Get ready Broad Ripple Village-the 2010 Census is on its way! In preparation for Census Day (April 1), 2010 Census forms will be delivered to each Broad Ripple Village residence beginning in March. The form-one of the shortest census questionnaires in history-asks residents to respond to only 10 questions, and is designed to be completed in 10 minutes.

These 10 questions will provide vital information about the Indianapolis community, and will help determine how $400 billion per year is allocated throughout the United States. Each year, this money funds schools, hospitals, job training, infrastructure and other vital services within the Broad Ripple Village community. Moreover, an accurate 2010 Census count will ensure proper government budgeting, representation and redistricting for the next decade.

All 2010 Census forms should be completed based on the number of people residing in each household as of April 1, 2010. The questionnaire will ask for each resident's name, gender, age, date of birth, and ethnicity. The census form also requests that residents provide a telephone number to be used in the event that information on the returned form is incomplete.

All personal information provided on the 2010 Census form is confidential and protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. The information will not be published or disclosed to anyone or any government agency-under any circumstances.

It is vital that each household return a completed 2010 Census form in the prepaid envelope provided. Please note that, for security reasons, the 2010 Census form is not available online. If the U.S. Census Bureau does not receive a form, a census taker from the local community will visit the residence and request the information. In the event that no one is home, the census taker will leave a door hanger with information on how to schedule a visit at a more convenient time.

Each household is required by law to be represented in the 2010 Census effort, but more importantly, being counted in the census is each person's responsibility to the community.

Participate in the 2010 U.S. Census and help Broad Ripple Village be counted!

For more information about the upcoming census effort, visit www.2010.census.gov.