Dawn McCarty

Name, age, occupation:

Dawn McCarty, 54, Professor of Social Work, BSW Program Director, University of Houston Downtown; Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego, the Houston Catholic Worker House.

Social Media:

Facebook: @dawn.mccarty.9 Instagram: @solidaritysocialwork 

Why did you select your social justice icon?

I chose Dorothy Day as my social justice icon because she was the reason I became a social worker. During the Great Depression, she founded the Catholic Worker Movement. Then and now, Catholic Worker Houses of Hospitality were opened to the homeless or destitute, sick or addicted, no questions asked. Catholic Workers took a vow of voluntary poverty to serve and to live in community and full solidarity with those whose destitution was not a choice. This purposeful drawing closer to the suffering of others created, for me, a revolution. Not the revolution of governments that Dorothy had fought for earlier in her career, but what she came to call a revolution of the heart. This new worldview has connected me to the Catholic Worker model for life.

In Dorothy's writing, there was no romanticizing of the work. Serving others did not necessarily “feel good.” The impact of poverty on human beings was portrayed as it is: ugly and cruel. Her writings showed her openness about the pain, struggles, and sadness in the work, her many mistakes, and her limitation. Her radical honesty changed my perception of what was possible for me. I did not have to be a great person, or flawless, or even smarter or better to work for justice, to do what I could to make the world a better place. I did not have to be a talented writer to write, or a great speaker to speak out. Being average or even unskilled at something was OK. And, I did not have to wait for some penetrating insight or grand sign

Do you have a favorite quote from your social justice icon?

"As we come to know the seriousness of the situation, the war, the racism, the poverty in our world, we come to realize that things will not be changed simply by words or demonstrations. Rather, it's a question of living one's life in a drastically different way."

If you were stranded on a desert island with your social justice icon, what is the one question you would ask them?

What was the most meaningful part of your life and work?

Are there any books, documentaries, films, articles, etc that you would recommend for others to learn more about the work of your social justice icon?

The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist by Dorothy Day, Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day's Radical Vision and Its Challenge For Our Times by D.L. Mayfield.

What social, racial, economic, or political justice issue does your work address?

Through Casa Juan Diego, I help to welcome, shelter, support, and live in solidarity with newly arriving political and climate change refugees and asylum seekers from around the world as well as established migrant persons living in the Houston area. I write for the Houston Catholic Worker Newspaper and work to educate the larger community on the economic, social, and racial justice issues that fuel our corrupt immigration system.

When did you first become aware of/interested in working on your social justice issue?

Much of my scholarship has been the result of my work as a transnational researcher in central and southern Mexico, where I learned about migration from the powerful perspective of those left behind when their loved ones left for the United States without documentation. This research led me to take my current faculty position at the University of Houston Downtown, and to living and serving at Casa Juan Diego, the Houston Catholic Worker House. It still seems like fate brought all these important parts of my life together to provide this opportunity for social justice work.

 

 

 

If you could have everyone in the world do one tangible thing to help advance the cause of the issue you work on,  what would it be?

The plight of refugees and migrants in general has been politicized, leading to fierce disagreements in our unending and un-winnable “culture wars.” One tangible thing: don't believe any person that tries to tell you that caring for and protecting the dignity and worth of another person is not always the right answer

Can you describe the biggest accomplishment/most gratifying moment you've had working on your issue to date?

There are daily victories and accomplishments at Casa Juan Diego. Against so many odds, every birth of a healthy baby, every located and reunited family member, every win in immigration court is cause for celebration.

Who or what gives you the hope and motivation to keep going when you feel fear or doubt about achieving justice?

Being in solidarity with the guests at Casa Juan Diego, both the established immigrant community and the many new arrivals from all over the world gives me all the motivation I need. From this perspective, I know without any doubt that taking refuge in the values of the Social Work profession is the right path.

Who or what else inspires your work?

My loving husband and family, Mark and Louise Zwick, the founders and co-directors of Casa Juan Diego, and my amazing colleagues at UHD and CJD inspire me and support me every day.

What advice do you have for those who care about social justice but don't know how or where to begin? This could be related to the issue you work on or even in general?

Just start. Come to Casa Juan Diego and work with us! There is so much to do.

 

FUN FACTS

What are some of your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

Over the past 10 years, I have become a pretty good birder! Being in nature--being mindful and observant of the life around me, helps to renew my mind, body, and spirit.

What are some of your favorite social justice-related things?

I grew up in a newspaper, almost literally, and I continue to be an avid supporter and reader of newspapers. I have great hope in this medium to shine the light of truth and uncover injustice.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I secretly want to be a politician!