Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, and Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles today announced that Newark Counts Census Day, a city-wide effort to encourage residents to complete the U.S. Census form, will take place virtually on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
The day-long initiative will include Mayor Baraka on social media, flyers promoting resident participation, a reminder phone call, and a selfie challenge, all with the goal of ensuring that all of Newark is counted. The City is working with community stakeholders to get people engaged and has also called on some of its celebrity friends to help.
The U.S. Census is a critical measure of data. Its results affect planning and funding for healthcare, infrastructure, schools, and NJ SNAP benefits, just to name a few. All which are significantly important in supporting the residents of Newark and their livelihood.
“Now more than ever, our community will need extra resources, so it’s important that we get counted correctly,” said Mayor Baraka. “We hope that through the use of social media, we can get families onboard and have greater participation. It requires just a few minutes and everyone has the ability to make a difference.”
Newark Counts Census Day encourages everyone to get counted online, and there are also two other ways – via phone or by completing and mailing the form.
As an extra push, residents can participate in the Newark Census Selfie Challenge for a chance to win $1,000. The requirements are that the resident fills out the Census by visiting www.2020census.gov, then takes a creative selfie with proof that the 2020 Census was submitted, and lastly emails the selfie with #NewarkCounts to NewarkCounts@gmail.com.
For more information, please visit https://www.newarknj.gov/
