#YWomenCount
2020 Census
#YWomenCountis YWCA’s national campaign to support the 2020 Census. YWCA Lancaster is actively working to ensure a full count by collaborating with area Census committees and training staff in Census basics. During the first two weeks of April computers will be available in our lobby to complete your individual census and all staff; residents; parents and volunteers will be reminded to finish their Census.
A full, fair, and accurate census, and the collection of useful, objective data about our nation’s people, housing, economy, and communities, is vitally important to the strength and stability of our nation. Further, a full, fair, and accurate census is crucial to securing the strength and vitality of YWCAs, and other nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding to provide domestic violence, child care, housing, nutrition, health, and other critical services in communities throughout the United States. Still further, women, girls, and families who may access federally-supported, life-saving services offered by YWCA are at risk of not being counted and missing out on the services they need.
As in so many facets of our society, marginalized communities have been disproportionately undercounted in the U.S. Decennial Census. These “hard-to-count” groups have historically included communities of color, young children of color, immigrant communities, persons experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, those living below the poverty line, and many other marginalized communities and identities. As in all of YWCA’s work, we center women, children, and families from these very same hard-to-count communities.
YWCA is taking up the fight.
Together we can ensure a full, fair, and accurate census. As a trusted voice in our communities, we must openly support the completion of a full, fair, accurate, safe census, provide accurate information and dispel fears caused by fear-mongering and inaccurate information, and work with other community leaders to reach hard-to-count community members. Promoting an accurate census gets to the very heart of YWCA’s mission: eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We only have one shot at the Census every 10 years—YWCA must take the 2020 Census as a call to action—a call to engage every community we reach, every staff member, and every individual we serve. Thank you for joining the YWCA #YWomenCount initiative!
For additional support and resources:
1. U.S. Census Bureau 2020census.gov
2. Census Counts Campaign censuscounts.org