Fishing Without Bait 536: Building a Better World Through Human Dignity with Monica Ruiz
What does it actually mean to stand up for human dignity?
In Episode 536 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer concludes his three-part conversation with Monica Ruiz of Casa San José by moving from awareness into action.
Throughout the conversation, Monica challenges listeners to look beyond assumptions and headlines and instead have meaningful conversations with the people around them.
She discusses how difficult times can lead people to search for someone to blame, particularly members of marginalized communities who may not have the same ability to make their voices heard.
That makes conversation, education and human connection even more important.
Pittsburgh Has Made Progress, But Work Remains
Monica acknowledges that Pittsburgh has made strides during the years she has been doing this work, but she also sees significant gaps.
One example is language accessibility.
Spanish isn't the only language spoken by Pittsburgh's growing communities, and Monica argues that information and services need to reflect the people who now call the region home.
The larger question becomes whether Pittsburgh is willing to embrace the community it is becoming rather than remain attached to an image of what the city once was.
From Band-Aids to Larger Change
Monica began her work as an intern, helping people navigate immediate problems with relatively few resources available.
Eventually, she reached an important realization:
“I am tired of putting Band-Aids on broken bones.”
She wanted to address problems at a larger level.
That realization helped define the work she continues to do through Casa San José.
What Can One Person Do?
A recurring theme throughout this episode is that helping doesn't have to mean changing your entire life.
Casa San José relies on volunteers, and Monica explains that even someone who can give a small amount of time may be able to contribute.
People can help by volunteering, assisting over the phone or in person, helping locate spaces for events, supporting food distribution and participating in other community needs.
But Monica asks for something deeper than simply performing an act of charity.
She wants people to interact.
Have conversations.
Listen.
Learn.
Get to know someone whose experience may be completely different from your own.
What Gives Monica Hope?
Jim asks Monica what gives her hope despite everything she sees through her work.
Her answer isn't about returning to some idealized version of the past.
She doesn't want things simply to return to the way they were.
Instead, she believes something better is possible.
A better world can exist, and she wants to participate in creating it.
That idea fits naturally with the mindfulness philosophy behind Fishing Without Bait. Change begins with awareness, but awareness means very little if it never influences the way we treat ourselves and the people around us.
Learn More and Get Involved
Casa San José connects, supports and advocates with Pittsburgh's Latino and immigrant communities.
Learn more about its work, volunteer opportunities and ways to help at:
Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player.
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https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait
You can also pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Do a kindness for yourself. Do a kindness for another. And for a truly mindful experience, learn to fish without bait.
