Census 2010 officials hope for high participation

State office needs to hire 1,000

By Barbara Soderlin, Journal staff | Sunday, January 04, 2009

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Efforts have already begun to encourage South Dakotans to fill out their Census 2010 survey when it arrives in the mail more than a year from now.

The Census, in which the government gathers demographic information from households throughout the country, has taken place every decade since 1790.

It is used primarily to determine how seats are allotted in the U.S. House of Representatives and other government bodies and to apportion federal money to states and cities. The information is also useful to sociologists, demographers and journalists who study social trends and to genealogists tracing family history.

But it can be a challenge to get people to fill out the survey forms, whether they are forgetful or don't trust the government with the information.

In 2000, only two-thirds of United States households mailed back their survey forms -- an increase over 1990's 65 percent response rate. South Dakota did somewhat better, with 74 percent of households responding.

Rapid City's response rate was 77 percent, and Sioux Falls' was 79 percent.

Thomas Berger, who manages the Rapid City-based South Dakota office, said people might not trust the government, but he wants to assure them that all of the information gathered in the Census is kept confidential.

"Their information is safe with us," he said. For example, he said the Census staff do not report it when they find undocumented workers. They simply count people.

Just to get in to the local office requires a picture ID, and those seeking jobs working with the Census must undergo a background check.

Several efforts are under way to spread the government's message that it is important to participate. Local school children have been writing essays on "what the Census means to me." An office will be set up at Wal-Mart where workers can answer questions and help people fill out the forms when they arrive in the mail.

Specialists will work to increase participation in areas that have had low response rates in the past, such as reservation communities.

The kick-off to it all is an event Thursday, Jan. 8, where local officials will gather to show their support of the project.

Mayor Alan Hanks will speak to the crowd about the importance of participating.

"The reason it's very important to the city of Rapid City is the fact that the Census is what all federal funding is based upon," he said.

This includes $510,000 in community development block grant funds that are available in fiscal 2009 for projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents of the city.

"If it's undercounted, the funding would be reduced," he said.

Census data also help the city in planning for development, where it is helpful to know if population growth will be among older people or younger families, for example.

Hanks said he is encouraged that Census officials have said all efforts will be made to count all residents, including transient people who live in motels, with relatives or in shelters.

Get involved

The South Dakota Census 2010 office is hiring up to 1,000 people statewide for a variety of part-time positions paying between $11 and $14.50 per hour. The work hours are flexible, and the jobs are done from home.

Applicants must pass a background check and a comprehension test.

The first part of the work, from May to mid-July, involves neighborhood canvassing in a worker's own community, using a handheld GPS device to enter and map addresses.

The second part is verifying the number of residences in group housing, such as apartment buildings and senior homes. Finally, workers will follow up door to door with families who do not fill out their Census surveys.

Applicants are especially needed in areas outside Rapid City.

For information call 866-861-2010.

Coming up

An invitation-only kickoff event for the 2010 South Dakota Census is planned for Thursday, Jan. 8. About 100 people have been invited, including politicians, clergy and media.

Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks and others will address the group.