In a message dated 98-01-27 19:51:21 EST, you write: << How is it that one becomes an enumerator? What's it entail? I'm intrigued! >> During the 1990 census, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census started in 1988 with creating the maps of dwelling within urban areas- actually within incorporated towns. This was simply a verfication process for the mail-in census forms. Enumerators were given districts and maps and notebooks for writing in addresses and went around simply copying adddresses and making dots on maps. During 1989, enumerators were sent out to the rural areas to create maps and gather mailing addresses. After April 1, 1990 (which was Census Day) enumerators were sent to those dwelling which had not answered the census to ask the questions and take down the answers. At that time, we were told that the 2000 census would be set up differently since the entire nation was supposedly going to do away with route and box numbers by 1995 or 1996. Those of you who still have route box numbers know that this project is not yet finished. To date, I have not seen anything to indicate whether they will start again this year or not. There are 2 basic ways that a person can get to be an enumerator- 1) being asked by a relatively influential member of a political party- although this sounds good it is the least good way to go because often these people are not as good workers as those who took it upon themselves to get the job 2- watch your local newspaper for classified ads for enumerators 3) Check with your local Job service. There is training for a couple of days (for which you are paid). Then you are assigned to a sort of team leader who is answerable to the Field Operations Supervisor (which is what I was in 1990 after being an enumerator in 1989). If you working outside of towns, you drive over everything that looks like a road in your assigned district and walk what you can't drive. It is strenuous, tiresome, and often hot or muddy or cold work, but it one of the most enlightening things you can do. The pay isn't bad and the mileage pay is pretty good- but you can't be overly timid or easily frightened by your surroundings and you should have a good substantial vehicle because if you out in the "boonies" it will get beaten half to death. Still, in all, I would and do heartily recommend it and hope to be able to work the 2000. Mary