AUG. 10, 2020 —­­­ As census takers start visiting neighborhoods across the country, the U.S. Census Bureau is launching the last phase of its “Shape Your Future. Start Here.” 2020 Census communications campaign with a new series of advertisements informing the public that there is still time to self-respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail. The ads are designed to reach 45 language-based audiences and will run from approximately Aug. 3 to Sept. 27.

The advertisements will appear in English and 12 other languages across multiple platforms including radio, television, print, and digital and outdoor media (billboards and bus stops), with an additional 21 languages covered in newspaper advertising and 11 additional languages in paid media online search support. The following languages will be covered:

The 2020 Census Integrated Communications Campaign (ICC) officially launched in January as part of a $700 million public education and outreach effort. Featuring more than 1,000 ads, the campaign was designed to reach the nation’s 140 million households in three phases: (1) the Awareness/Education Phase (Jan. 14-March 12), (2) the Motivation/Participation Phase (March 13-May 20), and (3) the Reminder/Nonresponse Followup Phase (May 13-June 28). The original promotional advertising schedule for the Reminder/Nonresponse Followup Phase was extended through the end of September to support the adjusted 2020 Census operational timeline.

The Census Bureau has conducted paid advertising and communications campaigns to encourage the public to respond to the census since 2000. The 2020 Census ICC is the largest ever for the Census Bureau and is based on the most robust research program ever implemented for a decennial census communications program.

The Census Bureau announced recently that it has begun to email households in low-response areas to encourage response to the 2020 Census.

The message alerts households that their response to the 2020 Census is important for shaping the future of their communities because they inform how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated for crucial public services and infrastructure like hospitals, roads and bridges, schools and emergency response.

Census takers have begun following up in person with households that have not yet responded on their own in select areas and started visiting communities nationwide on Aug. 9. When census takers visit households, they will wear face masks and follow local public health guidelines. 

To see examples of advertisements in the 2020 Census ICC, please visit <www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2019/2020-census-integrated-communications-campaign.html>. To respond to the 2020 Census, please visit <www.2020census.gov>.

No news release associated with this announcement. Tip Sheet only.

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