Sunday March 22 and Monday March 23: "Text Out the Count"

In Rapid Response to COVID-19, NYC Census 2020 and Partners Pivot to Digital Organizaing Around 2020 Census

In rapid response to the significant challenges to community organizing posed by the spread of COVID-19, NYC Census 2020 is pivoting its census outreach and engagement strategies to focus on digital organizing tools, including peer-to-peer texting and phone-banking.

The 2020 Census is the first to offer the ability for New Yorkers to self-respond online and via phone. Self-response to 2020 Census is now more important than ever with spread of COVID-19. The census determines New York City's access to its fair share of billions in federal resources and rightful share of representation in Congress and Albany.

The more New Yorkers who fill out the census, the more money the city receives for education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and more.

What

  • Citywide "Text Out the Count" digital organizing operation using the peer-to-peer texting service Hustle, focused on raising awareness about the importance of completing the 2020 Census online or via phone.

Who

  • Hundreds of New Yorkers, being able to reach potentially tens of thousands via the peer-to-peer texting platform, including representatives from, and volunteers with:
  • NYC Census 2020's 157 Complete Count Fund Awardees
  • NYC Census 2020's 15 Citywide Partner organizations
  • Offices of elected officials, community organizations, labor unions, and NYC Census 2020's Neighborhood Organizing Census Committees.

When

Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23

Where

New Yorkers can participate from anywhere, including from the comfort of their own homes.

Additional information

  • To sign up, visit: nyc.gov/census
  • New Yorkers can use their cell phones, tablets, or computers to participate.
  • An individual's cell phone number is never displayed to the recipient of any text.