WHAT: CASA will host a community festival in Langley Park, MD to promote participation in the 2020 Census among local residents to ensure that historically underrepresentedcommunities are not left out of the decennial count. The outdoor festival includes low-impact fitness, salsa, and reggaeton classes as well as short Census educational workshops. In addition, the Office of Council Member Deni Taveras will host a Census Caravan travelling through the lowest census participating areas in District 2, which include Adelphi, Langley Park, and Hyattsville and culminate in door knocking 7 multifamily buildings that have been historically undercounted. The Caravan will bring attention to the census and help community members complete the form through its door knocking efforts.
WHO: Gustavo Torres, Executive Director
Deni Taveras, Council Member District 2
CASA Maryland promotores, canvassers, and volunteers
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2020, 11 am-2 pm ET
Press Conference: 1:15 pm
WHERE: CASA Multicultural Center
8151 15th Ave
Langley Park, MD 20783
LANGLEY PARK – With the September 30th census deadline rapidly approaching, CASA and the Office of Council Member Deni Taveras are working towards the same goal of increasing participation. This Saturday, September 19, CASA is hosting a Census Community Outreach from 11 am-2 pm ET in Langley Park, MD; and the Office of Council Member Taveras is hosting a Census Caravan from 10am – 4pm ET, with several stops throughout Langley Park from 12pm – 2pm ET. The events will mobilize CASA members and local volunteers in canvassing efforts to help community members fill out the census form and learn more about the importance of participating in the decennial count.
“The 2020 Census will determine the allocation of billions of dollars towards hospitals, community services, local infrastructure, and more. However, the COVID-19 pandemic paired with the Trump administration’s continuous attacks on immigrants and communities of color have suppressed the participation of residents in localities that would benefit most from increased funding. In order for our communities to get their fair share, they must be counted. That is why CASA is upping our outreach work through events like this to make sure that immigrant and historically undercounted communities like Langley Park are not left behind due to fear or lack of information,” said Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA.
“We urge everyone to fill out the census because it’s safe, easy, and important. All your data will remain confidential. Nothing you say will be shared with any part of the government or your landlord. We urge everyone to stop living in the shadows. This is an opportunity for all immigrants to not only receive the benefits they deserve, including better and higher paying jobs, but to also obtain the representation they need to achieve a comprehensive immigration reform. We only have until September 30th so please call today at 844-468-2020 (for Spanish) or visit my2020census.gov to complete your census today,” said Deni Taveras, County Council Member District 2.
In addition to local canvassing, the event will feature additional services and activities for the community, including legal consultations, charlas with community experts, an information kiosk with a wide array of resources, a social-distanced play area for children, and more. Families are encouraged to and make sure that they are counted in the 2020 Census! This event is free and open to the public and will enact social distancing and additional precautions to safeguard the health of attendees and volunteers.
ABOUT: As with all of CASA’s events, this event is COVID-safe. Masks are required and must cover the nose and mouth. Hand sanitizer will be available. All must practice the social distancing policy, keeping six feet of distance from others.
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With over 100,000 members across the states of Maryland, Virginia, and South Central Pennsylvania, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. CASA organizes with and litigates on behalf of low-wage immigrants. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall
