2020 Census: All You Need To Know
We want to inform all FPS families about the importance of the 2020 Census and how it affects our school system as a whole.
The information and resources provided below have been pulled from the Massachusetts 2020 Census website, the US 2020 Census website, and the US Census Bureau website to inform and update residents on the basics and importance of this Census.
Who should take the Census:
Everyone living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census. We encourage everyone to participate, as your response will help your family and community get their fair share of resources, services, and representation.
What the US Census Involves:
- The US census creates a picture of our country. It’s a population count of every person living in the United States, required by the Constitution and done every 10 years.
- The Census is easy to complete: It contains nine questions that can be filled out on any device with an internet connection as well as by mail or by phone.
- It will not ask questions about immigration or citizenship.
- The Census is safe and confidential. Many steps are taken to protect everyone’s data, and federal law strictly limits how the information can be used.
When this will be occurring:
- March 12–20: Invitations to the 2020 Census mailed (includes your unique ID number)
- March 16–24: Reminder letters mailed
- March 26–April 3: Reminder postcard mailed
- April 1: CENSUS DAY!
- April 8–16: Second reminder & hard copy Census mailed
- April 20–27: Final postcards mailed before an in-person follow-up
How to complete the Census:
Individual households can self-respond in 3 ways - and completing the questionnaire takes about 10 minutes:
- Online (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)
- By phone (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)
- Filling out a paper mail-in form (English and Spanish)
Census takers will also be visiting individual homes (from where a response has not been received by mid-May) to get responses in person.
Why participation is important:
- The 2020 census will have a significant impact on all Public Education, including the Framingham Public School system.
- The data collected is important to determine the allocation/distribution of $16 billion for Massachusetts which will impact a wide range of critical services including public education, hospitals, public works, etc.
Going one step further, here is how the 2020 Census Affects Children:
The 2020 Census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for programs and services that are critical for schools, students, and younger children, such as:
- Special education, Head Start, after-school programs, and classroom technology.
- Food assistance, including free and reduced-price school lunches.
- Maternal and child health programs.
2020 Census Jobs
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count.
Could you use extra income? Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work. The rate is $27.50/hour in Massachusetts. There is also paid training!
Support Your Community
Census results are used to determine your representation in Congress, and they help inform how billions of dollars are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, and more. Help ensure that everyone in your community is counted in the 2020 Census.
Fit Your Schedule
Temporary positions for the 2020 Census feature flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments.
Be a Part of History
Every 10 years since 1790, the United States has undertaken the momentous task of counting its population. This is your chance to play a role.
Learn about the City of Framingham's Complete Count Committee (CCC) by visiting their website: framinghamma.gov/census2020. Serving as an advisor to the Mayor, the Complete Count Committee (CCC) seeks to increase awareness and motivate residents to respond to the 2020 census. The committee includes a cross-section of community members who work to establish creative outreach strategies in Framingham’s hard to count communities. The CCC works closely with the Census Bureau’s Partnership Specialists, the Massachusetts Census Equity Fund, and the Statewide Complete Count Committee.