So many changes can happen in 10 years. The 1980s saw the first cellular phones, Nintendo Entertainment System, IBM and Macintosh computers, and compact disks. The 1990s exploded with the introduction of the world wide web, texting, and DVDs. Between 2000 and 2010, Facebook, YouTube, flash drives, and cameras in phones began to emerge. Since 2010, robots and artificial intelligence, green energy, and synthetic cells have become common. The world continuously evolves, and our communities do, too. In 2020, the world has changed tremendously, and it is crucial to know how these changes have had an impact on our communities.
One way to measure change in communities is through the census. When you fill out the census, you demonstrate demographic change and you help your community gets its fair share of the more than $675 Billion per year in federal funds for schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other vital programs.
According to the United States Census Bureau, as of August 18, 71.4% of Aurora citizens have had their say in that $675 Billion. One of those citizens is Veronica Stewart, a lifelong resident of Illinois’ second largest city, Aurora.
“I filled out my census online. It only takes about five to 10 minutes. It’s important now more than ever,” said Veronica Monday, Aug. 17 at Aurora’s Best Laundry, where Aurora Public Library (APL) staff members were encouraging individuals to take the census. Staff members passed out information about the census, gave away both free detergent and pre-loaded laundromat cards to those who completed the census then and there. Veronica added, “The City needs to know what is going on with its residents, and APL is serving to those who need it!”
“There’s a lot of skepticism and confusion about what our government does with census information,” said Tom Spicer, deputy director for APL. “We want to help inform people, also the census helps us to provide better material for Aurora citizens.”
Although Aurora’s response rate is good compared to other cities and states, a 100% response rate is the goal. Each response counts, and we all have an opportunity to make an impact. Getting to 100% requires everyone’s help, and there are many ways for businesses, individuals, and organizations to play their parts by spreading the word and filling out the 2020 census. Remember, you only have until September 30, to help your community. You can fill out your census online at aurorapubliclibrary.org/YouCount.
Andrew Muñoz is communications coordinator at the Aurora Public Library.