Edward M. Kennedy Institute to host experts and public officials for virtual conversation on 2020 Census

BOSTON – On Tuesday, April 28, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate will host state and local leaders for a discussion on the importance of completing the 2020 Census. Participants will cover many topics including the impact of the census on federal, state, and local government; and the challenges of reaching hard-to-count populations, especially during a global pandemic. The panel will also dispel myths surrounding the Census, including the data that are collected and how they are used.

In March, the Kennedy Institute joined with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and Massachusetts Archives & Commonwealth Museum to announce the creation of the Columbia Point Census Initiative to raise awareness of this crucial undertaking by the federal government and to educate thousands of visitors over the next several months. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Initiative partners remain committed to continuing this work together online. Among those efforts, this particular event is in collaboration with the Library and the Archives & Museum.

While the Institute’s facility remains closed for now, the commitment to civic engagement and civic education is as strong and vibrant as ever. This program marks the Institute’s second offering held entirely online and it will be available for engagement both as a live event in addition to a recorded resource. Any member of the general public who is interested in attending can register here.

WHO:
• State Representative Paul Mark (D-Peru), Chair, House Committee on Redistricting
• Vatsady Sivongxay, Massachusetts Statewide Complete Count Committee Coordinator, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
• Sebastian Zapata, Census Liaison, City of Boston
• Jeff T. Behler, Regional Director of the New York Region, U.S. Census Bureau, moderator

WHAT:
Getting to the Point on the 2020 Census

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 11:00 a.m. ET

WHERE:
This program will be conducted through a Zoom video conference. Registration is recommended and available here.

The program’s livestream can be accessed here.
This event is OPEN PRESS. RSVP to press@emkinstitute.org.

About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute
The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization in Boston envisioned by the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Through a range of exhibits, interactive educational offerings, and topical programs, the Institute engages students and visitors in a conversation about the essential role each person plays in our democracy and in our society. Learn more via emkinstitute.org.