The 2010 Census: It's In Our Hands

What's In It For You?

As members of our parish and the communites in which we live and work, each of us has a lot at stake as we prepare to complete our 2010 Census Form.  By participating, we can affect the quality of life in our community for the better.  While it may seem like a small task, our participation is vital to many of the programs and services we use every day.

Based on census data, every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local, and tribal governments -- funding used for new roads, schools, hospitals, and to enhance important government community programs.  Faith organizations, like ours, use census data to apply for grants that fund programs and initiatives that are important to our community.  Census data also gives us a voice in Congress as the data is used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Your Responses Are Safe

The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest census forms in history.  It asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.  It's easy, important, and safe, and your participation is vital.  By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share an individual's personal information with anyone, including federal agencies and law enforcement entities.  Please complete and mail back your form, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

For more information, visit www.2010census.gov.

Key Dates

March 2010 - 2010 Census Forms -- delivered or mailed

April 1, 2010 - Census Day

May-July 2010 - Census workers visit households that did not return forms or to take a count in person

December 31, 2010 - Census Bureau presents the 2010 apportionment counts to the President of the United States