Nonprofits: Key to a Complete Count

Nonprofits are uniquely poised to provide education and motivation around Census participation.  Nonprofits maintain ongoing, trusting relationships with the people they serve.  As such, nonprofits can be powerful vehicles for encouraging their communities to return the Census questionnaire or respond to Census enumerators.

Location: Nonprofits are densely located in hard to count areas.

Access: Nonprofits have everyday contact with communities most at risk of being undercounted.  Without investing a new program, nonprofits can provide basic information to the thousands who pass through their doors on how and why they participate in the Census.

Trust: Nonprofits have trusting relationships with the communities they serve and can act as powerful vehicles for education about the importance of Census participation.  When the message to be counted comes from a trusted entity, people are more likely to participate.

Multilingual: Nonprofits connect to a range of constituencies and cultures.  Most nonprofits serving communities who speak languages other than English, can provide access to Census education materials in the communities languages.

Visibility: Nonprofits are out in the community at events, meetings and everywhere people live, work and play

A Vested Interest: Nonprofits driven by social missions have an inherent interest in ensuring that their communities have access to the funds, services, representations and physical and social infrastructure impacted by the census count.

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The MNA also provides important resources to help nonprofits with their efforts in the 2010 Census as a part of their Nonprofits Count! campaign. This project is directed at mobilizing nonprofits to ensure that every person is counted.  These resources include:

• Free training webinars on counting opportunities, how nonprofits can help people get counted, methods for helping people fill out the Census forms, and next steps to ensure a successful final Census count.
• Downloadable materials including talking points, sample media releases, flyers, posters, and articles.
• Information on becoming a Be Counted Center or Questionnaire Assistance Center to increase community participation.
• Guidelines on effective letter writing and mobilization strategies.
• Distribution of Census materials including t-shirts, posters and other memorabilia.
• Link to the Michigan 2010 Census Planning website which assists Michigan organizations with outreach efforts where mail non-response is expected.
• Up-to-date Census information through MNA’s MI Nonprofit News and Public Policy Action Alert.

For more information visit www.MNAonline.org.census.asp or http://www.nonprofitscount.org/.

In just a few short months, hundreds of thousands of Census questionnaires will be mailed to residents across the state to gather critical information about our communities and the state as a whole; information that will be used to determine how to distribute millions of dollars in federal funding.

The 2010 Census is an extraordinary opportunity for Michigan – and the nonprofit community – to rebuild our state.

So this time around, we’re planning ahead.

Ten years ago, Michigan was severely undercounted in the 2000 Census. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people were missed, costing the state of Michigan millions in federal funding. With a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, the 2010 Census is critical to Michigan’s future.

Thankfully, the US Census Bureau revamped the Census, making it easier and far less time consuming to participate. What was once an intimidating, extensive questionnaire filled with dozens of questions is now a simple 10-question survey. This time, the Census is quick – take 10 minutes of time for 10 years of support to your community.

The Census isn’t just about counting our residents – it’s about making sure our residents count. Census data is used to determine political representation; where to build new roads, schools, and businesses; where services for the elderly and the homeless are necessary; and where jobs and job programs are needed.

The nonprofit community is uniquely positioned to dramatically strengthen and improve this year’s census participation because you often directly serve these hard-to-count populations. The Nonprofits Count! in Michigan campaign is committed to preparing nonprofits with the training, materials and resources they need to ensure that their constituents and communities are accurately represented and counted. No sector is stronger and better positioned to meet the challenge of achieving a complete count.

How can we meet that challenge?
First, we must raise awareness of the Census far before March of 2010. Michigan’s historically undercounted residents – immigrants, people of color, low-income families, and those who are highly mobile and live in complex households – walk in and out of our doors every day. We must capitalize on our opportunities to talk about the census in everyday contact through your communications, services and activities. Talk about what the Census is and promote participation by citing the benefits of a complete count.

As trusted members in the community, we can help minimize traditional barriers to participation and put residents at ease by addressing their concerns and answering their questions. Let them know it’s quick, easy, and confidential. Most importantly, tell them what’s at stake – for themselves, their families and their community.

We must make our mission to achieve a complete count a community wide effort by reaching out to community leaders, lawmakers, neighborhood groups, and religious-based organizations. Partner with other local nonprofits and contact your local census office to coordinate educational meetings and events informing your communities about their rights, responsibilities and the importance of participating in the Census.

The Nonprofits Count! in Michigan campaign has a Census Toolkit available for nonprofit organizations across the state, complete with language specific messaging, informational materials and strategies to engage undercounted residents. In addition to the toolkit, MNA’s census web page, www.MNAonline.org/census.asp, is filled with resources about how your nonprofit can be part of the 2010 Census.

Public education is essential for a complete count. Urge members of your community to take 10: take 10 minutes to answer 10 questions for 10 years of benefits. Arm your offices with census materials, incorporate census education into daily activities and utilize committed staff and volunteers to ensure our communities are accurately represented and counted.

Everyday we challenge ourselves to make a difference. Make the most of the opportunity to shape the future of our state – and our sector – by joining the movement to make the 2010 Census an unprecedented success for all of us.