Job Interview

I had an interview with the Census Bureau yesterday. I was surprised when they called me because I thought the census was completed. Actually, what is going on now is surveys. Did you ever hear news reports that say something like, "According to the Census Bureau, Americans are receiving less in their paychecks?" Those questions are from surveys compiled AFTER the big-every-10-year-census. What I like about this job is that once in a while there might be travel involved. If I get the job, I'll have to go to training in either Charlotte, NC or Philadelphia, PA. Either place would be okay with me. On my off time I might have a chance to see an old friend from my navy days in Philly or if I go to Charlotte I'd hope for a chance to visit the library since some of my ancestors lived in that area in the early 1700s and I'd like to see what kind of dirt I could dig up on them. Anyway, the money isn't great since I'd only be working 25 hours a month but I could do a small grocery shopping for dh and me and have a few dollars for yarn. I'm really hoping I get this job, I was the only veteran there so with my 10 extra points as a disabled veteran, and a good interview (I think) I have a good chance. If it's meant to be I'll get the job if not, maybe something else will come up.

Is Being Patriotic Just a Fad for Some?

On Memorial Day and Independence Day we see a fervor of patriotism.  Red, white and blue banners and flags festoon buildings, homes and cemeteries.   Sometimes I substitute teach in high schools.  Many times the kids will sit in their seats and eat breakfast, talk with friends and generally ignore the Pledge of Allegiance!  I was told that the kids have a choice about saying the Pledge.  I guess they must have a choice about showing respect for their peers who are reciting the Pledge too! When things like the census comes around every 10 years many folks slam their doors in the enumerators' faces and don't want the government into their business.  The feeling is that the government is too big and has too much power.  Let's change the scenario a bit.  Disaster strikes be it a hurricane or huge oil spill offshore.  Then, we want Washington, D.C. to make it all better IMMEDIATELY!   The thing is folks, we all need to vote and participate when called upon.  Representation in the House of Representatives is based on population folks so we need to be sure to be counted.  So, be proactive, not reactive,  fill out your census forms and vote.

Search Amazon.com for flags and banners

SNL: Their Take on the 2010 Census

Recently Betty White appeared on Saturday Night Live.  She was in this hilarious skit on the census.  This struck home for me.  I recently finished classes to work in another phase of the 2010 Census.  I'll be going door-to-door starting Monday and I'm looking forward to seeing if any of the households I visit are like this one!  Enjoy!
You may go to the column on your right hand side and mute the blog's music player to better here the videos audio.

Confusion Over Census

Many people are confused this year about the census.  Some people are confused and think that the census is invading their privacy.  Not true.  There are penalties for census workers even if they get nosy and want to check out celebrities information.  Violators will be prosecuted and receive jail time as a penalty.  The Census Bureau does NOT share information with other organizations including law enforcement.  The information that is on the forms is classified for 72 years and after that it is released to the public.  The only information released prior to that is statistical.

The forms--there is only 1 official form this year.  Of course, if you didn't get a form you  may pick up another but it will not have your address preprinted on it.  There are versions in 6 different languages and there are aids to help with other languages and they all have the same questions.  There is NO long form.  There are only 10 questions for everyone on the official census.  I'm working with the Census Bureau and we went through training on this so I'm not just talking about something I heard about on streets.

Just fill out the forms with out worry as Americans have every 10 years since 1790.  It will help to ensure proper representation in Congress and allocation of federal funds.
Link to Census Bureau

Started Temporary Job With Census Bureau

I started a temporary job with the Census Bureau today.  Actually, today was a little over 8 hours of training.  I worked with them last year and enjoyed it a lot.  I walked around neighborhoods with a handheld computer and put map spots on maps for the location of residences.  This time, the pay sucks ($8.50 per hour) and we're limited to 15 hours a week at satellite locations helping people fill out their forms or giving them forms if they somehow got missed.  I'll stick with it though, there is another phase coming up after this one is over and I have a chance to get a position with it too and hopefully it will be lots better than this one.  Take care y'all and if you're in the area and need help with your census form stop in and I'll be happy to help you out!  Hugs...

Good News Today

Yippee! I got a temp. job with the Census Bureau for Census 2010. I will start my training the end of this month and it's PAID training! Just had to share the good news with you. Yippee! Oh, and the picture is of a badge an enumerator would have worn for the 1900 census--I thought that might be of a history kind-of interest to you. It will be interesting to compare it with the new one when I get it. Ok, I'll hush up for now. Hugs to all...