Mobilizing around the 2020 Census is critical for Montgomery County and the nonprofit sector. In addition to providing demographic data that is essential for planning purposes, the US Census determines the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funds for schools, roads, hospitals and many public benefits. Representation in Congress is also determined by Census data.

Last week Nonprofit Montgomery convened nonprofits with the County’s 2020 Census leadership—Diane Vu, Director of the Office of Community Partnerships and Shawn Ellis, Montgomery County Census Director for a conversation about how nonprofits can support the effort in 2020.

Guest speaker Barry Robinson, former lead counsel for the US Census Bureau, explained the laws safeguarding the confidentiality of Census data. Data gathered in the Census is shared only in the aggregate. Individual data is protected. This is an important message for nonprofits to convey to the people we serve. For more information, read these articles authored by Mr. Robinson.

Montgomery County has already convened a 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. Regional subcommittees are organizing to support the effort. These committees are convened by the Directors of the Regional Services Centers. Nonprofits are encouraged to connect with the regional committees to learn more.

Stay tuned for more information about how nonprofits can get involved, and County resources to support this work. Contact Shawn Ellis, 2020 Census Director.

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