In a divided moment, thousands of Central Floridians are committing to disagree without dehumanizing.
The Central Florida Pledge has grown to more than 6,000 individuals and organizations, making it one of the region’s largest cross-sector civic commitments. Signers commit to dignity, respect, and remaining connected, especially when disagreements run deep.
Founded by philanthropist Alan Ginsburg and guided by longtime pastor and bridge builder Dr. Joel C. Hunter, the Central Florida Pledge is not focused on policy positions or political outcomes. Dr. Hunter previously served with the Bush Administration’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and later as a spiritual advisor to President Barack Obama.
Organizers say the goal is not to eliminate disagreement, but to model what disagreement looks like when dignity and respect are non-negotiable.
“This isn’t about policy or politics,” said Dr. Joel C. Hunter. “It’s about how we treat one another when disagreement is real. Staying connected with dignity and respect is becoming rare, and that’s exactly why this work matters.”
More than 200 local leaders from business, faith communities, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector were set to gather for an invitation-only event marking the launch of Year Three of the Central Florida Pledge earlier this month. According to The Central Florida Pledge, participants represented a wide range of political, religious, and personal perspectives, and rarely share the same room.
Adding a global perspective, leaders from Northern Ireland who played key roles in the peace process shared lessons from decades of division, reconciliation, and bridge-building. Their insights focus on how communities can move from entrenched conflict toward durable peace and shared civic life.
