La Paz Chattanooga, through their business development initiative, Compañía, hosted a lunch and learn event to educate the latino professional community about the 2020 census at the Edney.
The event, one of 12 networking luncheons Compañía and La Paz host per year, focused on the importance of census work for minority groups as well as communities and cities at large.
Attendees learned about potential employment opportunities through the U.S. Census Bureau and different government programs the census helps to fund on a local level.
Presenters for the lunch event were Melanie Harrison, partnership specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau - Philadelphia region, Tyler Yount, director of Special Projects for the city of Chattanooga Mayor’s Office, and Ana Mancebo, social impact coordinator at La Paz Chattanooga.
“Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone living in the country on April 1, no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or why they are in the country," said Ms. Harrison. "The count includes children and newborn babies, citizens and noncitizens, and temporary residents.
“Everyone benefits from the public services that an accurate census supports, so everyone should be counted.”
The information collected in the census will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds each year. These funds impact critical services, including education, health care, and public transportation.
Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of needs, including new roads, schools, and emergency services. The information is used to help protect civil rights laws and determine when services should be provided in other languages. The information can also attract businesses that cater to communities with diverse populations. It can help employers better understand the local talent pool and provide new job opportunities, said officials.
Chattanooga’s efforts are focused through their Complete Count Committee and the community partnerships that help to ensure all different groups of individuals are counted.
“We represent all Chattanoogans, especially those that have barriers to live the life they want in our city," said Mr. Yount. "That's why the city is partnering with organizations like La Paz to make sure everyone gets counted in the 2020 Census.
“The future of Chattanooga depends on finding, helping, counting, and protecting all of our community members.”
La Paz will be working alongside the city’s Complete Count Committee as well as with Tennessee Immigrants and Refugee Rights Coalition as an anchor organization for their state-wide efforts.
"La Paz is committed to providing the education and tools necessary to help count Chattanooga’s Latinx community in this year’s Census,” said Ms. Mancebo.
"We understand the unique barriers and challenges that face the community and are prepared to help individuals overcome them. We are partnering with groups locally and across the state to spread awareness about the Census and are excited to help increase civic engagement and develop grassroots leaders here in Chattanooga.”
The census will be mailed out to homes in the spring and will continue to be collected through the summer.
Get involved and make sure your neighbors are counted at connect.chattanooga.gov/census2020.