( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) The City of Atlanta Urges Residents to Complete Census
ENSPIRE Contributor: WaTeasa Freeman
The year 2020 is important for many reasons, one of the biggest is the U.S. census. According to 2020census.gov “The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.” Which is why it is so critical that every household fill out a census. The deadline to complete the 2020 census is October 31, 2020
In Atlanta, Local efforts to increase self-responses to the 2020 efforts include a vibrant Census truck. An innovative Be Counted campaign is currently underway and is aimed at encouraging Atlanta residents in underserved areas to complete their census. The message is simple, “If you see the truck in your neighborhood that means the responses to the 2020 census are low.” The Be Counted truck is intended to help citizens with the myriad of challenges they are facing at this time from taking care of basic needs like food and essential items- to accessibility to Wi-Fi. The vibrantly wrapped Be Counted truck will amplify traditional canvassing and activities.
The Be Counted truck is one of the most visible initiatives in Atlanta. The truck features images of Mayor Keisha Bottoms on one side and rapper activist Killer Mike on the other is stationed at various destinations within the Atlanta area where heads of households can complete the 2020 census on site. Residents that complete the Census and register to vote can receive free haircuts, $20 Wayfield Foods, and more in an environment that conforms to COVID regulations.
Citizens can respond to the census by the invitation that was mailed to their homes; through their mobile devices or computers by visiting www.my2020census.gov; or they can call toll-free to 1-844-330-2020 and complete it with a live representative. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes to complete (depending on family size) and citizens are only asked to answer 10 simple questions about themselves and those who live in their household. Atlanta residents can find more information about the Be Counted truck on Instagram @newdopeness and Facebook @newdopeness or @thisisdope.
