Data Hunt: Finding U.S. Census Data
Tue, Oct 28
|Virtual | Join Workshop or Follow Along
The data.census.gov website is currently closed due to the government shutdown. The good news: Data foragers can still find Census Bureau data. We're goin' on a data hunt to uncover one of the nation's best data sources. We will transform the data into a 1- letter for our elected officials. Join us!


Time & Location
Oct 28, 2025, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Virtual | Join Workshop or Follow Along
About the Event
Mini DataQuest
What is a Mini Data Quest? A 3-day "sprint" and real-world data challenge.
Day 1. Tues. Kick off event. A workshop introducing the 20-min challenge with a step-by-step walkthrough.*
Day 2. Wed. Taking Action. An extra day for the activity.
Day 3. Thurs. Challenge check for certificates. Micro certificates are awarded to anyone who completes the challenge by midday Thursday.
*Unable to make the workshop? We have "Follow Along" options for those wanting to complete the challenge and earn a certificate!
The Challenge
Collect 3 indicators for a congressional district using U.S. Census Bureau data, cite data sources, and compose a 1-pager or letter to the elected official using data from their district.
3 Learning Objectives
by the end of the session, participants will be able to
Explore the glorious vastness of data tables available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Understand the data ecosystem created by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Report data from 3 to 5 alternatives to data.census.gov with citations.
Keywords and core concepts also covered:
Human-centered, design-first data collection
FIPS code
Webhook
Portfolio Project + Micro Certificate
Portfolio Project: Using 3 indicators, write a 1-pager (i.e. an educational letter) to an elected official.
Micro Certificate awarded for demonstrable skills in exploring and citing U.S. Census data tables.
Learn while making a real-world impact!
Real-World Impact
We believe that by sending 1 data-filled letter to an elected official,
we will raise awareness amongst policymakers that we value improving health in the United States.
Big Picture Goal
Elected officials share our vision of a healthy nation for all.
Workshop Agenda:
The 90 minute workshop is split into 3 main parts. Unable to join the full event? There are "breakaway" moments between each part. Join us for 30 min, 1 hr, or the full 90 min session. Times are approximate. Follow along options are also available for those unable to make the event.
Please note: Timezone listed for the event is Eastern Time (ET).
Part 1 (30 min). Pre-survey + Speedrun tour of resources for Mini Quest (i.e. 3-day sprint)
Part 2 (30 min). Step-by-Step walkthrough
Part 3 (30 min). Create with community
Tickets are limited. Reserve your spot now by registering.

Instructor
Tracy Flood MD PhD
President and Co-founder
BroadStreet Institute
Dr. Flood has over a decade experience in foraging for community health data, data visualization, report writing, and data design for software. She is passionate about empowering community change, increasing data literacy, and turning data into actions that will have long-term impact.
Data heals the world.
FAQs:
Q: Is it free?
Yes, this is a free event. If you'd like to donate to our Community Health Impact Fund, please see https://www.broadstreet.org/give
Q: Will it be recorded?
Yes, parts of the session will be recorded. Want to participate in the Mini Data Quest, but unable to attend the event? Select the "Follow Along" ticket option below.
Q: What will I need?
Computer recommended for the workshop. The workshop is an interactive and collaborative session. Joining on mobile is not recommended. If your worksite blocks collaborative platforms like Gdrive, please consider joining on a non-work computer.
Q: What if I cannot make the workshop on Tuesday?
We have a "Follow Along" option for those who want to participate and earn a Micro Certificate. We send email updates the week of the workshop.
Disclosures:
BroadStreet Institute and the events are fully funded by our community. We hope you will love this Mini Data Quest and, if you are not a donor yet, we hope you will consider becoming a donor in the future.
Reserve Your Spot
Join Workshop Live
Join us live for the workshop Tuesday via Zoom link. Network and build your community! Spots are limited.
$0.00
Video-Only (No Live Workshop)
Skip the live workshop and follow along via the shared recording and email updates throughout the week.
$0.00
Total
$0.00