Our democracy is only as strong as the people who fight for it, yet in Brooklyn, the Democratic Party is undermining the very grassroots organizing that could build a better future.

The same undemocratic practices that led to City Hall's failures are playing out in our local party—a party that turns its back on volunteers, silences reform, and clings to power through corruption and patronage. This behavior is directly linked to the dysfunction we see in city government, and it’s time for a change.

In the wake of Mayor Eric Adams’ corruption indictment, we need a local Democratic Party that fights for accountability, transparency, and the values we share. Instead, Brooklyn Democratic Party leadership is doubling down on practices that stifle democratic engagement, blocking reforms that would make our party stronger and more responsive to the people it’s meant to serve. It’s no surprise that the Party Chair is one of the last remaining voices defending the mayor.

At the Party’s organizing meeting in September, leaders again rejected basic reforms and shut out hundreds of volunteers eager to serve on the County Committee—the very people who are the lifeblood of our party. A small group of insiders used hundreds of proxy votes, as they have for years, to drown out the voices of those who took time off work to attend. Out of six proposed rule changes, only one—a superficial name change from “Chairman” to “Chairperson”—was allowed for a vote.

These undemocratic values are not just abstract; they lead to a city government that neglects its own people, fosters corruption, and enables catastrophic failures. We saw this earlier this year when our own Party leadership handed Republicans a local Assembly seat – because they put their personal priorities over that of the party. The party’s leadership blocks reforms that would restore democracy and transparency, punishing dissent and rewarding loyalty to the establishment instead.

We cannot let this stand in a critical election year. Brooklyn needs a party that empowers its grassroots volunteers to fight for real change. Now is the time to step up — to volunteer, donate, and amplify this call for reform. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

If you believe in a Democratic Party that fights for democracy, not just in name but in practice, join us.