ACS Methods Panel

Attachments H - Summer 2015 Mail Messaging Design
Treatment Materials
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Attachment H1 - A3_Official Internet Invitation Letter
Attachment H2 - A1_Official Main Envelope
Attachment H3 - Rem2_Official Reminder Letter
Attachment H4 - C6_Official Choice Letter
Attachment H5 - C1_Official Main Envelope
Attachment H6 - D1_Official Second Reminder Card
Attachment H7 - E1_Official Final Reminder Card
Attachment H8 - C4_Official FAQ

Attachment H1 - A3_Official Internet Invitation Letter

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233

A Message From John H. Thompson, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau:
Your address has been randomly selected by the U.S. Census Bureau to participate in the
American Community Survey. The Census Bureau conducts this survey each year to give our
country an up-to-date picture of how we live — including our education, housing, and jobs.
Communities across the country rely on information from this survey to decide where important
services are needed, including:
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•
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Improving roads and reducing traffic
Building schools
Planning for the health care needs of the elderly

Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/acs
Your response is required by U.S. law.

Because your household has been asked to participate on behalf of your community, it is vital that
you complete this survey to help meet critical needs in your area.
If you are unable to complete the survey online, we will send you a paper questionnaire in a
few weeks. The Census Bureau is using the Internet to collect this information to conserve natural
resources, save taxpayers money, and process data more efficiently.
If you need help completing the survey or have questions, please call 1-800-354-7271.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
Enclosures

American Community Survey data help determine the annual distribution of
more than $400 billion in federal funds to communities nationwide.
ACS-13(L)SM (2014) (6-2014)

census.gov

Attachment H2 -- A1_Official Main Envelope

PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
U.S. Census Bureau
Permit No. #-##

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACS-461M (06/2014)

OPEN IMMEDIATELY

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

Attachment H2 -- A1_Official Main Envelope

Ваш ответ является обязательным по закону.
귀하의 응답은 법으로 요구됩니다.
Luật pháp yêu cầu phải có phản hồi của quý vị.

Su respuesta es requerida por la ley.
请您依法予以回应。

Your response is required by law.

Attachment H2 -- A1_Official Main Envelope
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
U.S. Census Bureau
Permit No. #-##

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACS-461M (06/2014)

OPEN IMMEDIATELY

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

Attachment H2 -- A1_Official Main Envelope

Your response is required by law.
Su respuesta es requerida por la ley.
请您依法予以回应。
Luật pháp yêu cầu phải có phản hồi của quý vị.

Ваш ответ является обязательным по закону.
귀하의 응답은 법으로 요구됩니다.

Attachment H3 - Rem2_Official Reminder Letter

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233

ACS 999 999 093 01 111 1301 16
SEQ001-00009

88888-92834

TO THE RESIDENT OF:
Apt. 2, 2147 Montgomery Drive
Anytown, MD 03612-1383
A Message From John H. Thompson, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau:
A few days ago, you should have received instructions for completing the American Community Survey
online. Local communities depend on information from this survey to decide where schools,
highways, hospitals, and other important services are needed. If you have not already responded,
please do so now.

Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/acs
Log in using this user ID: 12345-67890
If we do not receive your response online, we will mail a paper questionnaire to your address.

Your response to this survey is required by law.

Your response is critically important to your local community and your country. Responding promptly
will prevent your receiving additional reminder mailings, phone calls, or personal visits from Census
Bureau interviewers.
If you need help completing the survey or have questions, please call 1-800-354-7271.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
Enclosure

ACS-12(L)S (2014) (5/2014)

census.gov

Attachment H4 - C6_Official Choice Letter

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233

A Message From John H. Thompson, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau:
The U.S. Census Bureau recently sent you a request to complete the American Community Survey
online. If you have not already responded to this important survey, please do so now.
Complete the survey using ONLY ONE of the following options:

• Respond online at https://respond.census.gov/acs
• If you are unable to respond online, please fill out and
mail back the enclosed questionnaire.
You are required by U.S. law to respond to this survey.
The Census Bureau has randomly selected your address, not you personally, to receive this survey as
part of a nationally representative sample. Because you will be providing important information on
behalf of your community, it is vital that you complete this survey to help meet critical needs in your
area — including determining where to locate new schools, hospitals, and fire stations.
If you do not respond promptly, a Census Bureau interviewer may contact you to complete the survey.
Your answers are completely confidential.
By law, the Census Bureau cannot publish or release information that would identify you
or your household.
If you need help completing the survey or have questions, please call 1-800-354-7271.
Thank you for your prompt response.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
Enclosures

ACS-14(L)SM (2014) (11-2014)

census.gov

Attachment H5 - C1_Official Main Envelope

PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
U.S. Census Bureau
Permit No. #-##

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACS-461M (06/2014)

OPEN IMMEDIATELY

U.S. CENSUS FORM ENCLOSED

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

Attachment H5 - C1_Official Main Envelope

Ваш ответ является обязательным по закону.
귀하의 응답은 법으로 요구됩니다.
Luật pháp yêu cầu phải có phản hồi của quý vị.

Su respuesta es requerida por la ley.
请您依法予以回应。

Your response is required by law.

Attachment H5 - C1_Official Main Envelope
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
U.S. Census Bureau
Permit No. #-##

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACS-461M (06/2014)

U.S. CENSUS FORM ENCLOSED

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

OPEN IMMEDIATELY

Attachment H5 - C1_Official Main Envelope

Your response is required by law.
Su respuesta es requerida por la ley.
请您依法予以回应。
Luật pháp yêu cầu phải có phản hồi của quý vị.

Ваш ответ является обязательным по закону.
귀하의 응답은 법으로 요구됩니다.

Attachment H6 - D1_Official Second Reminder Card

Now is the time to respond.
The U.S. Census Bureau has sent you several requests to complete the
American Community Survey. If you have not already responded, it is imperative that
you complete this survey now.

Complete and mail back your paper questionnaire now.
Or respond at https://respond.census.gov/acs
Your response is required by law.
If you do not respond promptly, a Census Bureau interviewer may contact you to
complete the survey.
If you need help completing the survey or have questions, please call 1-800-354-7271.
Thank you.

Attachment H6 - D1_Official Second Reminder Card
PRESORTED
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
U.S. Census Bureau
Permit No. G-58

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

ACS 999 999 093 01 111 1301 16
SEQ001-00009

ACS-20S (06/2014)

TO THE RESIDENT OF:
Apt. 2, 2147 Montgomery Drive
Anytown, MD 03612-1383

88888-9283

Attachment H7 - E1_Official Final Reminder Card

Dear resident:
The U.S. Census Bureau has sent you repeated requests to complete the American Community Survey.
If you have not already responded, it is imperative that you complete this survey now.
You are required by U.S. law to respond to this survey (Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193).

Complete and mail back your paper questionnaire now.
Or respond at https://respond.census.gov/acs
If you do not respond now, a Census Bureau interviewer may contact you by personal visit to
complete the survey.
If you would like to complete the survey by telephone or need assistance, please call
1-800-354-7271.
Thank you.

Attachment H7 - E1_Official Final Reminder Card
PRSTD STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WASHINGTON, DC
PERMIT #147

U.S. Department of Commerce
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
1201 E. 10th St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use: $300

YOUR RESPONSE IS
REQUIRED BY LAW

ACS-23 (06/2014)

ACS 999 999 093 01 111 1301 16
SEQ001-00009

TO THE RESIDENT OF:
Apt. 2, 2147 Montgomery Drive
Anytown, MD 03612-1383

88888-92834

Attachment H8 - C4_Official FAQ

What is the American Community
Survey?

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the American
Community Survey each month to give our
country an up-to-date picture of how we live —
including our education, employment, housing,
and more. The American Community Survey is
our nation’s most reliable source of accurate
data about every part of the country — from the
smallest rural communities to the largest cities.

How does my response benefit
my community?

To make informed decisions, our communities
need accurate and reliable information. Local
charities, small businesses, and government
leaders use the data collected by the American
Community Survey to decide how to best meet
the needs of our communities.
Each year, thanks to responses from people
like you, communities across the United States
receive more than $400 billion for services such
as reducing traffic congestion, providing jobtraining programs, and planning for the health
care needs of the elderly.

Will my response be confidential?

Yes. The information you provide will help create
a picture of your community, but it cannot be
used to identify you. By law (Title 13, U.S. Code,
Section 9), all of the information the Census
Bureau collects for this survey is completely
confidential, and millions of people securely
participate in the survey each year.

Complete the American Community Survey online —
it’s the quickest and easiest way to respond.
Go to https://respond.census.gov/acs

If you need help or have questions about the American Community
Survey, please call 1-800-354-7271.

The American
Community Survey:
Frequently Asked Questions

Vaya a https://respond.census.gov/acs para completar la Encuesta
sobre la Comunidad Estadounidense en Internet. Si usted necesita
ayuda o tiene preguntas, por favor llame al 1-877-833-5625.
如需帮助或对美国社区调查有何疑问，请致电 1-800-638-5945。

Nếu quý vị cần trợ giúp hay có thắc mắc về cuộc Điều tra Cộng đồng Người Mỹ,
hãy gọi tới số 1-877-221-9436.
Если Вам потребуется помощь или у Вас возникнут вопросы относительного
данного опроса внутри американского сообщества, звоните по телефону:
1-866-225-2297.
도움이 필요하거나 미국 지역사회 설문조사에 관해 질문이 있을 경우
1-800-722-6728번으로 문의하십시오.

Census Bureau employees are subject to a
$250,000 fine and/or up to five years in prison
if they disclose any information that could
identify you.
ACS-10SMPR (2014) (June 2014)

Why Do We Ask Certain Questions?
Every question we ask contributes directly to providing beneficial
programs or services to communities that need them most.

Name

Names help make sure that everyone in your household is accounted
for, but that no one is listed twice. Names provided in surveys are never
released or published.

Am I required to fill out the survey?
Yes. Your response to this survey is required by
law (Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193).
As a randomly selected representative of your
community, you are the voice of your neighbors
and peers. To create an accurate picture of your
community, it is critical that you respond.

How will the Census Bureau use
the information I provide?

Your confidential response will be aggregated
with information from other nearby households
to produce a portrait of your community.
This information is made freely accessible to
government leaders, businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and the public at large.

Based on the information you provide, you may
be asked to participate in other Census Bureau
surveys that are voluntary. We may combine
your answers with information that you gave to
other agencies to enhance the statistical uses
of these data. This information will be given the
same protection as your survey response.

Disability

Questions about disability provide the means to help develop
disability employment and job-training programs and to put in place
adequate public transportation accommodations for disabled people,
among other uses.

Plumbing and kitchen facilities

These questions help to identify areas in danger of groundwater
contamination or waterborne diseases and areas that may be eligible
for housing assistance, rehabilitation loans, or special programs, such
as Meals on Wheels.

Income

Data about income are used to distribute funds to school districts
that serve economically disadvantaged children and to identify
communities eligible for grants to stimulate economic recovery or run
job-training programs, among other uses.

Home value or rent payment

Government and planning agencies use answers to these questions
to evaluate housing affordability and neighborhood quality, develop
housing assistance plans for elderly and low-income households,
determine impacts of transportation infrastructure on property values,
and generally help families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.

Occupation

Answers to questions about the jobs people hold provide information on
unemployment levels and the availability of workers in different areas of
the country. Communities can use this information to evaluate demand for
staff in certain occupations, and companies can decide where to locate
new plants, stores, and offices.

Journey to work

Answers to these questions help communities plan road
improvements, develop public transportation services, and design
programs to ease traffic problems.

Education

Responses to these questions help to determine the number of public
schools and day care services required in a community, develop adult
education and literacy programs, and assess the qualifications of the
U.S. workforce.

“1.6 million people in this
country live without full
indoor plumbing. When we
know where they live, we
can prevent groundwater
contamination.”

— Jim Dawson,
Public Health Director