The Unity Forum, a cross-partisan webinar and podcast series presented in partnership with the Bridge Alliance and produced by Alumni for Freedom and Democracy, is dedicated to fostering reasoned discourse and strengthening the foundations of an open society. Each program brings forward respected experts who challenge assumptions about current events, elevate civil dialogue, and deepen public understanding of today’s most pressing social, economic, and legal issues. In addition to attending Unity Forum events, readers are invited to join post-event discussions, volunteer as community dialogue facilitators, or help promote open society initiatives within their networks. Opportunities to stay engaged and make a difference are available for anyone who wants to support the mission of meaningful civil engagement.
On May 27, the Unity Forum welcomes former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, who represented Florida’s 26th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019. During his time in Congress, Curbelo earned a national reputation as a principled, bipartisan voice, particularly on climate and energy policy, immigration reform, and efforts to restore constructive, bipartisan governance. His co‑founding of the House Climate Solutions Caucus remains a defining example of coalition‑building on one of the nation’s most polarized issues.
Congressman Curbelo is especially well-suited to lead a nonpartisan discussion on today’s most divisive topics.
Redistricting and Democratic Legitimacy
In the next Unity Forum webinar, Curbelo will share his perspective on the ongoing redistricting debates happening across the country. He will talk about how changing district lines are affecting political incentives, especially in Florida, and what these changes mean for democracy and voter trust. He will also discuss the role of state courts and constitutions in ensuring fair maps, using examples from Florida’s legal and political experience.
Immigration: A Personal and Policy Perspective
Immigration is still one of America’s most complicated and misunderstood topics. As the son of Cuban immigrants, Curbelo offers both personal experience and policy knowledge. He will explain what a practical, bipartisan immigration plan could include, such as border security, asylum processing, legal immigration options, work permits, protections for Dreamers, E-Verify, and more. With so many misunderstandings about asylum rights right now, his views on bringing order and fairness are especially important.
Climate Risk and a Generational Shift
Even though climate change may not be a major topic in national politics, it remains a major concern for young Americans. Recent data shows a big generational change: a 2025 AP–NORC/EPIC poll found that 42% of Republicans under 45 now think climate change is mostly or entirely caused by humans, up from 26% in 2017. Almost 9 out of 10 young people who have faced severe weather believe climate change played a part, and about half say it was a major reason.
For young people, climate change is not just a future problem. It is something they experience now, and it shapes how they see the world.
Curbelo will talk about how state leaders can turn climate risks into practical, bipartisan policies. This is especially important in Florida, where rising sea levels, stronger storms, and higher insurance costs make the issue urgent.
Join the Conversation
To find out more, sign up for the free Unity Forum live webinar on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. The session will be interactive, with a live Q&A, so you can ask questions directly to Congressman Curbelo and the moderator.
The event will cover redistricting, immigration, and climate risk, with Congressman Carlos Curbelo talking to Chris Malone, host of The Unity Forum and co-founder of Alumni for Freedom & Democracy.
Register to attend or to get a link to the recording.
The Unity Forum Discussion w/ Carlos Curbelo. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: The Unity Forum Discussion w/ Carlos Curbelo. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
David Nevins is the publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
In terms of money flowing through the campaign-finance system, political action committees (PACs) are three times more active than candidates running for reelection or office. That is concentrated political power that leaves many congressional candidates running for reelection or office dependent on PAC support.
