KENANSVILLE — “It’s in our hands” is the theme for the 2010 Census as shared by Delilah Gomes in her update to the Duplin Board of Commissioners. The chairwoman of the Duplin County 2010 Census Complete Count Committee provided the board information regarding why it is so vital for everyone to be counted by the census.

The volunteer committee that was established May 14, 2009 from members of the Community Building Committee has been attempting to seek strategies for Duplin to have anyone living in the county to be counted. “We come before you today not to ask for money,” joked Gomes, “we come seeking to rally the troops and we need your help. We are asking for your support and active participation for what we are trying to do.” Gomes told the commissioners that through their strong support the public would be more active and would participate more readily. “The number of people the census counts is directly tied to the amount of dollars we receive back from the government. In the last census we collected less than 60 percent of those living in the county. Our goal is to have at least 70 percent this time.” The United States Census is taken every 10 years as required by the Constitution to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The first census took place in 1790 and was to determine the number of seats for the House of Representative from each state and to gain a better knowledge of where people lived as well as to establish patterns of settlement as the nation was growing. The census is taken to provide a count of everyone residing in the United States which includes all U. S. residents must be counted—both citizens and non citizens.

“We are also requesting the use the Lois Britt Agricultural Building and the Ed Emory Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 27, for a public kickoff for the census,” asked the chairwoman. “We want to educate as many people as we can on how important it is to complete the questionnaires and return them when they are received.” Gomes informed the board that Feb. 27 is Duplin County Census Awareness Day.

Each year, according to a flyer produced by the U.S. Census Bureau, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. The census data is also used to determine location for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities.

Information shared by Gomes explains that the 2010 Census Questionnaire is easy, important and safe. The questionnaire has only 10 questions and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Information asked for will provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of other living in the household. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individuals responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

The Census Bureau has declared that Thursday, April 1 to be Census Day. Questionnaires are to be mailed in late February or early March with the bureau. “We are hoping people will return the questionnaires quickly so we can insure everyone is counted.”

To conclude her update, Gomes stripped off her jacket to reveal the official t-shirt with the slogan 2010 Census ... It’s in our hands blazoned across the back.

To find more information regarding the 2010 Census go to www.2010census.gov.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail sigeneral@myclintonnc.com.