Making the Census Count

To promote awareness, acceptance and action on the 2010 U.S. Census, three ONU junior public relations majors, Allison Gribben, from East Palestine, Ohio, Jamienne Scott from Columbus Grove, Ohio, and Stephanie Rowe, from Waldo, Ohio, have developed a census campaign for ONU and the community.

Their project is part of the National Bateman Case Study Competition, in which public relations students across the nation compete to develop and execute the best campaign in their area. This year’s Bateman client is the 2010 U.S. Census. February is the month of implementation for all groups.

The ONU team’s posters, flyers, public service announcements, newspaper articles and more can be seen around campus, bearing the slogan, “Small town, Small school, Big impact.”

ONU’s Bateman team is asking faculty and staff to help promote the 2010 Census by mentioning it to students in the classroom and by filling out the census themselves when it is mailed in March.

Over $400 billion will be allocated to communities, based on census results. The team reminds students they must fill out the form themselves, on campus; their parents are not allowed to count them unless the students commute.

This year’s census form is the shortest in history. With only 10 questions, it should only take 10 minutes to complete. Look for your form to be mailed to your home in March. Visit 2010.census.gov for more information.