Put Your John Hancock Here
by Kevin Fritz
The Central Florida Pledge – a growing network that unites neighbors, leaders, and groups to stand up for a safer, more welcoming community – is making notable inroads in Seminole County.
By signing The Pledge, people across all backgrounds commit to treating others with dignity, uniting against hate, and stepping up when needed – building a region where everyone feels they belong.
The Pledge was launched in February 2024 in response to a surge in local antisemitism after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.
“The Pledge is spreading rapidly in Seminole, and we are really encouraged,” says Dr. Joel Hunter, the initiative’s chairman and pastor of Community Benefit at Action Church.
Pastor Joel, who served as spiritual advisor to President Barack Obama during his presidency, notes that many people don’t realize just how diverse Seminole County is. For example, Seminole has a significant population of Jews and Muslims and is home to numerous synagogues and mosques.
The Central Florida Pledge was created by businessman and philanthropist Alan Ginsburg – a prominent member of the local Jewish community – as a regional initiative that includes Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties. Since then, The Pledge has brought leaders together and prompted thousands to commit to fostering a community that promises to keep hate from taking root and growing.
The initiative received a major boost in Seminole County in December 2025, when Oviedo became the first city in the county to sign The Central Florida Pledge. Just weeks later, deadly mosque attacks in Syria and Nigeria underscored the continued relevance of The Pledge’s mission.
A Matter of Respect
“I hope every city in Seminole County adopts The Pledge,” says Oviedo Mayor Megan Sladek. “It is hard to disagree with it. It’s just about the basic levels of respect.”
She was especially drawn to The Pledge’s defense of one’s right to practice what they believe.
“We need to defend the right to have those beliefs,” says Mayor Sladek. “In Oviedo, I think we have space for everybody. It is time to live and let live and be respectful of everyone’s opinion.”
Leadership Seminole is also a key proponent of The Pledge, signing on as a nonprofit organization and paving the way for other local entities to follow suit.
“As leaders of the county, we have an obligation to do this,” says Dawn Kraus, president of Leadership Seminole. “Our board of directors signed The Pledge because they all deeply care about their community. We all see the importance of treating people with respect and dignity, and we are dedicated to inclusion and collaboration.”
The language of The Pledge dovetails with Leadership Seminole’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Seminole County and work toward a goal of community trusteeship. Dawn notes that each Leadership Seminole class is a cross section of the county’s diverse population.
“I think we forget how much we are alike,” she says. “There is more goodness than anything else. I am committed to spreading the word further in Seminole County.”
Building Momentum
Since last fall, the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and League of Women Voters of Seminole County have also signed The Pledge. And, chapters of The Phoenix Generation – the youth arm of the initiative – have been established at Lake Mary High School and Seminole State College.
“We planned this Pledge to be temporary to stand up against the discrimination we were seeing in our communities,” says Pastor Joel.
But now, The Central Florida Pledge has entered a new phase. More than 4,300 students and individuals, along with 50-plus organizations and a dozen high schools and colleges, have signed the promise.
“We are working on improving our communities and solving those problems,” says Pastor Joel. “We are forming a network of networks to collaborate on issues that are affecting all of us. Our goal is to have the most welcoming community in America. That takes building relationships and standing together. But we have the momentum, and we have the trust.”
Seminole County Entities That Have Signed The Pledge Include:
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
City of Oviedo
The Sharing Center
Leadership Seminole
League of Women Voters of Seminole County
Recovery House of Central Florida
Sanford Chamber of Commerce
First United Methodist Church
I WILL lead by example, treating all people, especially those with whom I disagree, with kindness and respect
I WILL refrain from inflammatory words and actions, and actively support those being attacked
I WILL report threatening incidents of hate and violence to 800-423-TIPS (8477)
I WILL educate myself about antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, and all other forms of discrimination, and help others in my circle of influence to do the same