The Los Angeles Post

Alabama Organizations Come Together To Improve Census Education and Participation Among Local Communities 

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Alabama, September 30, 2024 – Down For The Count—a collaborative educational initiative between Alabama Values, The Ordinary People’s Society (TOPS), Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE), and The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!)—has announced its official launch. The initiative’s mission is to increase Census participation among Alabama’s underrepresented communities.

 

Down For The Count is committed to providing clarity around the Census process and highlighting the impact of Census data on community resources. By providing individuals accurate information, Down For The Count aims to ensure that every voice in Alabama is heard and every community is counted. The Census and the American Community Survey (ACS) play a significant role in determining the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding. Accurate Census data guarantees that communities receive their fair share of resources for schools, hospitals, roads, and other essential services. This means that every Alabama resident’s participation in the Census and ACS shapes the future of their community.

 

“Down for The Count is about empowering our communities to be seen and heard. By demystifying the Census and ACS, we’re not just driving participation—we’re ensuring that every person in Alabama has access to the resources and representation they deserve,” explains Alabama Values Executive Director Anneshia Hardy, “This is how we build a future where everyone counts.”

 

Mitchell Brown, Senior Director of Voting Rights with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice emphasized why Census education is such an important cause for his organization to focus on. “It’s important for SCSJ to be a part of Down for the Count because the Census is the basis for a lot of funding decisions as well as voting power and people don’t know that. Our goal in joining this initiative is to help provide education to community members through the South as well as providing tangible resources to grassroots groups that are doing the on-the-ground work. SCSJ and SOLVE are glad to be a part of this initiative.”

 

Down For The Count provides Census education to Alabama’s underrepresented communities through:

  • Education & Awareness: Sharing clear, accurate information about the Census and ACS through community events, workshops, and content.
  • Community Stories: Showcasing personal testimonials on the real-life benefits of Census participation.
  • Resources & Tools: Offering toolkits with step-by-step guides, FAQs, and multilingual materials.
  • Partner Organizations: Collaborating with trusted nonprofits to extend reach and build trust in these communities.

 

“For too long, immigrants, and particularly Hispanics/Latinos, have been undercounted on the Decennial Census and the annual American Community Survey (ACS). At ¡HICA!, we understand that the time for all of us to take a stance to get counted and be seen is now! Join us today,” states Carlos Torres, HICA’s Programs and Community Partnership Director, as he shares the importance of every Alabamian being represented.

 

Another group that often gets overlooked is the formerly incarcerated, but that is no longer the case with Down For The Count.  “As we prepare for the upcoming general election, we must remember that the Census count plays a major role in voter engagement and turnout. As the longest standing criminal justice and voting rights reform organization in existence, TOPS understands the disparities in unrepresented communities and the challenges surrounding the formerly incarcerated and homeless population,” shares TOPS Executive Director Rodreshia Russaw, “As we push for a better democracy, it’s time to elevate the voices of those living under society by making sure that no one goes uncounted.”

 

Down For The Count is dedicated to ensuring every voice in Alabama is heard and every community is counted—and understands that it takes a collective effort to accomplish this mission. Alabama residents interesting in learning more can hear from Down For The Count partners Alabama Values and HICA at the Shaping Communities virtual briefing in partnership with States Count Action Network  on Thursday, October 3rd, at 2pm.

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