Stand Up, Be Counted: Census 2020

“The census was political from the very beginning and remains so,” former Census Bureau directory Kenneth Prewitt wrote in an essay almost two decades ago. Although the science of measurement is used to complete the task as accurately as possible, the central purpose of the census remains: to shift power from one set of interest to another.” Politics seems more determined than usual in the unusual year of 2020 to use the census for political gain. At stake, as Prewitt wrote, “is the shift of power.”  (Columbus Dispatch, August 29, 2020). Add the coronavirus pandemic to this process and suddenly what was already arduous becomes even more difficult. Census workers may be more hesitant to go into neighborhoods to ferret out those households that have not filled out their census questions. People might also be much less likely to open the door for a stranger during this time. Our panel will discuss the efforts to complete the census, the importance of the data, and the consequences of an incomplete count.

Featuring Dr. Tracy Nájera , Executive Director, Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, Erin Scott, Executive Director, Ohio Women’s Alliance, Kevin Boyce, Franklin County Commissioner and host, Carol Luper, Retired Journalist.

For this discussion on September 9, limited live audience seating is available. Paid registrations for the in-house audience are required by Tuesday, September 8 . We cannot accept walk-ins.

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As a nonprofit mission-driven organization, CMC is livestreaming  Wednesday forums via YouTube, free of charge so that everyone can access this important information. In the spirit of our mission, we believe that conversation is essential to help our community stay strong and stay connected during the health crisis!

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