Census 2010 - Ten Reasons That Count Including Social Networking

8- Congress - Politicians care because they know the census has powerful effects on political boundaries. Once the population totals are reported to the president in December, the process of reassigning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and Electoral College will begin. This affects how all of us will be represented in Congress as well - the more seats - the more representation.

9- Census Bureau Road Tour - Census officials are criss-crossing the US with signature blue trailers between now and April, targeting communities where traditionally people have been reluctant to be counted. Traveling for a total of 1,547 days and more than 150,000 miles across the country, 13 road tour vehicles will provide the public with an educational, engaging and interactive experience that brings the 2010 Census to life.



10- Community Budgets - The census numbers significantly affect public budgets for all sorts of community initiatives. As a result, every individual and family can help make the community a better one by standing up to be counted. In this way, the census puts power back in the hands of  the people.

"Since 1790, the census has counted residents, not citizens," says Mr Diaz, pointing out that many residents have children who are US citizens, and therefore it is in their interest to get more government money for education.

Putting the politics of the census aside, the effort to count the US is a mini-stimulus package of its own. The promotional blitz is costing over $300 million, and the Census Bureau is expected to hire 1.2 million temporary workers to administer the census, creating jobs in this fragile economy. The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public works projects like bridges and tunnels and emergency services.

The Census is a privilege - it is in everyone's best interest to stand up and be counted.