Community, FAMU to tackle census awareness

BY JAMESHA MOORE
OUTLOOK STAFF WRITER

For all those citizens that want to take part in the 2010 Census but feel like they have a lack of knowledge, help may be on the way. Florida A&M University’s Census Information Center, along with others in the community, are joining forces with other precincts in Tallahassee March 20 to bring census awareness to those residents living in the historic undercounted areas.

Edward F. Young Jr., Census Bureau Liaison, Tallahassee-Leon County, said volunteers will be focusing on those residents who live on Tallahassee’s south side. Groups will be covering apartment complexes as well as houses. “Every group will be going door-to-door to educate people on what the census is actually about and to answer any unanswered questions,” Young said.

The purpose of going door-to- door is to build up census awareness. Young is working with the committee that is creating maps so volunteers will know exactly where each location is. Many citizens said they appreciate the county’s initiative to take the time out to educate them on the census.

“It is very important to me because I have never heard people stress about the census this much before,” said Denice Hogans, 21, a native from Jacksonville. “I believe it is really critical for people to learn how the census is affecting them.”

FAMU is working in partnership with the Leon County Planning Department and Marion McGee, the local Census partnership specialist. Dr. Juanita Gaston, director of the Census Information Center and the Education co-chair Committee, said she believes the census dates way back into the civil rights era.

“Some people have even called it a civil rights issue,” she said. “They call it a civil rights issue because the census directly affects decisions made in terms of funding for education, veteran services, public health, rural development, redistricting and environment. All of those things are impacted by the census.”

The 2010 Census is intended to help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for items such as, hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects and emergency services. Young said the organization plans to have a session to teach all volunteers how the procedure will operate.

The FAMU Census Information Center established the FAMU student census ambassadors to target their colleagues, churches and community. FAMU will hold a questionnaire assistance seminar in the Coleman Library March 19-April 19 to assist students with questions. There will also be assistance centers in the community.

“I am glad to see someone really cares about our community,” Hogans said. For more information on volunteering or for further information, contact Juanita Gatson at (850) 412-4575 or juanita.gaston@ famu.edu.