Program Description: The library hosts a public information forum about the importance of an accurate census count for vital funding on a local level and what we can do to ensure an accurate count. This event is sponsored by NY Council on Families and Children, NY Civic Engagement Table, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, and Michael Chameides, Supervisor, Ward 3 of the City of Hudson. Childcare, food, and refreshments provided. It will take place in the community room, which is wheelchair accessible.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 4, 6-8pm.

Registration: Reserve your seat by going to bit.ly/censuscount. For more information email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org, call 518.828.1792 x101, or visit the main desk in the library. 

What does Census 2020 mean for us and our communities? Vital funding for local infrastructure and social services depends on an accurate count of the population from the Census. Information and discussion will be centered around: What can we do to improve participation from hard-to-count populations? How do we engage vulnerable communities and the general population to ensure an accurate census?

“The census has a huge impact on our community,” says Brenda Shufelt, Program Director at the library. “We are excited to be working with agencies, non-profits, and elected officials in order to bring the community together to explore solutions.”  

“We are seeing funding cuts to the census, a leadership vacuum, and the possible inclusion of intimidating questions. These could lead to our communities being undercounted, ” says Ann Sullivan, Hudson Valley Civic Engagement Coordinator at the New York Civic Engagement Table. “Locally, we need everyone working together to overcome these barriers.”

“If the census undercounts our community, we’ll lose funding and political representation,” says Supervisor Michael Chameides, (Hudson-3). “We need to organize and make sure everyone gets counted.”