Hello DD Councilmembers!
For the last few months, across the country and world, communities have still been feeling the effects of COVID-19. There's one thing you can still do to help your community and state, and that is to complete the 2020 Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477>!

As you know, the 2020 Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477> will determine funding and representation for our communities for the next decade. The Census data helps direct more than $800 billion a year in federal funding to all states and territories, including for crucial programs that support and protect the rights of people with disabilities. Here's the deal - COVID-19 has made it harder than ever to get an accurate count. As of August 16th, the response rate is at less than 65%! The Census Bureau has made changes to ensure everyone is safe<https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/operational-adjustments-covid-19.html?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477>, but the 2020 Census will end on September 30th, so it's imperative we spread the word and urge everyone to fill out the Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477> as soon as possible.

There are just less than 40 days left to fill out the Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477> - make sure you, your friends and families are counted!

Unfortunately, we've seen efforts to undermine the accuracy of the Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477>. But let us be clear - the Constitution requires a count of everyone living in the country!

We need to help us ensure a complete, accurate count despite these difficulties. That's why NACDD<https://www.nacdd.org/> is working together with other organizations and all of our councils to get the word out about the Census - can we count on your help?

We've made it easy and have come up with some hashtags below, but feel free to get creative with what you share (and don't forget to tag us @NACDD<https://twitter.com/NACDD>! And #Census2020)

              #BeCounted
              #YouCount
              #DisabilityCounts
              #DisabilityCounts2020
              #WeCount
              #DisabilityVoice
              #CountMeIn
              #CountUsToo
              #CensusCounted
              #Make(state initials)Count!
              #(State initials)Counts
              #ICount!

Never forget, you count! Make sure your voice is heard and complete the Census<https://my2020census.gov/?emci=71e710c1-2ee2-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=cbf37ffd-0ee3-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&ceid=3810477>!

Robin Troutman
Deputy Director
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC  20006
202.506.5813 Ext. 105 (Phone)
www.nacdd.org<http://www.nacdd.org/>
www.onevotenow.org<http://www.onevotenow.org>
Pronouns: she/her
[thumbnail_NACDD_logo_50th FIXED]