ARRM News and Public Relations

The Census REALLY Matters, Especially to Us!

You may or may not have already received a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau on the topic of "Group Quarters Enumeration." That letter marks the beginning of a special process for counting people who live, stay, or receive services in group quarters, such as:

• Residential Treatment Centers
• Group Homes
• Correctional Residential Facilities
• Nursing/Skilled Nursing Facilities

Group quarters are typically owned or managed by a third party. The Census Bureau assists group quarter administrators and personnel in responding to the census on behalf of all residents living there.

Why does it matter if everyone is counted?

It doesn't just matter, it's critical that every person living in group quarters gets counted in the 2020 Census. Without complete and accurate numbers, Minnesota could potentially lose federal funding and one Congressional seat. If our residents are not counted, the data collected from the Census will inaccurately reflect the actual number of individuals living in Minnesota. We cannot let that happen. Additionally, the Constitution requires that all United States residents be counted. Participating in the census is your civic duty.

Ways to conduct a complete count

Over the next month, a Census Bureau worker will contact group quarters, most likely by telephone. The call will be to explain the counting or "enumeration" process, ask you to chose an enumeration "method," and answer any questions you may have.

The methods available are:

1. Electronic Response Data Transfer (eResponse) - The administrator fills in a template with group quarters data and respondent level data for each person who is staying at the facility on Census Day, April 1, 2020, and then sends it in electronically on a secure system. Please note that this option is not available for service-based administrators.
2. In-Person Interview - A census worker conducts a face-to-face, in-person interview with each person who is served or staying at the facility on April 1, 2020.
3. Drop-Off/Pick-Up of Questionnaires - A census worker leaves Individual Census Questionnaires to be completed by or for each person who is staying in the facility on April 1, 2020. The census worker then picks up the completed questionnaires at an agreed-upon time.
4. Paper Response Data Collection - A census worker meets with the administrator of the facility to obtain a paper listing of census response data for each person.

Here's how you can help

• Assure clients, residents, and staff that all information collected by the Census Bureau will remain confidential. It is against the law for the Bureau to release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household.
• Explain the importance of the Census and why an accurate count matters so much.
• Remind staff of the upcoming enumeration and request cooperation.
• Understand that the six census questions do not include questions related to health.

Enumeration Station

Hello all, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here to talk about the 2020 Census! I'm here to answer all your burning questions about the Census. So buckle up and let's approach the enumeration station.

What is the Census and what does it do?

The goal of the Census is to determine the population of those living in the United States. "Representation shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State..." (US Constitution, Article 1, Section 2). This means that the Census counts the number of all inhabitants, not citizens.

The data collected from the Census is used to reapportion the US House of Representatives, establish new boundaries, allow for more accurate allotment of federal funding, and so much more! Want to know more about how your participation helps? Check out the "50 Ways Census Data Are Used" on page 18.

When does the count start?

It's already begun! The enumeration process started in late January and now we're moving on to a very important month, February. Between February 3 and March 6, Group Quarters Advanced Contact will occur. Group quarters are defined as community living arrangements. These quarters may include group homes, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. You can learn more about group quarters here.

Between that window of February 3 and March 6, Census Bureau representatives will contact group quarters and prepare them for the count. These representatives will assist with:

• How to respond: online, paper, phone call
• How to fill out the form: here's a sample
• How long you have to respond

You can even visit the We Count MN page and learn more specific to Minnesota Census information. In the bottom right-hand corner of the page, there's a We Count Minnesota bubble. If you click on that, you can chat in your own questions about the Census!

Why does it matter?

According to We Count Minnesota, communities in the state receive over $15 billion from the federal government based on Census data. These funds contribute to Medicaid, SNAP, student loans, construction, etc.

Not only does the data contribute to local funding, it's your civic duty! Maybe you're too young to vote, but you can participate in the Census. Additionally, we want to ensure we have a legislature that accurately represents our population. Your participation can change the number of Minnesota federal AND state elected officials.

At ARRM, we like to say: "Make your voice heard!" This instance is no different. Make your voice heard and take part in the count. Better yet, ensure those you support are counted. All people who live in the United States have the right to be included.