The U.S. Census P.R. push is grinding into full gear. President Obama — with help from Hollywood and the Winter Olympics — is encouraging all residents, legal and illegal, to participate in “Census Day” on April 1.
The president recorded a public service announcement promoting participation in the 2010 Census; the traditional White House announcement on the Census dates to 1790, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower pitched participating in the census as a civic duty.
“The prompt, complete and accurate answering should be regarded as one of the requirements of good citizenship,” Eisenhower said.
Before 2000 — the first year the Census started a paid advertising campaign — the government relied on the public service announcements to get the word out. All presidents serving during decennial censuses — from President William Howard Taft through President Bill Clinton — have issued a presidential proclamation on or before Census Day, which has been April 1 since 1930.
As times have changed, so, too, has the outreach to groups like immigrants and non-native English speakers. The Census Bureau has “good data” on languages used in particular neighborhoods in 2000 that it used to target the need for non-English assistance, according to Census Director Robert Groves. Nearly 60 languages were covered through translated forms and assistance guides.
The 2010 Census “Portrait of America” road tour is hitting more than 800 events nationwide, including the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four. Over the Winter Olympics, the Census Bureau plans to air 132 spots, including three by Olympic athletes: figure skater Ben Agosto, speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez and hockey player Julie Chu.
