Our Future.

A lot is at stake with Census 2020.  As nonprofits serving hard-to-count communities, we are one of the few remaining trusted entities among that population – as we have well-established relationships and speak the communities’ language.

Why It Matters

The census count has consequences we will live with for the next decade, if not longer. This makes the stakes even higher.

Michigan stands to lose millions of dollars in federal support for programs that use census data. These include Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, Section 8 Vouchers, and Head Start/Early Start — for which Michigan received more than $14 billion in 2015.

Michigan nonprofits can be effective in reaching out to their networks in the hard-to-count populations. You can provide education about the benefits of Census 2020 and encourage them to participate.

We all win with an accurate census count. The time is now to Educate. Engage. Empower.

Tools and trainings will provide nonprofit staff and volunteers with the information, skills and tactics necessary for local organizations to conduct get-out-the-count efforts in their communities.

How You Can Support

Step One - Educate

Educate

Get up to speed about the campaign and the importance of the census. Tools include the Resources page (which will be updated throughout the campaign) with downloadable/shareable content, including FAQs, messaging/talking points, flyers, brochures, ads, videos, etc.

Step Two - Engage

Engage

Participate in training sessions (dates/details to come) and community-specific initiatives. Learn details on the timeline, tips for completing the census online, effective communication pointers, tactics for outreach (canvassing, phone banking, community events, etc.).

Step Three - Empower

Empower

Get the word out to your community members in your neighborhoods. Provide customized materials to help educate, address misperceptions, answer questions and encourage participation in the census. Empower the undercounted. Let their voices be heard. We’re counting on your help!

Get Out the Count

Are you ready to make a difference?
Take the first step to Educate, Engage and Empower by exploring the Resources page.

Resources