The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

What is the U.S. census?

Every 10 years, the government reports the number of people who live in the United States by conducting a count called the census. This count is required by the U.S. Constitution.

Who should be counted?

Everyone—even babies! All infants, children and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of nationality, citizenship status, race, age or gender. If you have a baby or toddler in your household, remember to include them in the count.

Why is the census important?

Census data are used to determine the number of representatives your state receives in the U.S. Congress, as well as your community's representation in the state legislature. The data are also used to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds each year to communities for establishing and improving schools, hospitals, roads and senior services.

En Espanõl

Background on why kids need to be counted

• The 2010 Census Is Important for Young Children and the People Who Love Them (PDF)

 FAQ on filling out the census form

• How to Count Kids 0-5 in the Census (PDF)

Key messages for outreach campaigns

• Talking Points for Children and the Census (PDF)

Dora the Explorer 2010 Census toolkit-U.S. Census Bureau

• 2010.census.gov/partners/toolkits/toolkits-dora.php

Census in the schools-Asian American Justice Center

• www.fillinourfuture.org/Resources/library-of-resources/presentations-trainings (in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified and Burmese)

Children count too-NALEO Educational Fund

• hagasecontar.yaeshora.info/census?id=0006