Participation in the 2010 census, beginning April 1, encouraged

In 1790 the first US Census took place as a means to determine where people lived, the number of seats each state would have in the US House of Representatives, and as a way to track the patterns of settlement.

Established in 1902, the Census Bureau now conducts more than 200 annual surveys in addition to administering the population and housing census. A national census is required every 10 years by the US Constitution and this is the year.

Census data is used for congressional apportionment, legislative and congressional redistricting, as well as to determine the use of over $400 billion annual in government funding. Locations for schools, housing, child-care centers, shopping centers, and other community facilities are results of the census data. These improvements can have a significant impact on the lives of everyone in our community.

Sometime in March each household will receive their questionnaire either by US mail or hand delivery. It should be completed and mailed back upon receipt to avoid unnecessary replacement mailings and a visit by a census taker. April 1, 2010 is Census day so your response should include everyone who will be living at your address on that particular day; however it is not necessary you wait until then to complete the form.

A participation rate of 72 percent was achieved for the 2000 Census. For every one percent increase in mail participation, about $85 million dollars will be saved. The Census Bureau saves about $65 for each census that is returned by mail.

"I'd like nothing more than to return money once again back to the taxpayers following this census because they mailed back the census forms at a record rate," Census Bureau director Robert Groves said. "In the end, the American public's willingness to participate in the 2010 Census will determine its success and how much money we're able to save and return back to Congress."

This is one of the shortest census forms in history; the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. By law, this information can not be shared by the Census Bureau to anyone.

According to the 2010 Census website (2010.census.gov) the 2010 campaign is one of the most diverse in US history and is available in six languages with questionnaire assistance guides in 59 languages. Large-print questionnaires and a Teletext Device for Deaf (TDD) are available upon request also.

You are encouraged to participate in the 2010 Census and let the country know what our community needs for the next 10 years. If you do not receive a form or have further questions contact a Partnership and Data Services Program staff member at the Kansas City Regional Center at (816) 994-2045.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.