CENSUS 2020
Mobilizing a Complete and Accurate Count of Every Person in New York City
The 2020 Census is of critical importance to New York, as tens of billions of our state and city budgets are derived from population-based funding programs. The Census is complicated by the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19, the aftermath of the proposed citizenship question on the census form, the shift from paper to mostly online forms, the drastic decrease in federal resources for staffing and offices, and a reduction in outreach to New York’s already hard-to-count populations. The outcome of these changes may result in the loss of billions of dollars to New York as well as 1-2 congressional seats.
In an effort to help New York City and State achieve the most accurate census count possible, The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) has implemented a two-year strategic plan to ensure a fair and accurate census count. To accomplish this, ABNY is working with government and private partners to achieve three primary goals:
Maximize the census self-response rate in 2020
Help New Yorkers complete the census form
Work to ensure confidentiality and privacy protections under Title 13 of the United States Code
Fill out the Census online today!
To complete the Census, go to my2020census.gov or on the phone at 1-844-330-2020
ABNY and the Census
The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the constant growth and renewal of New York City’s people, businesses, and communities.
Over the years, ABNY has become active in improving virtually every area of municipal life from transportation, to economic development, to education. During the early part of 2018, ABNY’s leadership identified the 2020 Census as a priority for the organization and the City of New York. Since then, ABNY has been executing a five-point plan led by an organizing and action committee comprised of corporate, non-profit, community, and union leaders.
As the Census period has begun, we continue to support the work in New York and ensure we have a fair and accurate count by partnering with trusted messengers like the Mets to host a PSA and other leaders in New York, sharing and creating trusted resources on our website here and hosting webinars about how to reach communities online.
Newly launched: How to get influencers to get out the count
At a time filled with so much uncertainty, it is up to us to make sure we remind our friends and neighbors about the importance of the Census. It will take a confluence of digital outreach strategies to get out the count, and the following is a guide to influencer engagement. It is important to […]
Download our messaging guide
Through extensive research, focus groups, and polling, we identified four key ideas about the Census that resonated across diverse audiences: Money, Power, Jobs, and Safety & Security. This guide includes specific language you can use to communicate these ideas, along with facts and examples you can share to convince people that the Census is important […]
Getting the out the count with the Mets and the Islanders
Trusted messengers and non-traditional spokespeople are an instrumental part of getting out the count in New York. We were proud to partner with some of these trusted athletes at the New York Mets and New York Islanders about the importance of a fair and accurate count in the Census for our city. Please watch and […]
Watch our most recent Webinar by clicking below
Our Pop-Up Public Relations Agency
Community-based organizations (CBOs) are the most trusted institutions in neighborhoods across the city and state. Individuals often turn to these organizations first for critical services and information, and for help in times of need.
Ensuring that all communities across New York City – especially underserved ones – are counted in the 2020 Census is crucial to protecting the federal, state, and city resources CBOs receive to serve their communities. That is why ABNY is making sure that CBOs conducting Census outreach are equipped with the tools and support needed to effectively communicate why participating in the 2020 Census is crucial to their success.
Pop Up PR Agency clients receive expert advice from a team of communications professionals, online webinars and training to assist with their 2020 Census outreach efforts, among other complimentary PR agency services.
Watch our most recent Webinar by clicking below
Our Census Partners
As part of this effort, we also work with a group of non-traditional partners ranging from healthcare institutions, the corporate sector, to labor and support their work in encouraging their employees and networks to promote and complete the Census. We provide support in the form of communications expertise, customized resources, and more.
and growing!
The US Census During Covid-19
We are in the midst of unprecedented times, with our city fighting a public health crisis. Our most pressing concerns are obviously the health and safety of our families, friends, and communities. For now, the most important thing we can do is listen to the experts, stay home, be safe and follow public health guidelines. The Census has also been affected by Coronavirus, by eliminating the opportunity to conduct outreach physically and socially. Many New Yorkers are considered harder to count because they lack access to reliable Internet and digital technology, and as a result they cannot complete the Census online. We are encouraging communities to recommend the phone option or the paper questionnaire as a response, but understand that the public health crisis will impact many New Yorkers’ ability to complete the Census.
Our Donors
