Page 3 - Work Force February 2020

Census outreach prioritizes hard- to-count residents
POUGHKEEPSIE — CSEA member Gabriela Vega-Matthews passionately believes that participating in the U.S. Census is our civic obligation, and she’s working hard to ensure her fellow Dutchess County residents understand why.
Recognizing that increasing participation compared to the 2010 census is crucial for fair federal funding, county leaders last year formed the Dutchess County Complete Count Committee.
Well known as an
advocate for the local
Latino community,
Vega-Matthews
was asked to
volunteer as a
member of the
committee.
Commission, nearly 5 million New York State residents are included in this population, largely due to language barriers, lack of internet access and members of transient communities such as renters or college students.
In Dutchess County alone, more than 69,000 people are considered ‘hard to count,’ including residents with language barriers, migrant workers in farming communities
and residents of rural communities. Different
people often have different reasons for
not participating. “We have
vulnerable community
members who we should be
advocating for,” said
Vega-Matthews. “All of our
communities should be represented with
CSEA Dutchess County Unit member Gabriela Vega-Matthews is determined to get everyone counted in this year’s U.S. Census.
Vega- Matthews
had words of encouragement for fellow CSEA members.
“If you’re not
involved, you can’t help
make change,” said Vega- Matthews, a community health outreach worker at the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health. “As a county worker and CSEA member, I recognize that the census data results can jeopardize important programs for our local community members, which can also put jobs at risk.”
Every person counts
One of the goals the committee has is to improve participation among residents that census officials have determined are part of the ‘hard-to-count’ population. In a report recently released by the New York State Complete Count
United States Census
A constitutional guarantee
The connection between a complete count and federal aid is
the most frequently touched-upon talking point, but Vega-Matthews also
points to history as it pertains to making sense of the census.
She carries with her a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution, a reminder that
the process of conducting a census every 10 years dates was spelled out in the Constitution when it was passed
in 1787.
What it all comes down to with
the census, Vega-Matthews said, is that, “if you believe in the law of the country, it’s our duty to participate.”
— Jessica Ladlee
See pages 10-11 for more about the census.
2020
Vega-Matthews is especially optimistic about connecting with Hudson River Healthcare, a regional network of community health centers that is a primary source of health care for the Latino
community and
other residents
who fall into the
hard-to-count area.
“We’re meeting
the community
where they
are,” said Vega-
Matthews. “I want
to be sure they
realize this funding
is their funding. If
we want our fair
share, we have to participate.”
She’s also recruited local college students to take part in the process, as Dutchess County is home to several colleges, including Vassar, Marist, Bard and Dutchess Community College.
dignity because they are part of the process. These
communities are part of maintaining the economy of this country. As a grassroots community organizer, it’s important that everyone be included.”
Working with community groups across the county, Vega-Matthews hopes to encourage Dutchess County residents to overcome their concerns and be counted.
Reaching out in different ways
Vega-Matthews said proactive outreach ahead of time can make the census process easier. Taking part in community events has been one way to engage residents. Advertising in the form of posters and billboards is also a possibility.
“We’re meeting the community where they are. I want to be sure they realize this funding is their funding. If we want our fair share, we have to participate.”
February 2020
The Work Force 3
BeCounted!