“Take 10” and Help Dallas County Get What it Needs for the Next 10 Years

Have you completed and returned your Census form yet? If no, then why not?

The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Census data affects how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments. Don’t we need some of the the $400 billion right here in the DFW area?

The census will frame the future of our country and the DFW area for the next 10 years.

Here’s what you should know about the 2010 Census:

It’s easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and nonrelatives.

It’s important. Census data is used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

It’s safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

International and undocumented students count. The census counts every person living in the United States on April 1, 2010. Undocumented immigrants are safe. As mentioned above, federal law prohibits the U.S. Census Bureau sharing a respondents’ answers, including legal status, with anyone.


The most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.

Learn more about DCCCD involvement with the 2010 Census at www.dcccd.edu/About+DCCCD/News+and+Events/News/Census2010-11-17-09.htm. For more information about the 2010 Census and the “Take 10” initiative, visit 2010census.gov.