The U.S. Census Bureau today kicked off its communications campaign to reach every resident in America with the launch of its 2010 Census Web site, 2010CENSUS.GOV. The Web site will serve as a platform for a national dialogue about how the census develops a “Portrait of America.”

     2010CENSUS.GOV features an animated marquee that symbolizes the Census Bureau’s place at the intersection of the American experience. By clicking on images representative of the population, visitors can view video vignettes that ease fears about the census and encourage participation in the once-a-decade population count. The marquee will evolve over time, bringing the diverse voices of America to the site.

     “2010CENSUS.GOV puts the census in the hands of the public,” said U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. “You can find out when you will get the form, and how to fill it out and mail it back. The site also provides a substantial amount of information regarding our commitment to privacy and confidentiality.”

     Inside the site, the director’s blog will offer a look at census efforts nationwide. Comments will be enabled so that readers can share their thoughts and participate in the conversation. As they go live, social media sites and tools will provide additional opportunities for the public to get involved.

     Site features include an interactive census form that provides a history and explanation for each of the 10 questions. This form is one of the shortest in history and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. In order to track census progress and motivate localities, the site will include next year a map widget that displays interactive mail back response rates.

     The Web site also demonstrates the Census Bureau’s commitment to reaching traditionally hard-to-count populations. In mid-November, a one-page destination about the census will be available on the site in 59 languages. In addition, users will be able to download an in-language guide about how to answer the form. By the end of 2009, the entire site will be presented in Spanish.

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