In this episode of Let's Talk Democracy, host Tina Johnson is joined by Joe Holtz, the general manager of Park Slope Food Co-Op in Brooklyn. Joe shares insights into how the co-op's foundation in democratic principles helps it navigate modern challenges, including internal debates sparked by external conflicts like the Gaza crisis. The conversation explores the intersection of food and democracy, shedding light on how co-ops serve as microcosms for democratic practice and provide community empowerment. As a reflection of 1970s activism, Joe emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the empowerment of individuals in community-owned enterprises.

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?

Challenging the Norms: The Democratic Spirit of Co-Ops