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Washington D.C. 
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Census 2000
Census
Partnership Coordinators
Chapters
Promote
Census 2000
Census 2000 --
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!
If you could take ten minutes to sit down and fill out a form that would aid in the distribution of over $100 billion in federal and state funds, create maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance and help determine areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans - and help implement the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Study Topic, would you fill out the form?
That's exactly what your country is asking you to do by taking part in the United States Census 2000. It only takes ten minutes to fill out a census form - but the results are priceless. It's also a tremendous way for Phi Theta Kappa Chapters to further explore and actively participate in the study of the Honors Study Topic, "The New Millennium: The Past as Prologue."
About a week before Census Day - April 1, 2000 - most households will receive a questionnaire by mail, and Census takers will deliver forms to the remaining households. The Census 2000 questionnaire is easy to read, simple to fill out, and will help decision-makers understand how the American population has changed over the last ten years.
"Historically, the census is the means by which we gauge population in order to determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, however, it does much more than that," said Phi Theta Kappa International President, Stephanie Wright. "Funding for vital services, including public education and child care, is determined through the census."
"Unfortunately," continued Wright, "the census' past record reflects dramatic undercounting, especially of minority groups. With all of the advances in technology and communication, it is shocking that the highest rate of undercounting occurred during the last census ten years ago, with 1.6 percent of the population missed. Over five percent of African Americans were not included, and 12.2 percent of our nation's American Indian population was not polled. It is vital all citizens take a proactive stance to participate in the census. It is how America knows what America needs."
"Furthermore, the census involves the Leadership Hallmark, addressing our responsibilities as active citizens of this nation," added Wright. "It is also an excellent way for chapters to become actively involved in the Honors Study Topic, "The New Millennium: The Past as Prologue."
"The Census Bureau is pleased that it is partnering with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society because tomorrow's leaders need to understand the importance of the census and to help with getting a complete and accurate count in their respect communities for the 2000 Census," said Diana Harley, National Partnership Specialist, United States Census 2000.
Just how can chapters across the country become involved in the census, and discover how it relates to the Honors Study Topic? Here are seven easy steps:
1. Incorporate discussions regarding Census 2000 into existing service projects, and help your community understand the importance of participating in the Census count.
2. Sponsor a public forum on campus about Census 2000 to help the community better understand the need and relevance of the Census. Potential speakers could include a government instructor, city councilperson, or a local census enumerator.
3. Coordinate a Census Information Table in your college library, student union or another high traffic area on campus for several days in March, 2000. Equip Phi Theta Kappa members stationed at the tables with Census promotional materials and details regarding the local impact of the Census, counting procedure, etc. Chapters are encouraged to coordinate their information with the campus enumerator to ensure accuracy.
4. Assist the Census Bureau in recruiting qualified enumerators by announcing the part-time, paid opportunities to members during chapter meetings, in chapter newsletters, etc. Also, spread the word about census jobs to your families, friends, co-workers and classmates. Find out more information about temporary Census jobs.
5. Generate community awareness of the Census by speaking at local civic organizations, neighborhood meetings, churches, high schools, etc.
6. Participate in the local government's "Complete Count Committee" by encouraging Phi Theta Kappa members to volunteer to serve on committees organized this spring by most local mayors and city councils throughout the nation.
7. Invite your state/regional Partnership Coordinator (check the list to find your Parternship Coordinator) or another Census official to speak at chapter or regional Phi Theta Kappa meetings in February and March, 2000.