Countdown to the 2010 Census

The countdown to the 2010 Census has begun, and the U.S. Census Bureau is looking to national, tribal, state and local officials and community leaders to ensure an accurate count. With Census Day just over one year away — April 1, 2010 — the Census Bureau has already launched critical national effort that affects the apportionment of congressional seats, and how the federal government annually allocates $300 billion in federal assistance to state, local and tribal governments.

In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will define who we are as a nation with the decennial census population count. It is vital that the 2010 Census have an accurate count of our tribal nations and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands. - U.S. Census Bureau

2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates

Videos

• 2010 Census: A New Portrait of America - 3 mins. 10 secs.   (watch video)
  This informational program explains how communities benefit from Census Bureau data collection efforts. Testimonials describe the importance of a complete count and why the 2010 Census will be the most important count in our nation's history.


• America's Changing...And So Is The Census - 5 mins. 46 secs.   (watch video)
  An overview of the American Community Survey, and how the annually updated community data from it is transforming the way officials make important local decisions.


• From Inkwell To Internet - 10 mins. 26 secs.   (watch video)
  The Census Bureau is the world leader in statistical science, cartography, and data processing. "From Inkwell To Internet" tells the story of the founding of the Census Bureau using historical re-creations. Explore the history of the establishment of the Census Bureau through the personalities of the time..from the first census taken in 1790...to the establishment of the Bureau in 1902...to the 21st century.

2010 Census Channel

Check out the 2010 Census Channel for more videos related to the upcoming census.

Profile America

http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile.xml

Radio Features

http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/special_radio_features/index.xml

Print

2010 Census Overview - An Introduction to the 2010 Census

• Counting Everyone Once — and Only Once — and In the Right Place   (view document)
  The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.

2010 Census: It's In Our Hands - What You Need to Know about the 2010 Census

• Tribal Government/Commmunity Leaders   (view document)
  In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will define who we are as a nation with the decennial census population count. It is vital that the 2010 Census have an accurate count of our tribal nations and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.


• Everyone   (view document)
  In 2010, the U.S. census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.

Drop-In Articles

Please feel free to reprint these articles in your newspaper, organizational newsletter, Web site, etc. Help the U.S. Census Bureau spread the word in Indian country.

• 2010 Census Awareness   (view article)
  Now is the Time to Start Planning for the 2010 Census.


• Recruiting   (view article)
  The 2010 Census Offers Short-term Jobs with Long-Term Results.


• Complete Count Committees   (view article)
  Complete Count Committees Key to a Successful Census in 2010.

Brochures

• Complete Count Committee   (view brochure)
  A Complete Count Committee is a team of community leaders appointed by the highest-elected official to develop and implement a locally-based outreach and awareness campaign for the 2010 Census.


• "Geography Counts... Make the 2010 Census Work for You"   (view brochure)
  The Census Bureau works with tribal, state, county, and local officials, as well as coordinating agencies such as regional planning commissions to implement a number of programs designed to review geographic information.

Informational Booklets

• Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Program   (view booklet)
  The Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) Program is an integral part of the 2010 Decennial Census Program and utilizes the expertise of tribal, state, and local governments to improve the accuracy and completeness of the address list used to take the census.

What is the Census?

• The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years.


• The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.


• The next census is in 2010.


• Your participation in the census is required by law.


• It takes less than 10 minutes to complete.


• Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census.


• Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.

2010 Census is Different

The Census Bureau has changed the way it conducts the national count.

Goodbye Long Form

In the past, most households received a short-form questionnaire, while one household in six received a long form that contained additional questions and provided more detailed socioeconomic information about the population.

The 2010 Census will be a short-form only census and will count all residents living in the United States as well as ask for name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure – taking just minutes to complete.

The more detailed socioeconomic information is now collected through the American Community Survey. The survey provides current data about your community every year, rather than once every 10 years. It is sent to a small percentage of the population on a rotating basis throughout the decade. No household will receive the survey more often than once every five years.

• View more information on the American Community Survey.

2010 Census Timeline: Key Dates

Videos

• 2010 Census: A New Portrait of America - 3 mins. 10 secs.   (watch video)
  This informational program explains how communities benefit from Census Bureau data collection efforts. Testimonials describe the importance of a complete count and why the 2010 Census will be the most important count in our nation's history.


• America's Changing...And So Is The Census - 5 mins. 46 secs.   (watch video)
  An overview of the American Community Survey, and how the annually updated community data from it is transforming the way officials make important local decisions.


• From Inkwell To Internet - 10 mins. 26 secs.   (watch video)
  The Census Bureau is the world leader in statistical science, cartography, and data processing. "From Inkwell To Internet" tells the story of the founding of the Census Bureau using historical re-creations. Explore the history of the establishment of the Census Bureau through the personalities of the time..from the first census taken in 1790...to the establishment of the Bureau in 1902...to the 21st century.

Census 2010 Channel

Check out the Census 2010 Channel for more videos related to the upcoming census.

Profile America

http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/profile.xml

Radio Features

http://www.census.gov/pubinfo/www/broadcast/radio/special_radio_features/index.xml

Print

• 2010 Census Overview - An Introduction to the 2010 Census   (view document)
  The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years.


• 2010 Census: It's In Our Hands - What You Need to Know about the 2010 Census   (view document)
  In 2010, the U.S. census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. As a 2010 Census partner, you can educate your community about the importance of participating in this historic event and help ensure no one is left uncounted. You can help your community receive the fiscal and social benefits to which it is entitled. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is in our hands.


• Become a 2010 Census Partner   (view document)
  Your support of the 2010 Census matters. Your partnership sends a strong message to your community about the importance of the census and the benefits of being counted. A complete and accurate count is in our hands.


• Complete Count Committee - Brochure   (view document)
  A Complete Count Committee is a team of community leaders appointed by the highest-elected official to develop and implement a locally-based outreach and awareness campaign for the 2010 Census.

Jobs Overview

The 2010 Census – A Great Way to Earn Extra Money

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the work is close to home.

Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees, college students, persons who want to work part-time, persons who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.

Your tribal community is counting on you

Every 10 years, we conduct a census of our population. The results help determine your representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. As a census taker, you'll play a vital role in making sure that everyone is included.

Thousands are needed for temporary jobs

Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, public transportation may be authorized in certain areas.

Earn good pay

Census takers receive competitive pay on a weekly basis. In addition, you will be reimbursed for authorized mileage and related expenses.

Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply!

All census takers must be able to speak English, but bilingual skills in English and other languages are needed in communities that have a large number of residents who speak a language other than English. If you have such skills, we encourage you to apply.

Get more than just a paycheck

Besides good pay, you'll have flexible hours, paid training, and the chance to work within your own tribal community. You'll earn a place in history, as well as work experience you can add to your resume.

Apply today by contacting your Local Census Office or by calling 1-866-861-2010!

How to Apply

It's easy to apply! Call the Census Bureau's toll-free Jobs line at 1-866-861-2010 and schedule an appointment to take their employment test. TTY users should call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Use their interactive mapto find the local phone number of the Census office nearest you.

Can I access the employment forms required for employment online?

Yes. Visit the Employment Documents section to complete and print an application form and instructions as well as the required I-9 Form. Please bring your completed application and I-9 Form to your scheduled testing session.

Will I be selected?

Census Bureau applicants will be hired from almost every community and are selected based on the hiring needs of each particular area. Qualified applicants are contacted to work as Census jobs become available. Most hiring will take place February through May, 2009.

May I contact the Census Bureau via email?

No. Use their interactive mapto find the local phone number of the Census office nearest you.

In addition to applying to be a census taker, are there other jobs I can apply for?

Yes. There are other jobs available in Census Bureau Regional Offices that you can apply for:

• Regional Office positions

Employment Test

What is in the employment test?

The Census Bureau employment test for 'field positions' consists of 28 multiple-choice questions designed to measure the basic skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs. These include clerical skills, reading, number skills, interpreting information and evaluation alternatives, and organization skills. You will have 30 minutes to complete the official employment test at an on-site testing location, and you may retake the test if you would like to improve your test score.

Practice Test

As a courtesy to tribal communities and those seeking field position jobs with the 2010 Census, the NativeBiz Learning Center has made an easy to use online 'practice test' available at no-charge.

This user-friendly practice test is modeled after the U.S. Census Bureau's downloadable practice test (FORM D-222.1) which is designed similar to the official employment test, to measure skills, abilities, and knowledge required to perform a variety of census jobs. There are several parts to this practice test. The parts include clerical skills, reading, number skills, evaluating alternatives, and organizational skills. This practice test is a multiple-choice test. This means you will have several choices from which to select an answer to each item. At the conclusion of the practice test you may view and print a Certificate of Completion (informational purposes only).

In taking the practice test, please remember the following points:

• Keep an eye on the timer that appears at the top left of the test pages (you have 30 mins).
• Make sure you understand all general instructions before you begin the test.There are directions applying to specific items or groups of items throughout the test. You must be able to read and follow these directions without help from the examiner when taking the actual test.
• The multiple-choice items have 4 choices from which to make a selection. Choose the ONE BEST answer to each question.
• Try to answer every item on the test. You may not be totally sure of the answer to every item. For these, make the most careful choice that you can. Although you will not be penalized for guessing, any answer that you select should be based on careful reasoning.
• You may do any figuring on a piece of scratch paper.
• Most persons will probably have time to finish the test, but you should work quickly nevertheless. Do not spend too much time on any one item.

Take the practice test now!

• To access the online version of the practice test, click here.
• A printable version of the official Census Bureau practice test (FORM D-222.1) is available for offline use by clicking here.

Note: Formatting for the online practice test varies slightly from the printable version.

Employment Documents

• Census Employment Application   (view document)
  Complete the application, print it, and bring it along with you to your scheduled testing session.


• Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification   (view document)
  Complete this form, print it, and bring it along with you to your scheduled testing session.


• Approved Forms of Identification   (view document)
  Note the approved forms of identification you are required to bring with you to the testing session.


• Practice Test   (view document)
  This booklet contains a practice test which is designed similar to the actual test, to measure skills, abilities, and knowledge required to perform a variety of census jobs.
  
  To attempt the online practice test click here.