Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy

In episode 9, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff, program director for Middle East & North Africa (sometimes referred to as MENA) policy with ELCA Witness in Society. 

 This is a wide ranging conversation which discusses many aspects of the ELCA's relationship with local church bodies in the Holy Land and in other parts of the region.

Regina & Sasha also discuss many current events, including...

In episode 8, host Regina Q. Banks speaks to Vance Blackfox (Director of Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations for the ELCA), Justice Nichols (Program Coordinator for Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations for the ELCA), and Brenda Blackhawk (Director of Communications at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis).

This conversation delves into the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and the broader context ...

In episode 7 of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks to Alesia Frerichs, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. They discuss the broad array of services LSA provides and how they plan to respond to the upcoming budget reconciliation process, which is set to start in earnest around May 7th.

 Following the interview, our impact story comes from Hailea James of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, and illustr...

In episode 6, our host Regina Banks speaks to Rev. Dr. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (which you will hear referred to by its acronym, NECU) about the challenges facing institutions of higher education. 

In our history segment, Hunger Advocacy Fellow Joey Chin shares about Martin Luther's steadfast support for education. 

In our impact story segment, campus pastor for Wittenberg...

In episode 5 of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks is joined by the ELCA's Program Director for Migration Policy, Giovana Oaxaca for an extended interview. 

Their conversation explores the work of AMMPARO and the ELCA in supporting migrants and refugees. Oaxaca provides historical contexts for today's current immigration policies, and the church's response to these challenges. It highlights the importance of advocacy, c...

Episode 4 of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy takes a critical look at the direct impact on lives worldwide of the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign assistance. Featuring conversations with the ELCA program director for international policy, a leader working on the ground in Tanzania and other key voices, this episode examines the critical connection between U.S. policy, vulnerable people and the ELCA's commitment to global aid....

Real people making a real difference come to the fore in Episode 3 of Here I Pod from ELCA advocacy, delving into how faith-based advocates can engage in shaping public policy and drive meaningful community engagement. Featuring the Rev. Erin Jones and advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania, join the discussion of how people get involved and hear from state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans of Pennsylvania’s 95th legislative District, who illuminate...

This conversation explores the intersection of faith and environmental advocacy within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with the ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy Policy and additional guests. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in implementing sustainable practices and the importance of community engagement and storytelling in advocacy efforts, especially ...

In the inaugural episode of Here I Pod from ELCA advocacy, host Regina Q. Banks and featured guest Andrew Fuller, ELCA Program Director for Economic Policy, discuss the pressing issues of housing and homelessness in the United States. They explore the alarming trends, the policy landscape intersecting with these trends, as well as what faith-based organizations are seeing and doing to address these challenges. The conversation emph...