S3E3: Lutheran Disaster Responders Speak to FEMA Legislation

In this episode of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sean Coffman from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). Sean and Regina were both in Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators on October 22, 2025 regarding proposed FEMA reform alongside other members of LDR's community of practice. Following the conversation with Sean, we hear from two other members of the community of practice, as well as Marcus T. Coleman, Jr from United Way Worldwide. Thank you to our guests & contributors:Sean Coffman, Program Director for Training & Networks, Lutheran Disaster ResponseJen Engquist, Disaster Capacity Builder, ND SynodsBryce Kennedy, Innovator for Resiliency and Preparedness, Southwestern Texas SynodMarcus T. Coleman, Jr., United Way WorldwideTake action on FEMA reform today with this current action alert, and be on the lookout for another disaster-related alert soon! Get all of our alerts by signing up to be part of our advocacy network.Download LDR's Congregational Preparedness Guide here.Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup Host: Regina Q. BanksProduction: Blake Chastain, Karen KruegerIntro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.