Challenging the Norms: The Democratic Spirit of Co-Ops

Joe Holtz, the General Manager of the Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn, New York, has been a key figure in managing one of the largest and most well-known food cooperatives in the U.S. The Coop is often celebrated for its worker-member cooperative model. At its core, this model is built on principles of democratic governance, collective decision-making, and shared responsibility among members. The conflict in Gaza has led to intense debates among the coop’s members. The coop’s democratic structure has been tested by these highly charged discussions. How can a democratic organization maintain its unity and values when external forces, like the war in Gaza, create such sharp divisions among its members?

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In a time when misinformation spreads like wildfire and populist movements are gaining momentum globally, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But Let’s Talk Democracy is here to remind us that democracy isn’t something we can afford to take for granted. It’s something we need to fight for, nurture, and protect. This podcast is a small but significant part of that fight—helping to cultivate hope, share knowledge, and inspire action. At its core, Let’s Talk Democracy is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always room for dialogue, reflection, and change. And that, in itself, is an act of democracy. Let’s Talk Democracy will be in conversation with a wide variety of people whose efforts and ideas can move us toward a stronger democracy. It's important to be in dialogue with individuals who represent the diverse range of ideas that are permissible within a democracy. By engaging with these voices—whether they come from experts, activists, community leaders, or everyday citizens—we can begin to see the many facets of democracy and how we can strengthen it, together.