By Barbara Yates, Think Small President & CEO
In the coming months you’ll see more from Think Small about the 2020 Census. We will share Census facts and resources on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We’ll also spread the word with Think Small staff about the importance of completing the Census.
Why is it important for Think Small to participate in this process?
Children under the age of 5 were the most undercounted age group in the 2010 Census. An estimated 5% of children were not counted nationwide. This happens for a variety of reasons.
When children aren’t counted, families and communities lose out on money and power. Responding to the Census helps determine where more than $800 billion a year in federal funding goes, including WIC, child care, public transit, housing supports, and public school funding. It also determines how people are represented by elected officials at the state, local, and federal levels.
Parents can contribute to an accurate and complete count by making sure to count all children in their household, including babies. Early childhood educators can help by encouraging families to participate in the Census and connecting them to community resources if they need assistance.
Think Small is uniquely positioned to support this work because of our interactions with parents of young children and early childhood educators. Along with many other partners, we’ll be spreading the word to Count All Kids in the 2020 Census. Please join us!
