There are two things that stick out to me most about my recent opportunity to be a part of the Starbucks Google+ Hangout. Having the chance to share my heart and passion for community service having only been a partner for seven months was awesome. The second is that my love for community service is greatly encouraged by the company I work for. It was an amazing opportunity, and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to continue the conversation over the importance of community service. In anticipation for the conversations still to come, I want to explain how I prepare to serve my community, and other communities.

                Whenever I am planning an event or on my way to one, I think about many things in preparation. I think about the people who will be effected by the event, both the served and servers. I think about the rippling effect that the project might have. This process is what helps me to make sure that I have the right heart about the project. When I show up, I want it to be in selflessness; that I am genuinely serving, and not just looking for a pat on the back. I also spend a lot of time talking with all stakeholders during the event. I like to feel out the strengths and weaknesses of those around me so I can better connect people into what they love. At the end of the day, the impact that this service to the community made is one that shapes us; it creates space for us to truly care about one another and all the things that make up this world.

                I am just one partner. I am unique, passionate, and compassionate. I love what I do, and I am constantly grateful that I work for a company that is dedicated to community service. If you know what kinds of things you’re passionate about, where you’d like to serve, or would like to create your own event, then please visit Community.Starbucks.com and get going! Finally, if you’re interested (which you should be) please please please check out the YouTube video of the Google+ Hangout. I had an amazing time talking with other remarkable partners who are doing great things throughout the States.

Here is the link to the YouTube video http://youtu.be/5FnthEb7fUw.

-Curtis Monaghan

Andrew Alfano, senior vice president, Northeast Division, sent the following heartfelt note of gratitude to the partners in his division following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Starbucks partners emerged as true heroes as they showed kindness to their fellow partners and customers in their stores. We want to capture the amazing partner stories coming out of the Northeast. Tell us your story. What have you heard or experienced first-hand?

Dear partners,

Over the past several weeks, I have been inspired by stories about Starbucks partners and their heroic deeds in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. You have remained strong in the face of great challenge, shared words of encouragement and extended yourself to others in need.

The majority of impacted Starbucks stores have re-opened, however, those that sustained the most extensive damage are in the process of repair.  My thoughts are with partners who experienced major damage to their homes and other personal property. I encourage you to leverage resources that Starbucks provides including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the CUP Fund. In addition to monetary donations, you can contribute your time to the recovery by joining projects on the Community Service Website.

As I said to local leaders last week, the resilience and determination of our partners is only equal to their passion. Thank you for your concern for your fellow partners – going above and beyond to make sure they are safe and supported. Thank you for building a comforting community in our stores for customers to recharge their spirits as well as their phones and computers. Your compassion, your selfless actions mean more to others than you may know. I am so proud to be your partner.

Our road to full recovery will take some time. Continue to lean on one another and provide a welcoming atmosphere that only Starbucks stores can offer. With the launch of holiday tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to spread much needed joy and continue giving back to our local neighborhoods. I look forward to hearing more stories of generosity in the weeks and months to come.

Sincerely,

Andrew

                Before photo of Urban Farm in Houston's 5th Ward

Starbucks partners attending the Global Leadership Conference will serve the Houston community by participating in community service projects with four local non-profit organizations. Visit the Projects Page on this site to see discussions and photos from Starbucks partners after completing service projects with these organizations. Learn about the reaction from Houston community leaders featured in the Houston Chronicle.

The Association for the Advancement of Mexican American (AAMA)

AAMA is a grassroots organization serving nearly 30,000 people in the Mexican American, broader Latino and new immigrant communities of Houston. Since 1969, AAMA has developed innovative programs that focus on health and human services and education, including the opening of George I. Sanchez High School, a local charter school. Starbucks partners volunteering at the school will work on exterior classroom upgrades, grounds improvements, create an urban garden and assist students with interview skills.

Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank is the nation’s largest food bank and a source of food for hunger relief charities in 18 southeast Texas counties. It operates from a new 308,000 square-foot facility with sophisticated technology for sorting and organizing. The food bank feeds a total of 137,000 people each week and provides more than 70 million pounds of food and prepared meals annually. Starbucks partners will sort, package and organize food that will be distributed to nearly 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other agencies.

5^th Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation

The Fifth Ward is a historically significant neighborhood located east of downtown Houston. The Ward is considered a “food desert,” as it does not have grocery stores and only limited services for residents. The Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation plays a key role in revitalizing this neighborhood through new home construction and a focus on job training, access to technology, social services and the arts. Starbucks partners will help restore homes, build a multigenerational playground, build an urban garden and revitalize community monuments.

Volunteer Houston

Volunteer Houston, a HandsOn Network affiliate, is the main coordinator for service projects working in partnership with other Houston non-profits including Coalition for the Homeless, Texas Wildlife Association, Interfaith Ministries and the museum of Cultural Arts in Houston. Starbucks Partners will assemble hygiene kits for homeless veterans, construct natural habitats for abandoned or injured wild animals and create a tile mural.

Last month, I met with the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF) delegation at the Mercy Corps headquarters in Portland, OR. ACYF reaches more than 300 million young people in China, through over fifty Chinese youth organizations. Mercy Corps is a respected international development NGO Starbucks has collaborated with for 10 years to support tea communities in Assam and Darjeeling, India. 

One key way Mercy Corps creates sustainable change in communities is through innovation.  Since 2009, Mercy Corps has worked with ACYF to develop the Social Innovator Leadership Program, which exposes an annual delegation of leaders to creative approaches for addressing social needs.  The delegation includes leaders from youth agencies, government, state-run industry and private enterprise.  Over the years, the delegation has learned how communities balance economic development with social and environmental impact, ranging from energy conservation to youth leadership programs.

This year, the delegation was focused on international development, learning how developed countries provide expertise and resources to support developing nations.  Along with colleagues from Intel and Nike Foundations, we discussed why and how companies support communities around the world.  I shared Starbucks approach to supporting coffee and tea farming communities, as the health of those communities is directly tied to our ability to provide premium coffee to our customers.

Mercy Corps and ACYF’s focus on the impact of social innovation on communities and young people aligns well with Starbucks mission of helping communities thrive.   We have been participating in this annual program since its inception and it is a privilege to be able to share Starbucks mission and practices with the leaders from China.  My experience was a reminder that my work at Starbucks provides great opportunities to share and learn from amazing individuals and organizations around the world.  The rich expertise and perspectives helps us develop approaches that are relevant and impactful.

For the past several weeks, we have been collecting data from Starbucks partners (employees) and community organizations to understand the impact of Starbucks Global Month of Service.

We are pleased to share these results and again say thank you for serving your local community during the month of April… and beyond.

Your commitment to service last month yielded:

• 2,157 Starbucks partner-led community service projects
• 53,662 total volunteers
• 231,705 total service hours
• Participation in 34 countries and 5 continents

Please visit the Projects page to find service projects in your local community.