You're Important. Be Counted!

The 2010 Census asks just ten questions and will only take ten minutes to complete—but the impact of the count will affect Oregonians for the next ten years. Join NAO in helping to ensure that every Oregonian is counted.

Why is the Census important for Oregon?

Every ten years since 1790 the United States Census has, in effect, taken a snapshot of our country to benchmark who we are and where we live. This information is used to determine things like the apportionment of federal funding and federal and state legislative districting. In 2007, Oregon received 4.2 billion dollars in census-based funds for civil services and projects.

Why are nonprofits getting involved?

Oregon's nonprofits can build bridges between the Census and people who may be hard to reach or are unsure about whether it's safe to participate.The populations most likely to be undercounted include racial and language minorities, people living on low incomes, and children—communities that nonprofits serve throughout the state. It's been estimated that for every 100 people who aren't counted, a community loses $1.2 million dollars over ten years for programs such as social service block grants, Medicaid, and vocational education. We have a vested interest in helping our clients and communities know that the Census is safe, easy, and important.

What can your nonprofit do?

Educate and inform your clients and community about the Census, and encourage them to complete and return their form before April 1, 2010. Participation is not dependent on citizenship—it's not even one of the ten questions on this year's form. You can assure your clients that the information they provide is protected by strict federal confidentiality laws.

Download this poster (PDF) to print and display in high-traffic areas of your organization, and visit the Nonprofits Count! website to download fact sheets, toolkits, and badges and widgets for display on your website and in your office.

About the Census Form

Census forms will be mailed to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Census aims to count all U.S. residents—citizens and non-citizens alike. The forms are available in six languages, and guides for nearly 60 languages provide instructions on how to complete the form.

When you receive your form, just answer the ten short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ONLY ask you the questions on the form.

View the questions on the form. Note: You cannot fill out the form online.

Additional Resources:

• In their recent newsletter, the National Council of Nonprofits explains what nonprofits need to do to help their communities and nonprofits avoid losing money and power
• Rick Cohen discusses the importance of the 2010 Census in this Blue Avocado article
• Learn about Census jobs
• Contact your local census office: