WHO COUNTS?  

The 2020 Census and Why It Matters for Reproductive Equity

Friday, April 13 @ 12:30pm – 2:00pm ET  (9:30am – 11:00am PT)
A 60-minute briefing, followed by 30 minutes of funder-only discussion.

Every ten years since 1790, the U.S. Government has carried out a census, the results of which determine political representation, allocation of more than $600 billion per year in federal funding and the ability of federal agencies to monitor and enforce civil rights laws. These functions are critical in efforts to secure reproductive equity and should be of concern to any funder supporting human and civil rights.

Current barriers to a fair and accurate census include a shortfall in funding for, and unfilled leadership positions at, the U.S. Census Bureau; cyber-security and access to appropriate technologies for broad engagement; and the Administration’s decision to add citizenship and legal status questions to the Census questionnaire. The latter, already the subject of Constitutional lawsuits, is almost certain to frighten immigrant communities away from full participation. Those most affected will be those undercounted, namely those who are young, low-income, and/or people of color – especially immigrants, the leading edge of demographic change in the United States today.

Political representation, access to health care and other social services and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws are critical to the advancement of reproductive rights and justice. A fair and accurate census is the basis for all of these. With this in mind, FRE is offering a briefing with three experts deeply engaged in Census 2020 funding and advocacy at the national and state levels. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the policy, advocacy and funding landscape surrounding the 2020 Census; the most critical challenges that need to be addressed; key strategies of advocates; and opportunities for funders to make a difference.

Speakers
Vanita Gupta, President and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Melina Sanchez, Program Officer, Civic Participation, The James Irvine Foundation
Erika L. Wood, Program Officer, Civic Engagement and Government, The Ford Foundation

RSVP to Narada Lee (narada@wearefre.org)