PROVIDENCE — During the last census in 2000, 67 percent returned their questionnaires by mail. Next year, the 2010 Rhode Island Complete Count Committee wants to improve on the past to make sure every Rhode Islander gets counted.

“The census is one of the most important activities we can participate in” as citizens and residents of the United States, said committee Chairman Peter Wells. The committee includes “trusted leaders in local government, faith-based institutions, schools and community organizations,” some of whom attended Monday’s State House news conference.

Wells said it will work to reach hard-to-count communities, including renters, foreign-born individuals, college students and the linguistically isolated. Information about the census will be available in libraries, government offices, health-care centers and schools.

Kathleen Ludgate, director of the Boston Regional Census Center, said the census determines distribution of $400 billion in federal funds every year, and representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Census data is also crucial for business decisions, such as “where we need senior housing, schools, and Head Start programs. It helps make informed decisions.”

Ludgate noted that there are many hard-to-count communities in Rhode Island, including those with language barriers or people with trust issues, such as undocumented residents.

“You know and I know that we have challenges,” she said. “Fear and mistrust has to be at the top of the list of challenges.”

Ludgate said, “None of these questions are asking about citizenship or legal status. Census data cannot be used against an individual. That’s a promise, and a law.”

Organizations interested in joining the Rhode Island Complete Count Committee may contact Peter Wells at 524-0045.

kziner@projo.com