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Central Florida Pledge presents Dignity Index and youth outreach to Sanford commission
Summary
Dr. Joel Horner and RK representatives presented the Central Florida Pledge — four personal commitments to reduce division and report hate — and invited the city and local student leaders to sign on; commissioners expressed interest in exploring a City partnership and asked for follow‑up.
Dr. Joel Horner, representing the Central Florida Pledge, described the initiative to the Sanford City Commission on July 13, urging civic leaders to adopt a set of four commitments intended to reduce inflammatory language and increase neighbor‑to‑neighbor respect.
Horner said the pledge grew out of a regional effort following the 2023 attacks in Israel and subsequent spikes in local incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination. He described the pledge’s four commitments: treat everyone with respect (including those you disagree with); avoid inflammatory acts or words; report incidents of hate; and educate oneself about discrimination. Horner said the effort began as a damage‑mitigation movement and expanded into a broader regional network involving dozens of organizations and student groups across Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties.
An RK vice president accompanying Horner highlighted the initiative’s Dignity Index, training offerings and a youth arm; the team invited Sanford student leaders to a free conference on Nov. 14 and said training for workplaces, churches and government organizations will be available. The RK representative said the pledge is intended for both individuals and organizations and encouraged the commission to consider becoming a city partner.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about the Dignity Index and whether the City could sign on; the mayor said staff would follow up to determine the process for the City to become a partner. No formal action was taken; presenters agreed to send materials and follow‑up information to staff.
