Newsroom Archive

Complete Count Committees (CCC) are forming across the country to spread the word about the importance of the 2010 Census and to motivate every resident in their community to complete and return their 2010 Census questionnaire.

Made up of state, local and tribal governments, and/or community leaders, CCCs are one of the core strategic elements of the 2010 Census. Committees often include a cross section of community representatives -- including government agencies, education, business, faith-based organizations and the media -- and aim to address the various racial, ethnic, cultural and geographic considerations of their communities.

Using local knowledge, expertise and influence, CCCs plan and implement census awareness campaigns that address the special characteristics of their communities. Local campaigns are designed to reach traditionally undercounted populations by stressing the importance of an accurate census count, including how data are collected and used.

Since the 1980 Census, CCCs have played a major role in raising awareness of the census among all groups and populations through various activities. From now until May 2010, CCCs nationwide are implementing key activities, which often include:

• Holding events, such as a Census Day "Be Counted" Parade, that generate interest and participation.
• Distributing census information and materials through Web sites, newsletters and at events.
• Partnering with organizations in their communities to include census messaging in their communications.

A number of CCCs are already in place in cities nationwide, and more are forming each day. Those interested in organizing a committee should call their regional census center or visit 2010.census.gov.

ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history and consists of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the confidentiality of respondents and the information they provide.