Disasters and emergencies create chaos and immediate community. Examples abound of cross-cultural and interreligious cooperation during the response phase of a disaster. However, as the recovery phase unfolds, pre- disaster barriers can re-emerge and even increase. Rev. David L. Myers, who has deployed to more than 30 presidentially-declared disasters, will tell stories of community-building and offer personal reflections on why sometimes the new-found cooperation has not lasted.

The Rev. David L. Myers directs the Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He was appointed by President Obama in May 2009. The center develops relationships, builds bridges, and partnership opportunities between DHS & FEMA programs and faith-based and community organizations, specifically among ethnic, cultural, and religious minority communities and traditions. He also serves as Senior Advisor to FEMA Administrator, Mr. Craig Fugate. Prior to his appointment, David led congregations, faith-based, and community organizations for more than 25 years, and served on a number of national, state, and city boards and committees. David is a father and grandfather, an ordained Mennonite minister, with a M.Div. from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and a B.S. from Portland State University.