In a Divided Moment, 6,000 Central Floridians Commit to Disagree Without Dehumanizing

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Jan 29, 2026, 14:49 ET

What: Central Florida Pledge Leaders Summit
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Media access begins at 11:00 AM. Advance media registration required.
Where: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, DeVos Family Room, Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 200 local leaders from business, faith communities, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector will gather for an invitation-only event marking the launch of Year Three of the Central Florida Pledge.

Unlike most civic gatherings, this summit is not organized around shared ideology or policy goals. Instead, it centers on shared expectations for how leaders treat one another in moments of disagreement. Participants represent a wide range of political, religious, and personal perspectives, and rarely share the same room.

Last year’s Central Florida Pledge Leadership Summit filled the DeVos Family Room at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts with 200 Central Florida leaders representing differing beliefs and perspectives. Similar attendance is already confirmed again this year.

Philanthropist Alan Ginsburg and Imam Muhammad Musri sharing a moment of connection at last year's Central Florida Pledge Leadership Summit.

What we’re building: a community where neighbors stand up for one another — especially when we disagree. That work happens through relationships, learning, and conscious action.

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. Learn more at centralfloridapledge.com and youtube.com/@centralfloridapledge.

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 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."

Adding a global perspective, leaders from Northern Ireland who played key roles in the peace process will share lessons from decades of division, reconciliation, and bridge-building. Their insights will focus on how communities can move from entrenched conflict toward durable peace and shared civic life.

Featured leaders available for interview:

Alan Ginsburg, Founder, Central Florida Pledge
Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Chairman and longtime national faith leader
Central Florida's Leaders and influential community members

Visuals for TV and digital:

Leaders from opposing viewpoints seated together in conversation
Presentation of the Second Annual Central Florida Pledge Awards, honoring Civic, Service, Education, Faith, and Student Leader of the Year

Media Contact:
Rob Andrescik
[email protected]
407-900-9496

SOURCE The Central Florida Pledge