In the region of Kentucky where I grew up – the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky – communication is woven into the fabric of communities. The annual Swappin’ Meetin’ held each Fall at Southeast Community and Technical College would showcase that communication through storytelling, songs, and the many conversations of neighbors and friends. 

While the stories and songs will be saved for our beloved community gatherings, we want to hear from our Appalachian communities about something as important – the Census, which takes place every 10 years.

Kentucky Youth Advocates, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, and the Appalachian Early Childhood Network seek your story and insight about what the Census means to you and how you’ve participated before. 

What drives your participation – civic duty? Support for your community? Or do you have concerns about participating? Your information will help us understand what our communities need to be well represented in the Census as we plan and prepare for 2030.

As it stands, the Appalachian region has historically been undercounted, which means communities might appear to be smaller than they are. Young children (under age 5) are at particular risk of not being counted in the Census, and that can impact planning and federal funding for programs like childcare. In fact, estimates suggest that more than 10% of young children were not counted in Bell, Clay, Knox, Lawrence, and Whitley Counties during the 2020 Census.

Let’s prepare for 2030 and make sure every child and person is accurately counted in our Appalachian counties. You can help that preparation by answering a brief survey about the Census. We have two surveys currently open for you to share your insight and ideas:

  • Survey for parents/caregivers of young children, including child care providers: click here.
  • Survey for community members in Appalachian counties: click here.

Share your story and ways to reach people in your community in better ways. Together, we can make sure everyone is counted in 2030.

Download and share this flyer to help spread the word.