Page 57 - The Starbucks Experience

PRINCIPLE 1

inside our store. It became a huge event. The open-mike night
was so successful that customers were requesting it more
often than once a month. It was diverse and great fun for all
ages. Of course, we’d offer food and beverage samples.”
Other Starbucks partners find and address community-
based needs through their stores. This brings with it heartfelt
appreciation from the community. Robin Jones, who worked
in a technology training center in Columbus, Ohio, saw the
positive impact of the Starbucks partners on a group of peo-
ple with whom she was involved.
As Robin reflects, “We offered free training to the unem-
ployed and underemployed members of the community.
Because we were located in the heart of downtown, many of
our students were homeless. Many of them had had nothing
to eat prior to coming to class. Some would come and stay
42 all day, just to get the food Starbucks partners donated.”
Lauren Moore, director of Community Relations and Giv-
ing, shares, “What we bring is the power of our people and
our product and our brand to make a significant impact. And
so the programs that we’re looking for with our people are
ones where they have volunteer opportunities; they can get
actively involved.”

Create Your Own Experience

• Who can benefit from the opportunity to partner with you
for the good of the community or for mutual business
benefits?

• What opportunities have you missed in your workplace?
• Where can you dive in with your passion and involvement?