Secretary Salazar has sent a memorandum out to all DOI employees encouraging them to participate in the U.S. census being conducted this year.
The text of his memorandum follows:
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It is time to begin checking your mailboxes for the 2010 Census form. Beginning this month, the U.S. Census Bureau is mailing or hand-delivering forms to more than 130 million addresses across the Nation. As one of the shortest Census forms in history, your participation will require answering 10 questions that should take only 10 minutes to complete.
Completing your Census form is easy, important, and safe. Your participation, which is required by law, defines the future for you, your community, and our Country for the next decade. Every 10 years, the U.S. Constitution requires the Federal Government to conduct a count of every person living in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. This count paints a portrait of America by showing how our Country has evolved during the past 10 years and what we need for the next 10 years.
It’s Easy — when you receive the Census form for your household, promptly fill it out and mail it back in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
It’s Important — the Census Bureau collects this information to produce statistical data that will show the demographic changes in your community since the last Census in 2000. The data the Census Bureau develops from your answers will help to determine your community’s share of more than $400 billion in Federal funds each year for the next 10 years.
It’s Safe — Federal law prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing your personal information with anyone, including Federal agencies and law-enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of Census data.
Take “10’’ — please join me in taking 10 minutes to complete and return your 10-question Census form. You will be performing an important civic duty and helping the 2010 Census paint a portrait of America that defines a better future for us all.
