Delaware County Holding Census Champion Trainings

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The 2020 census is nearly here, and officials in Delaware County are offering training events for those interested in making the census a success.

The Delaware County Complete Count Committee is looking for members of the community to act as "Delco Census Champions."

Census Champions educate the community about the 2020 Census. Every 10 years, the United States Constitution requires a count (or "census") of all people.

The next census will be held on April 1.

Last year, Delaware County formed a Complete Count Committee to maximize Delaware County’s participation in the 2020 Census and encourage everyone to be counted. The committee works to educate the public on the importance of the census and explain that it’s safe and easy to participate.

An accurate count is crucial to Delaware County: Every person counted equals about $2,000 of federal funding to fund programs and services vital to Delaware County including health care, education, and emergency services Local government officials use the census to ensure public safety and plan new schools, hospitals, and roads.

The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets Businesses use Census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores — which leads to the creation of jobs real estate developers and county planners use the data to plan new homes and improve neighborhoods

Census Champions are trusted messengers, equipped with knowledge and tools to accurately and effectively answer questions and raise awareness about the importance and impact of the 2020 Census.

Champions are people willing to share the importance of the census and how it will impact local communities.

When community members are informed, they are more likely to respond to the census.

Census Champion outreach can include:

• Explaining to your community the importance of an accurate count
• Sharing information on social media
• Sharing information with local community organizations and groups such as youth/adult sports organizations, school organizations, senior centers, a gym, a barbershop, etc.
• Sharing information at churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques.

The Delaware County Complete Count Committee will be hosting trainings to educate Census Champions and equip them with the materials they need to educate the community.

Census Champion Trainings will be held:

• Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Upper Darby Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby
• Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m at the County Council Public Meeting Room, 201. W. Front St., Media (enter on Orange Street, between Front and 3rd Streets.)
• Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at Chester City Hall, 1 E 4th St., Chester

Every household will have the option to respond to a short survey online, by mail, or by phone.