23-05-2025
Community group hosts educational talk about immigration
FERDINAND, Ind. (WEHT)—A community group in Ferdinand began a series of talks this week about hot-button issues impacting the nation.
'We are not Democrats or Republicans, and we are not promoting that. What we are promoting is education, teaching people what our country really stands for,' says Patty Ruhe, a member of the group 'Building Community.'
The talks are part of a series called 'Teach-Ins 2025,' and are organized by the group Building Community. The first one took place on Thursday at St. Benedict's Brew Works and focused on Immigration. Sister Joan Scheller, who helps with Latino and Immigration Services at the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand, facilitated the talk. It comes days after organizers canceled this year's Latino Festival in Dubois County over fears of immigration enforcement. The event typically draws thousands of people to Dubois County.
Several people came to the talk to ask questions about immigration and its policies.
'What does it mean to be documented?' Sister Scheller asked the group.
'I think that it speaks to the people that we have here. I mean, the people are hungry to get good information, and they are hungry to make an educated decision. They are hungry to support each other,' says Leann Burke, a group member.
The group says Dubois County has a decent population of immigrants.
'I own a store in this area and the information and conversations from people I hear, especially about immigration and tariffs, which we are going to be talking about in our next teaching. I was flabbergasted at the ideas people thought an immigrant was,' Ruhe says.
Members say having an open discussion like this helps people have a better understanding of what immigrants are.
'We are hoping that teachings like this can help bring our communities together around facts, common understanding, and friendship,' says Rock Emmert, who helped organize the event.
The next talk is about tariffs and takes place on Thursday, June 5th, at St. Benedict's Brew Works in Ferdinand. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair.
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