MERIDIAN — Hoping to educate local residents of the importance of their participation in U.S. Census 2010, the Meridian Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is joining Delta chapters nationwide in hosting Census Awareness Day.
Set for Feb. 27, members hope to especially encourage the full participation of African-Americans and other traditionally unrepresented groups in Census 2010.
"People need to understand the impact on the community if they are not counted," said Kim Houston, corresponding secretary of the Meridian Alumnae Chapter. "It not only affects the dollars that come into the state, but also our community."
Guest speaker will be Regional Census Director Diann Chapman, who will help shed light on the many myths about census participation. Refreshments also will be served and there is no charge to participate.
With the U.S. Census process under way, the Meridian Alumnae Chapter advises residents to be cooperative, but cautious to avoid becoming victims of fraud or identity theft.
"No matter what the Census workers ask, residents only need to tell them how many people live at their address," Houston said.
More than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address, including name, age, gender, race and other relevant data.
How do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following advice:
• If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
• Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
• While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as salary range, you don't have to answer anything at all about your financial situation.
• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by e-mail.
• Never click on a link or open any attachment in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
FYI:
What: 2010 Census Awareness Day hosted by Meridian Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
When: Feb. 27, 3 p.m.
Where: East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) building, 2128 Highway 39 North
For more information: Gina Robertson, Meridian Alumnae Chapter DST president, (601) 934-2023
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