Public invited to join the Ventura Census Chalkathon

Calling all local artists and families. With the deadline to complete the 2020 Census quickly approaching on September 30th, the City of Ventura is hosting a two-week Census Chalkathon to spread the word about the importance of completing the Census.

Now through September 30th, community members of all ages are invited to create sidewalk art promoting Census participation. All art pieces should include “2020census.gov” “#2020CensusVTA” and “Everyone Counts!” or “Todos Contamos!”

“Now more than ever, we need to encourage every household and business to complete the 2020 Census. It’s important that everyone is counted,” said Ventura City Manager, Alex D. McIntyre. “Participating in the Census means Ventura receives funding to support our schools, roads, health care, and other services for the next 10 years.”

Here are some guidelines for participating community members:

Safety is key. Please wear a mask when outdoors and maintain safe distancing from others.

Minors must acquire permission from their parents before chalking on personal and public spaces. Families are encouraged to chalk together. If access to public spaces (sidewalk, driveways, walls, etc.) is limited or unsafe, consider using liquid chalk markers to create art on windows, cars, or on butcher paper at home.

To be entered into a prize drawing, email photos and contact information to [email protected] by Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Three winners will be selected and notified by email. The winners will also be featured in the Ventura Breeze.

The Census is a 9-question survey that is confidential, easy to complete, and available in 13 languages. The 2020 Census can be completed online at www.mycensus.gov or by phone at (844) 330-2020 or by mail.

To learn more about the 2020 Census in Ventura, visit www.Census.Ventura.org.