Stand up and be counted MORE INFORMATION

While efforts to contain and combat the coronavirus have disrupted schools and some government operations, Walker County government is counting on making the census tally as accurate as possible.

To heighten public awareness of the need for an accurate headcount for every man, woman and child living in the United States, Sole Commissioner Shannon Whitfield, during the commissioner’s March 12 regular business meeting, signed a proclamation declaring March 23-29 as Census Pledge Week in Walker County. Census forms were mailed recently for residents to complete. Residents may

The timeline to collect census data is as follows, according to www.censusoutreach. org: March 12 — April 30 — self-response operation, which includes the initial mailing and reminder letters and postcards May 13 — July 31 — non-response followup, which includes an “early non-response followup” April 9 in neighborhoods with large off-campus college student populations

July 31 — last day to self-respond online, by phone or by mail

complete their census survey online, by mail or by phone.

According to the proclamation, “$2,300 flows into our community each year for every person counted in Walker County during the census,” which is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

The proclamation states that only 76% of Walker County residents self-reported during the 2010 Census. That under-count reduced federal funding to the county for the next decade because census data deter

mines funding for programs that feed children, support schools, train workers and improve emergency services, healthcare, transportation and more than 300 other programs.

Walker County Complete Count committee’s “Faces of Walker County” poster campaign, PSA contest in schools and numerous other outreach efforts are educating the public about the importance of an accurate count in the county.

“All residents are strong

ly encouraged to respond to the census and let their friends, family and neighbors know they are proud to “Make Walker Count” by posting on social media with #makewalkercount and using a custom “I Made Walker Count” Facebook photo frame for picture posts,” the proclamation states.