Current Advocacy Issues
2020 Census: UCSF Counts
The 2020 Census is just around the corner. Filling out the census brings billions of dollars back to our community, ensures accurate data, and helps determine the number of decision makers representing our communities. Taking the census is simple, safe and important — make sure you count!
What is the census?
Census data is used to make sure government resources are allocated fairly and that everyone is represented equally in our political system. Your response brings funding for schools, highways, healthcare, social services, and housing in our community.
Why does the census matter?
Federal Funding
As a member of our campus community, being counted now ensures that vital community resources are funded at appropriate levels for the next 10 years.
Decision Makers
Your census participation aligns with UCSF’s commitment to civic engagement and determines the number of decision-makers representing us at the federal, state, and local level.
Public Services
The census funds vital public services such as buses, schools, and hospitals. Help communities like ours receive the support we deserve and need.
How to take the census
There are a variety of ways to participate depending on where you live. It's important to note that, by law, your information cannot be shared with immigration, law enforcement, or social services agencies, and can ONLY be used to produce anonymous statistics. The census will NOT ask about your citizenship or immigration status.
Living off Campus
You can complete the 2020 Census by phone, online or in person. You should be counted where you live or sleep most of the time.
Living in UCSF Housing
Those who live in UCSF Housing will be counted with help from housing staff.
How you can help
Promote the Census
Share the importance of the Census on social media (@CACensus #OurCommunityCounts #2020Census) and with friends, family, and colleagues.
Staff the Census
UCSF will host Census locations on campus for the community. To get involved please email [email protected]. You can also apply to be a Census worker - with flexible hours and full and part time positions available: www.2020census.gov/jobs.
Participate in the Census
In mid-March, each household will get a letter in the mail with how you can fill out the Census. For the first time, you’ll be able to take the Census online. Be sure to include any person living in your household, including all ages (kids and babies count too) and family or not. The Census Bureau will begin door-to-door outreach in May for those who haven't responded.
Important dates
- March 12: Census opens
- March 12-April 30: Census invitations sent
- March 12-July 31: Complete the census online
- April 1: Census Day
Get Out the Vote
Make your voice heard. Voting gives you the opportunity to influence who will represent your interests and what issues are important to you.
Join UCSF Advocates events around campus to learn more about what's on the ballot. Make sure you are registered to vote!
Key Dates
Voter Registration Deadline: February 18, 2020
Click here to register to vote or update your registration
2020 Primary Election Day: March 3, 2020
Find your polling place
Visit ucsf.edu/vote for all election related events on campus in 2020.
Resources
- Guidelines for political activities at UCSF. As a 501(c)(3) and a state entity, there are legal restrictions on the types of political activities UCSF employees can engage in on behalf of UCSF. Follow these do’s and don’ts for advocacy in your UCSF and personal capacities.
- Learn more about ranked-choice voting in San Francisco.
- Know your voting rights.
- View upcoming elections in California. Find your polling place in cities across the state.
- Find more recourses through the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan source of information about political issues.
Defend DACA Recipients
The University of California has taken its fight to protect DACA all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Will you stand with us? UC has challenged the Trump Administration’s decision to abruptly end DACA, the policy that has allowed nearly 700,000 young people who were brought to the U.S. as children to live, work and study in the only country they know as home.
How to Stand Up for DACA Today
- Join the "I Stand With..." Campaign:
- Write why you support DACA recipients on the "whiteboard" titled: "I stand with undocumented students because" or "I stand with DACA recipients because."
- Take a photo of yourself holding your message.
- Share your picture on your social networks. Use the hashtags #UCDACA and #UCSFStandsUp!
We want the entire country to know that the UC community stands with DACA recipients. Find out more about UC's efforts to stand up for DACA.
Stay tuned for more advocacy opportunities.