Preparations begin for 2010 Census

LIMA - You've probably received a knock on your door recently verifying your address for the 2010 U.S. Census.

Address canvassing - the process of verifying each address in the United States - began April 1 for Ohio. Census representatives began the usual painstaking process in a different way this year. The process was more efficient with the introduction of GPS-enabled handheld computers.

John Willse, media specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, said in Ohio the process usually takes two to three months, but was completed in just more than a month this time.

"This technology has better accuracy and speed than the previous paper system because it can be transmitted wirelessly," said Kim Hunter, media specialist for the Detroit regional Census center.

Hunter said a larger pool of people were available for employment because of the poor economy, which helped make the process quicker.

Hunter said address verification of group quarters, such as dormitories and military barracks, will begin in September.

Being implemented for a second time is the Census in Schools initiative. Information was mailed to schools across the United States in April seeking involvement.

Hunter said this program allows children to carry the importance of the census into the home making it more likely parents will complete the form.

Willse said there was good participation during the 2000 census and he hopes for a higher number of contributing schools this census.

"Information is worked into the lesson plans of civics, government and geography classes," Willse said. "How it is applied and used depends on the age groups of the students."

Tom Huffman, principal at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, said he has received information in the past about the Census in Schools program and would be interested in incorporating it into government and civics classes.

"It's important because it teaches kids about government and representatives and how things are apportioned," Huffman said.

Willse said recruitment has begun for manager and staff positions at Census offices opening up and will continue into the fall.