What at-home activity takes less than 10 minutes to complete but will positively impact the state of Arkansas for 10 years? Answer: Participating in the 2020 Census by phone or mail or online at my2020census.gov. 

Every household should have received a card and a letter with a code and information on how to complete the census. About 64 million households across the nation are receiving a paper questionnaire in the coming days as the U.S. Census Bureau continues to ensure responding to the census is easier than ever. Of the nation’s households, 46.2% have already responded to the 2020 Census. The remaining households will receive a paper questionnaire starting April 8. 

“If you’re among the nearly half of all the nation’s households that have responded already, thank you!” said Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham. “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online at 2020census.gov, over the phone, or by mail — all without having to meet a census taker. It’s something everyone can do while practicing social distancing at home to make a difference today, tomorrow and the next 10 years.” 

Do you know why it is so important for Arkansans to complete the census? Here are the facts: 

The 2020 U.S. Census Affects Funding in Your Community 

Together, we can ensure a complete and accurate count for Arkansas. A complete count benefits all Arkansans. However, our state is at risk of being under-counted.  

The U.S. Constitution requires that a census be conducted every 10 years to provide data about our nation’s people, places, and economy. Census figures are used to make decisions at every level of government. 

Every Level 

The census affects political representation. Counts are used to determine the number of elected representatives and the shape of the districts they represent.  

Community Level 

Census figures help determine where new roads, schools, and public facilities are built. 

State Level 

The census affects policy decisions made by our legislature and funding for public services like education, healthcare, and economic development.  

 National Level 

The census impacts Arkansas budgets for important programs like Medicaid, SNAP, highways and transportation, education and childcare programs, and affordable housing programs. A one percent undercount of Arkansas in 2020 may result in nearly $1 billion in lost funds over a 10-year period. 

I completed the census online and it only took about 10 minutes. I used the code in the mailing I received. There are also tips for answering the questions if needed. I also called the phone number on my form because I had another question that I didn’t find in the online Q & A. The representative answered my question quickly and said they were glad to help people complete the form over the phone. 

Helpful information about the census is at our University of Arkansas Extension website: https://www.uaex.edu/business-communities/census/default.aspx 

Completing the 2020 Census online or by mail or by phone: 

✔️Provides a sense of accomplishment and normalcy 
✔️Allows you to exercise good citizenship 
✔️Secures a vibrant future for your family 
✔️Positively impacts the entire state of Arkansas for 10 years 

Even in these uncertain times, you can help guarantee a bright future for Arkansas without leaving your home by completing your #2020Census form. 

As you social distance, take 10 minutes and make a ten-year impact. Go to my2020census.gov today. We can make a difference in our community and the state by being counted in the census! 

We are on the job in a different way. Hempstead County Cooperative Extension Agents in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Leadership are working following a social distancing policy using telecommuting methods. Contact our office at 870-777-5771 if you have any questions or need assistance in our program areas. The email for Terrie James is [email protected]. 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

La Universidad de la División de Sistemas de Arkansas de Agricultura ofrece a todos sus programas y servicios de extensión e investigación sin importar la raza, color, sexo, identidad de género, orientación sexual, origen nacional, religión, edad, discapacidad, estado civil o de veterano, información genética, o cualquier otro estado legalmente protegido, y es una acción afirmativa / ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.