The 2020 Census is an opportunity to fight for true democracy and the resources we need. No matter what we look like, where we’re from, or what’s in our wallets, we all want the best for our families and communities. The 2020 Census is an opportunity to fight for true democracy and crucial resources. Yet, some politicians are trying to spread fear in our communities so that we don’t stand up for what our families need. We’re fighting back by ensuring our community members most at risk of not being counted have the information they need to participate and feel safe.

An accurate Census count means:

lunches for kids,
access to affordable housing,
funding for health centers, and
fair political representation.

Data results from the 2020 Census will influence the distribution of over $675 billion per year across the country for federally funded programs. It also helps decide how many votes each state has for president and how many officials can represent our districts in the House of Representatives.

Our community counts on us, and one thing we can do to help our families and neighbors is join together to fill out the Census. As a member of the My Black Counts campaign, this November our team will speak with 7,000 community members in deep East Oakland. Through door-to-door and phone outreach, our 16 outreach workers will educate residents who are most at risk of not being counted about:

how their lives are affected by the Census;
why they should want to be counted; and
how their safety and privacy is protected by law.

Through early education with our Black, Latinx and immigrant neighbors, we plan to ensure everyone in our communities is counted and that our voices are heard. Nothing we put on the Census will take away our housing or benefits, but the Census does affect how much money our whole community gets.

Pledge to count our communities in! Fill out your confidential and anonymous Census form as soon as you get it, then ask ten friends and family to do the same.