NONPROFITS COUNT: Toolkit
Why Nonprofits?
North Carolina nonprofits are uniquely qualified to mobilize historically undercounted communities. Historically, the Census has missed disproportionate numbers of racial minorities, immigrants, young children and those living in poverty – “hard-to-count populations” – leading to inequality in political power, government funding and private-sector investment for these communities.
North Carolina nonprofits are essential to mobilize historically undercounted communities. Nonprofits:
- Provide services and/or are located in communities most at risk of being undercounted. (urban and rural)
- Maintain everyday contact and have trusting relationships with the communities they serve. Therefore, nonprofits have the ability to positively influence a person’s decision to complete the 2020 Census.
- Communicate in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
- Respond to the needs of our communities and are great at stepping outside of their lane to respond to a call of action to protect or help our communities.
- Care about services and programs that help and empower the communities. Nonprofits driven by social missions strive to ensure their communities have access to the funds, services, representations and physical and social infrastructure affected by the Census count.
- Understand the negative impact an undercount will have on their communities, and that they will need to find ways to make up for the shortfalls.
- Rely on Census data to plan and provide services for the communities they serve.
Join the Movement
There is strength in numbers. The more people counted means the more money and power for North Carolina residents at home and in Washington, DC. This is an “all hands on deck” mission. There are fewer public resources for outreach for the upcoming Census operation, which means North Carolina communities need to work together to ensure a complete and accurate count.
Educate
Get up to speed about the campaign and the importance of the census. Tools include the Resources page (which will be updated throughout the campaign) with downloadable/shareable content, including FAQs, messaging/talking points, flyers, brochures, ads, videos, etc.
Engage
Participate in training sessions (dates/details to come) and community-specific initiatives. Learn details on the timeline, tips for completing the census online, effective communication pointers, tactics for outreach (canvassing, phone banking, community events, etc.)
Empower
Get the word out to your community members in your neighborhoods. Provide customized materials to help educate, address misperceptions, answer questions and encourage participation in the census. Empower the undercounted. Let their voices be heard. We’re counting on your help!
