billion dollars in federal funding per year. It’s about data. Census data helps communities decide on where and how to provide public housing, prepare for emergencies, build hospitals, and much more.

Census data impacts our daily lives Why should I do it? Public housing and healthcare programs Early learning, schools, and financial aid Hospitals and nursing homes Roads and highways Emergency services Census data impacts our daily lives TALKING POINTS You should know that Census data impacts our everyday lives. As mentioned before, Census data informs and influences important decisions about where federal funds will go and how those funds will be used. Here are some examples of programs and public services that are funded by federal dollars and guided by Census data. CUSTOMIZE EXAMPLES TO FIT YOUR AUDIENCE (NAME SPECIFIC PUBLIC PROGRAM AND SERVICES). One resource we’ve been using is the GWU Counting for Dollars report: https://gwipp.gwu.edu/sites/g/files/zaxdzs2181/f/downloads/Florida%2008-18-17.pdf.

Your answers are safe and secure Why should I do it? Confidential and sealed for 72 years Protected from immigration and law enforcement Cannot be used to determine eligibility for government benefits Penalty of $250,000 and/or 5 years in prison Your answers are safe and secure TALKING POINTS So why should you, I, and everyone living person in the United States be counted? Federal law protects your responses and the information that could identify you or your household. Only after 72 years can identifying information about individuals, households, or businesses be released (to the public for research). (Title 44 of the U.S. Code) Also, your responses By law, your information cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way. (Title 13 of the U.S. Code) Cannot be released to ICE, FBI, Homeland Security, CIA or any other immigration or law enforcement agency. Cannot be used to determine your personal eligibility for government benefits, such as Section 8 and SNAP. Census Bureau staff take a lifetime oath to protect your personal information. Any violation comes with a penalty of $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

Why should I do it? Precautions to keep online responses secure All data is encrypted to protect privacy Data received are taken offline to prevent TALKING POINTS As we’ll get into later, one way you can respond to next year’s Census is by internet. With all the recent reports of data breaches and hacking incidents, how is the Census Bureau going to keep your information safe? First, the Census Bureau has been handling digital data for many censuses before this one. They are aware of the threats and risks and have put several precautions in place to keep your online responses secure. In general, know that all census data is encrypted; and Once you submit your answers, the encrypted data is taken offline and stored in a secure location.

Who should I count? Every person living in the U.S. Where they sleep the most Regardless of age Regardless of immigration status Children living in split households College students TALKING POINTS The Census counts every person living in the U.S. only once, and in the right place. This is regardless of age or immigration status. Even newborn babies should be counted. What should you do when you’re not sure WHERE to count someone? For example, a child who lives with each parent part-time. Or, a college student who considers their parents’ house as “home” but lives on campus. Count each person where they sleep the most.

How can I respond? INTERNET PHONE MAIL IN-PERSON Look for an invitation in the mail March 16-24 PHONE Toll-free number with assistance in 12 languages MAIL Respond on a paper form and mail back IN-PERSON Census taker will visit your home and record your answers TALKING POINTS There are three ways you can self-respond: on the Internet, by Phone, and by Mail. In March 2020, you will get an invitation to go online using your computer or mobile device and answer the Census questions. If you don’t have internet access at home, you can visit any Broward County Library and use a library computer to complete the Census. Library staff will be available to assist you. You can also call a toll-free number to speak with a Census staff member who will be able to assist you. Or complete a paper questionnaire and mail it in. Finally, if you don’t respond by internet, phone, or mail, or if you don’t answer all the questions by the end of April 2020, a Census employee will visit your home in-person to record your answers.

When can I respond? Census Day is April 1, 2020 Start responding in March when you get an invitation for your household in the mail TALKING POINTS Census Day is April 1, 2020. But you can respond online for your household as soon as you receive an invitation in the mail.

Jobs Available – Apply Online Now! Temporary positions $17.50/hour for Broward County Census Takers Requirements listed on website TALKING POINTS Temporary Census jobs are available. Census taker positions will last about 6-8 weeks and pay $17.50/hour. Recruitment starts in September. So, APPLY NOW.

Help us spread the word! LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, AND POST BrowardCensus CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION Broward.org/Census2020 Census2020@Broward.org (954) 357-6626 TALKING POINTS Like BrowardCensus on Facebook. Follow BrowardCensus on Twitter. Share and post information about the Census on your social media. Talk about the Census with your family, friends, and community. Suggest organizations or events for Census outreach by emailing at Census2020@Broward.org.