 Cougs, it’s time to shape our future.
On behalf of the Cougs for Census team, we would like to say thank you. If you’ve been following our campaign for the last five weeks, we hope that you have learned everything you need to know about the upcoming 2020 United States Census! Here are five takeaways that we hope our campaign has taught you:
The Census is now open to complete via the online portal at www.2020census.gov. You will also be receiving information via mail regarding the Census, and enumerators will begin visiting households on April 1! Thank you for following along with Cougs for Census! We hope we inspired you to shape your future; let’s start here.
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 A fair and accurate 2020 Census is essential to the appropriate allocation of federal funding for programs and services that support reproductive health.  According to the National Women’s Law Center, Medicaid serves over 66 million low-income individuals with primary and preventative healthcare services.
At least 33 million women receive healthcare through Medicaid. With that, 22 million of the women make up the Medicaid population which is about 62%. Nearly ¾ of that percent are women of reproductive age. Medicaid provides women with services like family planning, cancer support home health care and more. Did you know that roughly 1 in 4 women have a disability? Good thing Medicaid provides proper resources for these women! The Department of Health and Human Services, provides what is called the Title-X Family Planning Grant Program. This program helped over 4 million men and women in 2017 with birth control, STI/HIV services, and cervical and breast cancer screenings. Census data also helps reallocate funding that can help women practice safe sex. For these women, an accurate census makes the difference between whether or not they have access to birth control and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV. Planned Parenthood states that 16 million women determine if they can receive birth control or not based on the population in the area. Completing the 2020 Census is a great way to shape the future. What are you waiting for?  The census impacts the Pullman community more than people think. I sat down with Pete Dickinson, a planning director for the city of Pullman, to understand more about how the census impacts all members of the Pullman community, especially students!  “The planning department that I work with maps out the growth of the population based on the census information,” Pete said. “We plan for the future based on what you fill out!” This is why it's important to fill out the census as if you live in Pullman. While many of us are only here for part of the year, Pullman needs to have the resources and funding available to handle a crisis during the WSU school year and in the summer (when students are gone). “You fill out the census where you spend most nights,” Pete said. “Pretend that you still live in Pullman, because if the coronavirus didn’t exist, you would still be in Pullman going to school.” Not to mention still using many of the services funded by census data! on the road again“The transportation services are the biggest part that the census provides funding for,” Pete said. Have you ever ridden the bus? Well, the census provides money so that Pullman transit can operate. By filling out the census, your data helps direct where funds go so that you can continue to ride the bus and make it to school, work or the store on time. If you choose to walk, the census is here for you too! Funding from the census goes to the roads and sidewalks. So it is important to recognize that no matter where you go, the census is all around you. lifestyleCensus data is also used to fund housing and commercial facility improvements and additions. From low to moderate income housing, it affects the quality and supply of the housing facilities available in our area. In addition, if your roof has a leak, certain grants can help improve these conditions based on census data. businessesInformation from the census helps businesses find their target audience and locations to expand. How many of us wish we had a Target, Trader Joe's or Costco in town? In order to attract new businesses we have to fill out the census. For example, “places like Trader Joe’s look into the census populations to find out if they will receive a profit from the people,” Pete said. community impactParks, gyms and aquatic center funding is also impacted by the census. If you love working out or going on a walk with your kids or dogs, fill out the census! The way Pullman counts in the census determines how much federal funding is granted to our community, so you can enjoy the things you love.
Public safety is also impacted by the census. The size and amount of fire stations are determined by the census. In addition, the number of officers we have are based on the population. The funding and resources that the census provides are a vital part of this community's daily routine. While we are working through a very confusing and nerve-racking time, we can't let our community down in a time where we need to come together most. We need to ensure that we have the resources and funding to act when these crisis arise.  It's the topic that has been on everyone's mind this week, how is COVID-19 going to impact my daily life? Well, it also impacts the census, which will shape the next ten years of our lives.  and citizensThe Census Bureau has always relied heavily on its diligent census takers who travel door-to-door to make sure that each household completes the census. With COVID-19, the Census Bureau is doing what they can to keep census takers and all residents safe. The Census Bureau has created a task force that is creating and updating the plan to stay safe during the pandemic. A big concern about the 2020 census is that COVID-19 will result in an undercount of the population. Since the census is now available online, it is easier than ever to complete, we just all need to make sure that we take the time to do it. The Census Bureau also announced that the date to complete the census can be moved if necessary.  So what does this mean for college students? Students who live in residence halls will still be counted through Group Quarters protocols.
For students like us at WSU whose classes have moved online, the Census Bureau reminds us to still count ourselves where we spend most nights, even if we are at home on April 1. In most cases, we will still count ourselves where we stay at school even COVID-19 has caused us to temporarily return home. No matter where you are Cougs, stay safe and remember that it is still our responsibility to show that Cougs count! 
The online portal to complete the 2020 census is open and Pullman it’s time to make your voice count! Here are some things to remember as we all began to fill out the census...
The census counts everyone, especially Cougs! You need to be counted where you spend most of your nights and for most students that means Pullman. Also, the census counts households as a whole. This means all roommates, permanent visitors, children and newborn babies must be included on your census form.
The way we fill out the census determines how much federal funding Pullman will receive over the course of the next ten years! There is $675 billion dollars at stake to help fund programs such as emergency services, healthcare, public education and mental health resources.
The census also determines our government representation, including how many seats in Congress our state will have and the redrawing of congressional districts. 
Your response to the census is confidential and protected by law, according to US Code 13. Your responses cannot be subpoenaed, used against you in a court of law or shared with ANY other federal government agency (FBI, ICE, Homeland Security). In addition, all Census Bureau employees are sworn for life to protect your personal information and can be subject to federal prison time and/or a hefty fine, if this is violated.
For the first time EVER, you can respond to the census online. However if you do not feel comfortable filling the census out online you can respond via mail or phone.
It is our civic duty to fill out the census! The way we fill out the 2020 census will have a lasting impact on our community and the future generations to come. It is time to make your voice heard and ensure that all #CougsCount!
 The online portal to fill out the 2020 census has finally opened! Now's the time to answer ten questions that will shape your future for the next ten years!  The online portal is the newest way to fill out the census and it only takes about ten minutes to fill out! When filling out the census you can either use your address or your Census ID. Your Census ID will be listed on the mail invitations that are being sent out March 12-20. Either one works just fine! It is important to remember that filling out the census online is safe and does not put your data at risk. There are many easy ways to make sure that you are filling out the official census and not being scammed. Above is a guide showing in detail how to complete the census online. It is important to remember that if you are not comfortable completing the online survey, you can still respond to the census by mail or via the toll-free phone number. If you do not fill it out using any of these methods, census takers will begin efforts to make themselves available to you for you to fill it out in person.  What are you waiting for? Click the button below and fill out the census now to shape your future for the next ten years!
 On Thursday, March 12, 2020, the Cougs for Census team held WE COUNT: Make Your Voice Heard, an event in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Pullman, the WSU Multicultural Greek Council, and Lambda Theta Alpha. Census Bureau Representative, and WSU alum, Brissa Perez from Walla Walla, Washington visited the Pullman Campus, along with Pullman city planner Pete Dickinson, to lead the conversation on the impact of the 2020 Census on the community, and on students.  Dickinson led an interactive portion in which he asked attendees questions about the types of services they use in the city, and how most of those services are federally funded. The funds used to support programs like emergency services, public education programs, and federal financial aid are designated by statistics gathered in the decennial Census. Many students stated that they use Pullman Transit daily and utilize city services among other programs that are directly impacted by the Census.
Perez continued the program with an overview of the Census, the process that community members can expect from the Bureau, and proper ways that students can count. Students learned about the importance of counting once, and in the right place, as well as other concerns regarding privacy, confidentiality, and self-reporting. Cougs for Census additionally held a raffle in which all attendees entered to win a $25 Bookie gift card. The event was eligible for Multicultural Greek programming credit, and members from Lambda Theta Alpha, among other fraternities and sororities, were present. This was the final event held by Cougs for Census, and it was the most successful to date!   Since the census only happens every ten years, how can we make sure our families count?  I come from a family of six, myself included. I know exactly how hectic life can get when you have multiple children who need to be accounted for. Certainly if you were to ask my mom she would tell you all about her crazy schedule! Throughout this campaign we have learned why it is important to count ourselves in the 2020 census, but as we return home on break, how can we make sure our families count? The goal of the Census Bureau is to make sure everyone counts in the census, this means all kids count too! In the 2010 census more than two million children went uncounted. It's important that if you have younger siblings that you make sure your parent or guardian has a plan to count them!
Since only one person in each household is required to report the people living in that household, make sure that your family has a plan to fill it out! Think about all the resources that census data provides us with. The census only happens every ten years, so now is the chance to make sure your family gets the proper representation! You and your family can self-report now using the online portal. You also can report yourself using the toll free phone number or the mail-in form. As we start to head home for spring break, do your part to make sure that #CougsCount and that your family counts too!  How do you plan on filling out the 2020 Census? By mail, phone, or online? This is the first year ever that the decennial census can be filled out online in...drum-roll...less than 10 minutes! Since only one person should be filling out the census per each household our team came up with three ways to make sure everyone in your household gets counted on April 1st! 1. Census Celebration  Name a better excuse to have a party with your roommates than filling out the Census. Since all roommates need to be counted together, grab some snacks, beverages of your choice and fill it out together. 2. Family Game Night  This is an awesome opportunity to fill out the census with the entire family! It's also an opportunity to educate kids early about what the census is and why it is important. The Census Bureau has created a variety of fun coloring pages, and other activities to help kids learn about the Census. You can download them here! 3. Reach out to your community  The census affects everyone and everything! Get creative and organize different ways for you and the community to not only raise awareness of the Census, but also fill it out together. The census has partnered with the American Library Association and local libraries have been given the resources to help the community fill out the census securely on public computers.
Ultimately it is up to us to shape our future with the 2020 census and there is no time to wait! Whether you respond online, by phone, mail or in-person each person counts and can change the Pullman community’s future for the next ten years.  We are less than a month away from the official Census Day and it’s time to take action! The Cougs for Census team is asking the Pullman community to take the pledge to ensure that all #CougsCount in the 2020 Census. But what does it mean to take the pledge?  The Census is an opportunity for us all to make our voices heard and shape the future of our community. While many of us students are not full time residents, it's important to acknowledge that even though you are only here for four years we need to make sure Pullman has the resources to support students and residents for the next 10 years. It can be hard to imagine how your count makes an impact, but each person has the opportunity to help the Pullman community receive the funding it needs. This funding goes to resources that we all use whether we are full time residents or not. Some examples are the public transit system, emergency services, healthcare services and public education.  We need to leave this community better than we found it...that being said our team wants every Coug to take the pledge to fill out the 2020 Census. The Census counts everyone, but it's up to all of us to make sure all #CougsCount! Everyone who takes the pledge will be entered in a raffle for a $20 Starbucks gift card, so please use an email you check frequently!
Last week we talked about how the Census Bureau keeps our personal data private. The purpose of the census is make sure everyone is counted once and in the right place regardless of citizenship status.
Adding a citizenship question to the census was an issue that was taken to the Supreme Court in June of 2019. The conclusion was reached that there would be no question about citizenship status on the 2020 census.
The last time a citizenship question was included on the census questionnaire was in 1950. In 1960 there was a question related to place of birth. Now, there are no questions related to citizenship status on the census.
The Census Bureau sends more surveys than just the decennial census (the census that happens every ten years). In the past, longer surveys have included questions about citizenship status, however, these surveys do not get sent to all households.
It is important to know that the 2020 census will not include a citizenship question because it is important that everyone gets counted regardless of citizenship. We all have the right to shape our future and it starts with making sure we count!  The United States has become home to people from all around the world who belong to different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, and one way the US Census Bureau is ensuring they cover all people in the US is by providing resources, as well as the actual Census form, in 59 languages! When it comes to understanding and completing the 2020 Census, an important factor is accessibility, and ensuring that all people in the United States are counted. A major facet to the accessibility of the Census is linguistics.  According to the Census Bureau in 2015, there are over 350 languages spoken in American households, and it continues to grow. In order to keep up with the growth in diversity in the country, the Census Bureau provides translated webpages and guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, as well as guides in braille and large text. Additionally, something unique to the 2020 Census is the option to complete your form through the Bureau’s online portal. The portal will be available in those 59 non-English languages beginning March 12th.  If you’d like to complete your Census form over the phone, the Census offers a toll-free number with trained translators. The number will also open on March 12th.
The Census Bureau stated that the accessibility of the 2020 Census will reach 99% of the language needs in the United States. In an ever changing demographic, the Census is working to ensure it counts all people. Whether you speak Spanish, Korean, American Sign Language, or Farsi, the Census is available to all in the United States, and the Bureau provides numerous resources to ensure that everyone is counted accurately.  In 2020 we face all sorts of threats to our privacy with social media, scams and the internet. How do we know that the Census Bureau keeps our information safe? For starters, it is in Title 13 of the US Code that individual's private information is never disclosed. Census data is only shown in the form of collective data. This means that anything that could be used to identify an individual will never be shared by the Census Bureau or an employee. Data will only be displayed in statistics and as an entire collection.  Census Bureau employees are required to take a lifetime oath to protect your private information. Any employee that breaks this oath will face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 penalty or both. Also, the information collected from the Census can not be used against someone in court or be subpoenaed.  Since there will be an option to respond to the census online, there are some key things to look for to make sure your data stays safe. Remember that the census will never ask you for your social security number, bank account information, money or donations or political affiliation.
It is the Census Bureau's job to make sure that our data is kept safe and used to make our communities better. Let's show that #CougsCount and start shaping our future here and now!  With T-minus one month till Census Day on April 1, 2020. It is crucial that everyone in Pullman be counted once, only once and in the right place. Over the past few weeks our team has gone over what the census is, why it is important and how you can fill it out. Now it is time to put your knowledge to the test! Our team has developed a quiz that tests your knowledge about the upcoming census. If you have been paying attention this will be a breeze...but if you need a little refresher feel free to look over our "Why Census" page for more information. Once you pass be sure to share your results on social, tag @Cougs4Census and use the #CensusCertified. Our goal is to make sure that everyone in Pullman has the knowledge and resources to take the 2020 Census. Don’t wait to shape your future, start here…
 As we prepare for census day on April 1st, it is important to know, how do we count ourselves? The goal is that everyone gets counted once and in the right place, so let's learn how to make that happen!  Mid-march is when census materials will begin being distributed to households by mail. April 1st is when all households will receive an invitation to respond to the 2020 census. This is when you will be able to respond by mail if this is the best method for you.  You will also have the option of calling a toll-free number to complete the survey when it becomes available. There are also many different ways to contact the US Census Bureau by phone if you have any questions. There are also many language options if you are a non-english speaker.  Something new for the 2020 census is the option to respond online. The online portal to complete the survey will be up on the 2020 census website on March 12th. You will be able to respond this way on your computer or any mobile device that has internet access.  Lastly, if you do not answer using any of these methods you will be able to answer the survey in-person with a census taker. As the deadline to have everyone counted properly approaches, their efforts to make sure everyone is counted properly will continue and they will begin visiting households to make sure they collect all responses.
It is very important that we show pride in our Pullman community and work to count ourselves once and in the right place. Let's shape our future, starting with knowing how to complete the census!  The census is what designates funding for more than 100 federal programs, and Kimberly Mowbray, local mother and educator, is focused on how the census will impact her family and her local community.  “If we’re not reporting ourselves accurately, we’re probably not getting as much help or funds that we could be using,” she said. Kimberly Mowbray is a Washington State University alumni and current health and wellness teacher at Kamiak Elementary School. Mowbray has lived in Pullman since 2014, and has two twin boys, Jackson and Thaddeus, with her partner Terry Turner and his daughter, Samantha Turner.  Public education is a major aspect of Mowbray’s life, she said, and since the census directly impacts funding for school districts, it’s even more important that she makes sure her family counts. “Our community has supported us [the school district] a lot, but it’s always nice to know that we have an opportunity to strengthen our programs,” she said.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, statistics from the census are used to determine federal funding for special education, Head Start, after school programs, classroom technology, meal assistance and maternal child health programs.
Mowbray is also a full-time working mother of three in a blended family, and an increase in community activities, after-school programs and child care would help her, as well as many other families in Pullman, she said. “The cost of daycare for one is insane, and having two makes it even more difficult,” she said. Improvements to after-school programs not only impact her family, but the students she teaches, and having more childcare options for the community would greatly enhance the importance of the census, she said. Mom’s say #CougsCount for the community, and it’s on Pullman to make sure we shape our future with the census. Click here to learn more about how you can shape the future of your family.  In order to get an in-depth look at how the census impacts small businesses, we sought out the opinions of two small business owners in Pullman.  Laura-Rose Gage has her own business called the Blue Circle Apothecary. She has been working with Sam’s Apothecary, and Nest Birth and Wellness. Laura-Rose said she has been working her own business for the last four years. “It’s one of the few ways to have our voices to be heard,” she said. Laura-Rose is a self-proclaimed political junkie and understands that the census is constitutionally mandated. “It’s very, very important to fill it out since it distributes federal funding,” she said. The census is very important to Laura-Rose's business because it impacts how much funding goes back to wellness programs. Tyson Feasel, the owner of Café Moro also agrees that his business will be impacted by the 2020 census.  Tyson understands that federal funding impacts public services that help his business.
“It made the sidewalks downtown easier to walk on,” he said, “which increases foot traffic and allows more business.” Tyson has worked at Café Moro since 2002! He became the owner of the small coffee shop by 2011. He understands just how important census data is to small businesses. By engaging with the community and the census, small business owners are shaping their futures.  The Cougs for Census team held two successful events regarding how to work for the census. If you were unable to attend either of these dates it is still possible to learn how to earn with the 2020 census!  Students who attended our events were able to meet representatives from the US Census Bureau and learn more about the purpose of the census. Almost all of the students who attended signed up to receive more information about becoming an enumerator.  The census provides many job opportunities to students that offer flexible hours and wages. Becoming an enumerator for the census is a great way to contribute to the community and get part-time work experience. Those who have been enumerators in the past say that the experience was unique and worth their time.
Be sure to come to Census 101 next Tuesday!  As someone who worked for the 2010 census, Judy Templeton shares why census data is important to our community.  "It gives the government the data needed to make sure there is proper representation in Congress," she said. Judy shared that the last time we took the census, in 2010, it was very controversial. Many people were not happy that the government was collecting their personal data and updating addresses. Today, many people still have the fear that their personal data will not be kept secure.  The data collected from the census provides context for the government to create long term plans for our country based on demographic information.
"I'm a real data-driven person," Judy said, "and it gives the government a lot of data to know how to help people." Like Judy, you can work for the census and help collect important data. Regardless of whether or not you work as an enumerator, each member of our community has the opportunity to make their voice count. Start by completing the 2020 Census, and do your part to make sure that everyone is counted once and only once, and in the right place.  In order to prepare for census day, this blog post is dedicated to informing our community about common misconceptions many people have about the census.  The census takes place every year Many people do not know off the top of their heads when the census takes place. This may be because the census occurs once every ten years. Unlike tax season, or election time, we don't think of the census as having a designated spot on our calendars. This means that the census can easily be forgotten. Every ten years on April 1, the census will take place. Don’t let the date fool you and fill out the census.  Citizenship information is reported Unlike your typical taxes, the census doesn’t record any private and confidential information. The census just wants to keep track of where you live in order to allocate federal opportunities. The census wants to know how many residents are from the state. Regardless of immigration status, the census keeps track of if you were born out of the nation, out of the state, or in the state.  Your data isn't secure According to an act that was created by the government for the census, all of your data is secure and won't be given out to anyone. The census also doesn’t ask questions in the same way other government forms ask. It asks for demographic information, not for your citizenship status or social security. The government can’t be trusted You can put your mind at ease if you believe the government will track your information or report you. The census records the data it does to learn more about the demographics of your area. There are laws in place that ensure that anyone who breaks this confidentiality goes to prison.  Parents count you Although you may be dependent through taxes, you actually count yourself in the census. If you are over the age of 18, you count yourself in the 2020 census. Make sure to count yourself where you spend most nights at, not where your parents live.  Money goes back to the government Money may go back to companies and some government expenses. However, most of the $675 billion goes back to the public. Funding goes back to roads, emergency services and public schooling.  Voice isn’t heard
Your voice is heard! The census uses your insight to give money back to your area. The counseling services you use, the music program at your high school, all of that is paid through the census. Shape your future, start here!  In the midst of President’s Day, many Americans may reflect upon the country’s leadership. The results of the 2016 election brought about much speculation on the credibility of the press, the impact of social media, and most importantly, the effectiveness of the electoral college. The US Census occurs every ten years and counts the population of each state, county, and city, in addition to its demographics and living situations. The statistics gathered by the census are then used to determine government funding allocations and the redrawing of congressional boundaries.  Congressional boundaries are the 435 areas from which members are elected to the US House of Representatives. The size and scope of each congressional boundary is dependent upon the number of people that live in a given area. Essentially, the amount of representatives that a state holds is dependent upon the state’s population level; a statistic collected by the census. The United States Congress is a legislative powerhouse for the country, as they create and pass national laws. Congress additionally holds equal power to the executive branch, led by the President, as well as the judicial branch, led by the United States Supreme Court.  The United States’ general election, which occurs every four years, collects results for a popular vote and an electoral college vote. The popular vote is the sum of each individual voter who selects a president and vice president. Each vote is then used to build a group of electors, which thus creates the electoral college. In the electoral college system, each state has a specified number of electors based on its representation in Congress. As explained above, Congress is built dependent upon each state’s population.  The census develops statistics that are used to draw congressional boundaries, dictate the number of representatives for each area, and essentially dictates the number of electoral college voters for the general election. The impact of the Census is increasingly significant, and in the midst of a polarized political climate, ensuring that each person counts within a boundary ensures that their beliefs, their values, and their opinions count as well.
The United States is a democracy, and the Census is a major aspect of ensuring that our democracy is representative of the people within it. Even though the popular vote doesn’t determine our President, it is a representation of this country’s beliefs. This upcoming Census will redraw those boundaries, recount the electors, and has the potential to change this country’s future. This 2020, make sure that your voice counts, and that all #CougsCount.  Since the census began, the questions that the survey asks have evolved to match the needs of our nation. That being said, many of us are probably wondering what types of questions are on the census, and why are they being asked?  We know that the census brings our communities many benefits based on the data it collects. It asks questions about who we are and where we live. The census asks that we fill out basic information such as name and phone number. These questions help to make sure that everyone is counted once and in the right place. Phone numbers are used to be sure that if the census needs to get in contact with you that they can. It is important to remember that all data shared with the Census Bureau is kept private and will only be used for official business related to the census. Other questions about sex, race and age are used to gather useful demographics about the communities we live in. The data gathered from these questions is used to make sure that government policies and programs serve the population in a fair way. This data is also used to monitor anti-discrimination provisions and enforce laws preventing discrimination. The census also asks about whether or not you are a renter or homeowner, the relationships of those in each household, and whether or not most nights are spent at each household. These questions are to ensure that everyone is counted once and only once in the right place. All these questions help provide the government with an accurate idea of what our population looks like. Each question asked by the census has a specific purpose and plays its own part in how our communities future is shaped.  While a ten minute survey might not seem significant, the data collected from the 2020 Census will impact funding for our community over the next 10 years. To break it down further, we came up with three ways the census benefits communities. Emergency Services  The census provides funding for local emergency services. This includes funding and resources for appropriate evacuation planning, relocation during disasters, fire stations and ambulance services. It is crucial that Pullman gets an accurate population count in order to ensure Pullman is prepared in case of an emergency Public Education  The census helps fund public education, childcare services and higher education. Funding for lunch and music programs is allocated by the number of children in the area. More funding will be given to communities with a higher population of young children. Remember to count yourselves and all of your dependents. At the college level, our census responses determine the amount of funding WSU receives for financial aid, grants and other student programs. Mental Health Services  Mental health is very important to the WSU community. We champion and fight for services that support, encourage and educate the community about mental illness. The census provides funding for counseling services, mental health and wellness programs.
It is time for Pullman residents to shape their future with the 2020 Census. We need to encourage our friends, neighbors and fellow students to count themselves correctly, so we can change our community for the better.  Just like many other students on our campus, Youssef didn't know or think much about the census before talking to our team.  Youssef Tantawy, an animal science major at WSU, had no interest in the census before learning about the Cougs for Census team. "Honestly before learning about all of this I wouldn't even bother to know about the census, whereas now that I know what it does I am more interested in finding out how to complete it," he said. Last August, Youssef and his family members became US Citizens. Before our team informed him of how the census works, Youssef was under the impression that you needed to be a US citizen in order to complete it. While this is a common misconception, there is no requirement to be a citizen to take the census.  CYoussef is also a renter in Pullman, meaning he fits into one of the harder to reach groups for our population.
"Because we're in such a small college town and different people are moving in and out of places and transferring leases, it probably gets hard to count everyone," he said. Overall, learning about the census encouraged Youssef to be a more engaged member of the Pullman community, and now he's ready for Census Day on April 1, 2020!  Ever wanted to find a way to become more involved in our community? How about finding a job that fits perfectly with your schedule? What if I were to tell you this is exactly what a census enumerator does.  Census enumerators, or census takers work to interview community residents and ensure that address lists are updated. After census day, the census takers visit community members who haven't responded to the survey yet and prompt them to respond using iPads. Not only do census takers play an important role in recording history, they have flexible hours and competitive wages. Census takers in Whitman County can earn $16 an hour as well as receive reimbursement for travel and other costs if applicable.  Census takers also have flexible schedules and hours. Many are asked to be free during the evenings and on weekends, although this depends on the area they are hired.
Census taker training occurs from March until May so that census takers are prepared for census day on April first. They also get paid to go through the training required for the position. To learn more about becoming a census taker, come to our first Learn How to Earn session today at 6 p.m. in Todd 302, or visit the 2020 Census website. |
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