Nebraska Counts, a coalition of nonprofit organizations across the state, launched in October to increase 2020 U.S. census reporting for the state’s hard-to-count populations.
Because the U.S. Census Bureau cannot conduct the census alone, and its success depends on community involvement at every level, the bureau recommends forming state and community-level committees to increase awareness and motivate residents to respond.
Heather Engdahl, census director for Nebraska Counts, said the coalition will leverage members’ local connections and resources, especially with traditionally hard-to-reach residents in 10 counties – Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Dakota, Madison, Adams, Hall, Scottsbluff, Colfax, and Dawson.
The coalition was assembled by Civic Nebraska, the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, and the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, among other organizations.
Working from its campaign headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska Counts is coordinating statewide “Get Out the Count” efforts through educational, promotional, and actionable campaigns to enhance census efforts. This includes hiring canvassers to share information about the census and awarding mini-grants for local organizations and individuals to help promote and share the importance of completing the census.
To apply to be a Nebraska Counts canvasser, those interested can go here. For more information about Nebraska Counts, visit NebraskaCounts.org or email Engdahl at he*************@ci***********.org.
