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I have been thinking of you and your families over the holidays and, as we enter the new calendar year, I am reflecting on the enormous challenges you have encountered in the last few years.&nbsp;I cannot be more grateful for your&nbsp;selflessness and the incredible&nbsp;resilience you have shown in taking care of each other, serving our customers and supporting our&nbsp;communities, despite&nbsp;the&nbsp;continued disruptions to your home and work lives.&nbsp;It is during moments of adversity that we reveal&nbsp;our true character. Thank you for staying true to our values and exemplifying the very best of Starbucks.

I have been in weekly discussions with our China Leadership team and in daily touch with Belinda Wong to follow developments in China. I am very sorry to hear that there has been a spike in infections in the country since early December that has and continues to severely impact your lives and our business. I want to remind you, once again, that the health and well-being of your families, your partners and you is our number one priority. We will continue to protect and support our partners as China enters its post-Covid phase and begins the gradual process of fully reopening. 

The gradual return to normalcy and pre-Covid routines in people’s lives will undoubtedly contribute to our business recovery in China over time.&nbsp;Our customers are&nbsp;craving&nbsp;for a&nbsp;return to&nbsp;familiar&nbsp;routines and lifestyles, and huge pent-up consumer demand&nbsp;will be&nbsp;unleashed when people feel they are truly safe to venture outside. That will happen. And when it happens our customers will head to our stores&nbsp;in tremendous numbers to enjoy moments of reconnection, their favorite Starbucks beverages and the premium&nbsp;Starbucks Experience&nbsp;you deliver.

Nonetheless, and as Belinda has repeatedly shared, challenges and uncertainties remain and the recovery path ahead will be nonlinear.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the spread of Covid has impacted all retail businesses in China in these last two months, we believe the disruptions are temporary, and normalcy will gradually return for our stores and customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I know this because Starbucks commitment to China, and to our partners and business in China has never wavered, and is unwavering today. I remain confident that, even more than two decades after entering the market, we are&nbsp;still&nbsp;only in the early chapters of&nbsp;our&nbsp;growth story&nbsp;in China.&nbsp;I believe that one day, China will be Starbucks largest market.&nbsp;I am certain of that because of you, our China partners. Your demonstrated ability to meet&nbsp;every challenge, navigate every obstacle and volatility – and build even more operating muscle with every unexpected test – gives me the greatest confidence imaginable in the future of our business in China. Starbucks will continue to invest in you, and in China, for decades to come. And I promise you our best days are ahead.&nbsp;

Please know that I cannot wait to see you in person in China very soon.&nbsp;I’ll be looking for the very first opportunity to do so. In the meantime, with Chinese New Year approaching, please accept my very best wishes as you reunite with your families and celebrate a healthy and&nbsp;prosperous&nbsp;Year of the Rabbit.

“Your demonstrated ability to meet every challenge, navigate every obstacle and volatility – and build even more operating muscle with every unexpected test – gives me the greatest confidence imaginable in the future of our business in China.”

Message to Starbucks China Partners: Sending love and good wishes for a prosperous Chinese New Year

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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Starbucks Corporation

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Chief global public policy counsel Zulima Espinel shares our company’s ongoing commitment to advance inclusion and equity for all, following today’s important milestone when the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law.

At Starbucks we believe we have a role and responsibility to serve communities by advancing inclusion, equity and belonging for everyone. This belief, core to our Mission and Values, is rooted in nurturing the human spirit and guides our decisions on how we can best use our voice and resources for good.

Today, our country reached an important milestone when the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law. This bipartisan bill reflects broad support for same-sex and interracial marriages. The bill mandates federal recognition of marriages performed at the state level, guaranteeing rights and benefits under federal law and requires all states to recognize marriages performed in other states.

While this is an important step, we know that there may still be challenges to marriage equality in the legal system or in states and local jurisdictions. If you are passionate about this issue, we always encourage partners to make their voices heard with their elected officials, regardless of their political affiliation or views.

We know that creating a sense of belonging and advancing equity and inclusion requires intentional commitment from each of us to care for one another every day. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">For more than 30 years</a> our company has supported our LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities – from offering inclusive health coverage, to expanding voluntary self-identification for partners, to partnering with organizations like Human Rights Campaign and National Center for Transgender Equality. And we <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-coalition-for-equality">continue to advocate in support of the Equality Act </a>and oppose <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-statement-on-anti-lgbtq-state-legislation">the patchwork of harmful policies and</a> actions that have been proposed in several states around the country in addition to <a href="https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Final-Respect-for-Marriage-Act-Letter-to-the-Senate-8.2022.pdf">our recent advocacy around the Respect for Marriage Act</a>.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to advance inclusion and equity for all, inspired by how you care for one another, our customers and communities every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chief global public policy counsel Zulima Espinel shares our company’s ongoing commitment to advance inclusion and equity for all.

Message from Zulima: Advancing Protections for Marriage Equality

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Zulima Espinel, chief global public policy counsel, shares resources for DACA recipients

We are proud that 250,000 partners across the country reflect the diverse communities we serve. Every day, you create welcoming spaces for each other and our customers and every day we are inspired to extend that sense of belonging beyond the four walls of our stores.&nbsp;

Inclusion is inherent to nurturing the human spirit and this is foundational to our long support for Dreamers, including our partners who are recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA.&nbsp;Earlier this month the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit decided DACA is unlawful.&nbsp;While this decision did not immediately end the program for current DACA recipients,&nbsp;the program is at risk as it continues to move through the judicial system, likely up to the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

At Starbucks we will continue to use our voice and resources to support Dreamers and partners who are DACA recipients– <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2017/letter-from-howard-schultz-to-senators-lindsey-graham-and-richard-durbin/">just as we have since 2017</a>. We will continue to offer benefits and support to partners who are DACA recipients. Partners can also connect with an Immigration Advisor – confidentially and at no cost – to help with questions related to navigating the program and any changes to the law.

We will also continue to advocate. Just today, Starbucks joined dozens of businesses to urge Congress to come together and pass bipartisan legislation that will provide a long-term solution and legal path to citizenship for all DACA recipients and the permanent protection they deserve to continue to live and contribute to the United States. You can read the full letter <a href="https://www.coalitionfortheamericandream.us/daca-fifth-circuit-response/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

I know many of you are passionate about this program so here are some tools and resources available:

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We will continue to support and advocate for Dreamers so they can live, work, and dream in the country that they call home – not only because it is the right thing to do but because the communities we serve will be stronger for it.

Zulima Espinel, chief global public policy counsel

A letter to Starbucks partners (employees) from Zulima Espinel, chief global public policy counsel, sharing resources for DACA recipients.

Letter to Starbucks Partners: Our Support and Advocacy for Dreamers

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As communities across North America and the Caribbean are impacted by this hurricane season, Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation remain committed to supporting disaster relief efforts on the ground, leveraging long-term nonprofit partnerships and tapping into our local Starbucks teams to deliver critical support. 

Hurricane Fiona&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through partnerships with World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross, The Starbucks Foundation is supporting preparedness and relief efforts to communities impacted by Hurricane Fiona. World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is distributing thousands of meals a day to impacted communities across Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Turks &amp; Caicos. The Red Cross is providing relief and comfort to Fiona survivors across <a href="https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2022/red-cross-responds-to-devastating-storms-in-puerto-rico-usvi-ak.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puerto Rico</a> and <a href="https://www.redcross.ca/about-us/media-news/news-releases/canadian-red-cross-launches-appeal-for-hurricane-fiona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada</a>, including distributing relief items and providing health and mental health services.

Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Ian to provide needed support to partners (employees) and communities. 

How To Support&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Starbucks partners (employees) and customers looking to help impacted communities, you can join The Starbucks Foundation and World Central Kitchen to help people affected by making a donation at the register at any U.S. company-owned store or directly on <a href="https://www.wck.org/starbucks-fiona-2022-response" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Central Kitchen’s website</a>. In addition, Starbucks is inviting customers to make a donation to World Central Kitchen through the Starbucks mobile app in the U.S. through October 12.

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Customers in Canada can make a donation at the register in any Canada company-owned store to support the Canadian Red Cross.&nbsp;

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. &nbsp;

As communities across North America and the Caribbean are impacted by this hurricane season, Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation remain committed to supporting disaster relief efforts on the ground.

Starbucks Supports Hurricane Relief Efforts Across North America and Caribbean  

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‘I am thrilled to announce that we have identified an individual with the ideal background, knowledge, and demonstrated track record of living his values to lead Starbucks into the future,’ wrote Howard Schultz in a letter to Starbucks partners.

As you know, when I rejoined Starbucks in the spring it was with the goal of co-creating the future of the company with all of you and working with the Board of Directors to identify our next chief executive officer – a person with not only the skills and experience to guide the transformation of a global brand that touches the lives of more than 100 million customers but also understands that the core of the&nbsp;Starbucks Experience&nbsp;is our mission and the culture brought to life by 400,000 partners every day.&nbsp;

I am thrilled to announce that we have identified an individual with the ideal background, knowledge, and demonstrated track record of living his values to lead Starbucks into the future. On October 1st,&nbsp;Laxman Narasimhan&nbsp;will join us as the next chief executive officer of Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Put simply, Laxman is steeped in humility with extraordinary executive and operational skills. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He is a&nbsp;strategic and transformational leader with deep experience in building powerful consumer brands, driving innovations that create loyalty and convenience for consumers, and working in partnership with employees to live up to their own full potential and fulfill a purpose. Over the course of his three-decade career in the retail and CPG industries, he has worked across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. And from the significant time that I, and others of us on the leadership team and Board have spent with him, we know that he is a world-class leader in every sense.

Of course, in taking on this role, Laxman has learned about the Reinvention plan in detail. And once he comes on board, he will immediately begin a full immersion into Starbucks as we accelerate our work to transform the company for the future. This will include spending time as a barista in our stores, meeting our partners around the world, visiting roasting plants, distribution centers and the farms where our coffee is grown, and more. This unique experience will position him to effectively bring his own perspectives to help build on and shape this work.&nbsp;

I am looking forward to introducing you all to Laxman and working closely with him as he listens, learns, and plans for the future of Starbucks for the benefit of our partners, customers, and communities. He is the leader we were looking for to lead Starbucks at this moment and for the future. Please join me in welcoming Laxman to Starbucks.&nbsp;

Message from Howard Schultz: Welcoming Laxman Narasimhan, our next ceo

I am thrilled to announce that we have identified an individual with the ideal background, knowledge, and demonstrated track record of living his values to lead Starbucks into the future.

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Howard Schultz shares a message with Starbucks partners following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

My heart is heavy for Uvalde today. I know many of us are deeply saddened, outraged and confused, and we are all thinking of the families and communities impacted by this senseless tragedy.

To be honest, we have been here too many times before, grieving as a nation. Just ten days ago, a gunman opened fire in a Buffalo grocery store, targeting African Americans and killing 10 people. The next day, a man shot at Asian American seniors at a church in Laguna Woods, CA. And it is not lost on me that today marks the two-year anniversary of the senseless murder of George Floyd.

I want to first share that our partners in Uvalde have our full support. We have one store near Robb Elementary School, and I am grateful that our partners are safe. That said, I know this tragedy, like the one in Buffalo, hit close for partners with friends and family in the community. I heard yesterday that our Uvalde partners, even in the face of unimaginable pain, came together to close the store to serve first responders and families, while bringing water and food to nearby hospitals. In Buffalo, our partners came together to provide coffee at a memorial for the victims and volunteered at nearby food banks. To the partners who step up in these moments – thank you. Your generosity and care inspire us all to choose love, over hatred, in times like these. I am so proud to be your partner.

As a company, we are taking this time to hear from partners, learn from experts, and examine additional steps we can take. We are already exploring donations and support for victims and their families in Uvalde, Buffalo and Laguna Woods. And as we all support one another, we urge lawmakers to come together, in a bipartisan way, to address issues around gun and community safety. We also encourage partners to use their own voice – write or call your elected officials and <a href="https://www.starbuckspartnersvote.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make a plan</a> to vote in your upcoming elections. We will also continue to prioritize de-escalation and active shooter trainings for partners. I want to also remind you about benefits like Lyra – I have heard from many partners that having someone to talk to in the aftermath of these traumatic events can be helpful.

I know there is always more we can do, as a company and as individuals. I want to hear your ideas. We will host a Partner Open Forum tomorrow to share how we are feeling and continue this conversation. I have included a list of additional resources below.

We must continue to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2013/open-letter-from-howard/">stand together</a> to rise above hatred, indifference, and cowardice. And as we do, please know you have the support of your fellow partners as you search to comprehend this senseless violence. I also know that in times like these, this community of Starbucks partners finds ways to lift one another up, to be a safe space for sharing, to come together in unity. Please take care of one another, and know that together, we will always choose love.

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Howard Schultz shares a message with Starbucks partners following the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.

A message to partners from Howard: Safe Communities

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As we mentioned on March 8, we have suspended all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Starbucks has made the decision to exit and no longer have a brand presence in the market.&nbsp;We will continue to support the nearly 2,000 green apron partners in Russia, including pay for six months and assistance for partners to transition to new opportunities outside of Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Letter to partners from Kevin Johnson on Ukraine:

As I communicated Friday, we condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected.&nbsp;

We continue to watch the tragic events unfold and, today, we have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products. Our licensed partner has agreed to immediately pause store operations and will provide support to the nearly 2,000 partners in Russia who depend on Starbucks for their livelihood.

Through this dynamic situation, we will continue to make decisions that are true to our mission and values and communicate with transparency. Thank you for the care and concern you are sharing with me and your leaders.

As always, I’m extremely proud to be your partner.

Letter to partners from Kevin Johnson on Ukraine:

We condemn the unprovoked, unjust and horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia, and our hearts go out to all those affected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The invasion and humanitarian impact of this war are devastating and create a ripple effect that is felt throughout the world. I know this is weighing emotionally on so many of you, especially those with family and friends in the region.

While Starbucks does not have cafés in Ukraine, we do have 130 stores in Russia that are wholly owned and operated by a licensed partner. And I want to express deep care for the livelihoods of our 2,000 green apron partners in Russia.&nbsp;

In times like these, as a company and as partners, we strive to never be a bystander. Partners’ perspectives continue to help inform the actions we will take, which I want to begin sharing with you all today.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, we will donate any royalties we receive from our business operations in Russia to humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine. Second, The Starbucks Foundation has contributed $500,000 to World Central Kitchen and the Red Cross for humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine. And third, our EMEA business will continue to work in the market to support people in need through additional financial contributions and service.

As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, we will listen and take additional steps to support all our partners and communities. We will let you know as we have more to share.&nbsp;

I want to thank you all for your deep care and connection to one another and your communities during these challenging times.

Like you, my heart is heavy – and I want you to know that no matter what, we stand together, as partners.

Starbucks has made the decision to exit and no longer have a brand presence in the market. 

Update to Starbucks partners on our business in Russia

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In a letter to Starbucks partners, Sara Kelly, acting evp, Partner Resources, shares our commitment to ensuring our partners always have access to quality healthcare – regardless of where you live or what you believe.

I’m sure many of you are seeing that the U.S. Supreme Court made its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade today. Even though we have prepared for this scenario, personally and as a company, I know this decision leaves many of you disheartened or in shock. &nbsp;

We all need to process this in our own way, and as you do, here is what I want you to know: no matter where you live, or what you believe, we will always ensure you have access to quality healthcare. And when legislative actions impact your access to healthcare, we will work on ways to make you feel supported.

That’s why we have provided partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare plan a medical travel reimbursement benefit to access an abortion, and coming soon, access to gender-affirming care. You can learn more about that benefit in my message from last week, and also on the <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dqDg8gT4?url=https://departments.starbucks.com/sites/partnerfamilysupport/en-us/Pages/medical-travel-reimbursement.aspx">Partner Hub.</a>&nbsp;The impacts of this decision are complex and our Starbucks Advocates are dedicated to working directly with partners year-round with questions about healthcare coverage. They are a knowledgeable resource and a free and confidential service for our partners.&nbsp;

We are here to support you partners and thank you for taking care of one another in this moment.

In anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision&nbsp;on Roe v. Wade,&nbsp;<a href="https://l.workplace.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.bl-1.com%2Fh%2FdqDg8b42%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fstories.starbucks.com%252Fpress%252F2022%252Fletter-to-starbucks-partners-ensuring-access-to-healthcare%252F&amp;h=AT23atyBfo8HigKiY93oNm6uTBLDBXPFqaJizaCuN9SRe20EH9z75ARN28TKyFClTAay8BwEo8xe3nplIkqgYz1R1ijzogCpp3aaa_8Q3Fm9xuxwehMQs9X7sRw1Y9czS9R0kTfHL8GvRv4fm1htOA&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2UKaSbKX1ZQzvGXVLELH7lij4hz5DfugFvIHaSYQTVAMBKvPS-S_04L8s5IMZhWOWKJF7svXSE2xxvBgo0WZ6wDS-dXrKufGNWpNA3z5ngRupvMspEs9isuPVJ2vRHJ-5s9QXQ6grZK0S0RtaZT0D_BE_jUzDzIBEI4pKYOCyPQTnBKL0MwW5FFfVziIBak1QrGC9yg_o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in May we shared</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;we will always strive to ensure our partners have access to quality healthcare. When legislative actions impact your access to healthcare we will work on ways to make you feel supported. That’s why&nbsp;starting today,&nbsp;we will provide partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare plan a medical travel reimbursement benefit to access an abortion.

This benefit will support eligible partners (and their eligible dependents) who are enrolled in a Starbucks medical plan, cannot legally access an abortion in their state of residence and do not have a provider available within 100 miles of their home. You can read full details of this benefit and how to access it on the&nbsp;<a href="https://l.workplace.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.bl-1.com%2Fh%2FdqDg8gT4%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fdepartments.starbucks.com%252Fsites%252Fpartnerfamilysupport%252Fen-us%252FPages%252Fmedical-travel-reimbursement.aspx&amp;h=AT3z7JPIfdRGQKKSVWDw7NPNgijfDozB3oDq8xtAfOy44CpJeH86alcG8HCb8inhLvYgBSsGB9FdrtrK3LZKCYydbSVhJdPuoGj3r0jQlOUUE3P9bhkXGbjRuFQ6osZGQK9BeH4CEmTud0OdrbqHew&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c%5b0%5d=AT2UKaSbKX1ZQzvGXVLELH7lij4hz5DfugFvIHaSYQTVAMBKvPS-S_04L8s5IMZhWOWKJF7svXSE2xxvBgo0WZ6wDS-dXrKufGNWpNA3z5ngRupvMspEs9isuPVJ2vRHJ-5s9QXQ6grZK0S0RtaZT0D_BE_jUzDzIBEI4pKYOCyPQTnBKL0MwW5FFfVziIBak1QrGC9yg_o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Partner Hub.</a>

We know some partners may also face legislative barriers when it comes to accessing gender affirming procedures and we are working on the details for the medical travel reimbursement benefit for gender-affirming procedures now. Part of why this one is taking a little longer to finalize is that we want to make sure we account for the fact that there are more procedures to consider as part of this benefit. We will share an update on this as soon as possible.

As we work through these details, we’re unfortunately seeing some misinformation that Starbucks will take benefits away from partners who are in the petitioning process. Here are the facts we want you to know:

Partners, thank you for the perspectives these last few weeks, including from those of you in our partner networks. I want to also thank you for continuing to listen and engage with one another with empathy and kindness, given the diverse views amongst us. Together, we can continue to make progress on critical benefits like these and find ways to support one another.

Like many of you, I’m deeply concerned by the draft Supreme Court opinion related to the constitutional right to abortion that was first established by Roe v. Wade. I know this is weighing on many of you, so let me be clear up front – regardless of what the Supreme Court ends up deciding, we will always ensure our partners have access to quality healthcare. And when actions impact your access to healthcare, we will work on a way to make sure you feel supported.

Today I’m announcing that we are expanding our U.S. healthcare benefit to further protect your personal health decisions. Regardless of where you live or what you believe, partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare will now be offered reimbursement for eligible travel expenses when accessing abortion or gender-affirming procedures when those services are not available within 100 miles of a partner’s home. This benefit will also apply to dependents of partners enrolled in Starbucks healthcare.

Whatever healthcare choice you believe is right for you and your family, you deserve access to those services and the benefits that Starbucks provides. We offer industry-leading benefits, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-commitment-to-quality-healthcare-and-support-for-our-partners/">including many benefits that support partners in planning for their future</a>, including:

At Starbucks, we have 240,000 U.S. partners with diverse views. That’s okay, because it’s what makes us Starbucks. My hope is that we will continue to honor and respect one another. And, together, we’ll become better listeners and learners – finding ways to support one another, as we always have. Because that’s what it means to be a partner.

Thank you to the perspectives and ideas shared by many of you, including those in our partner networks. Our Benefits team is working on the specifics and timing of our benefit expansion and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.

In a letter to Starbucks partners, Sara Kelly, acting evp, Partner Resources, shares our commitment to ensuring our partners always have access to quality healthcare – regardless of where you live or what you believe.

Letter to Starbucks Partners: Ensuring Access to Healthcare

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A letter to Starbucks partners from Dennis Brockman, chief global inclusion and diversity officer

We are committed to creating a safe, brave place where you are valued. That includes your right to self-identify in your own way and to be addressed by your preferred or chosen name and pronouns.

We unfortunately live in a time where our LGBTQIA2+ community continues to face hate and uncertainty. We know this is hurtful and may be weighing on many of you. I want you to know that we see you, and we stand with you.

In times like these, our responsibility to create welcoming environments feels more important than ever. It’s why we have <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwd9mV?url=https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/">stood up for our LGBTQIA2+ partners for more than 30 years</a> – from inclusive health coverage, to expanding voluntary self-identification for partners, to supporting organizations like Human Rights Campaign and National Center for Transgender Equality. And we continue to <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwdF8X?url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-coalition-for-equality">advocate in support of the Equality Act</a> and <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-statement-on-anti-lgbtq-state-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oppose the discriminatory policies</a> and actions we’ve seen proposed in many states around the country.

I want to also be very honest in saying we haven’t always gotten this right – and we are committed to turning setbacks into opportunities that are meaningful to your partner experience – like launching pronoun pins across U.S. Retail this summer, expanding our self-ID options, and updating internal systems like Partner Central so they reflect partners’ preferred or chosen names and pronouns. And as we continue to make improvements, we will need your partnership and guidance when we fall short.

I invite you to join us. Here are some ways you can help make a difference:

Additionally, as part of our ongoing efforts to create a brave space for partners to have candid discussions we will be bringing together a panel of partners and advocates engaged in the pursuit for social justice. Please join me in April for a Real Talk discussion on how we continue to support our LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities and ways you can get involved.

I know that the ongoing uncertainty can feel deeply personal, and it’s okay to need to talk to someone. All U.S. partners have access to mental health care options at <a href="https://s2.bl-1.com/h/dpVwfvLq?url=https://retailstarbucks1com-my.sharepoint.com/personal/badkins_starbucks_com/Documents/Microsoft%20Teams%20Chat%20Files/lyrahealth.com/starbucks">Lyra</a>. And remember, discrimination and harassment, including intentional misgendering, have no place at Starbucks. If you need support, please call Partner Relations.

Partners, we are in this together and we are committed to doing our part in caring for you and driving real change. Thank you for being part of the journey.

Dennis Brockman (he/him/his) svp, chief global inclusion and diversity officer

That includes your right to self-identify in your own way and to be addressed by your chosen name and pronoun.

Starbucks commitment to LGBTQIA2+: A safe third place where you are seen, heard and valued

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A year ago, I signaled to the Starbucks Board of Directors that as the pandemic neared an end, I would consider retirement. Well, that day has come.&nbsp;

As I make this transition, we are very fortunate to have our founder, Howard Schultz, who is able to step in on an interim basis, giving the Board time to further explore potential candidates and make the right long-term succession decision for the company.&nbsp;

When I say that Starbucks has been a gift in my life, I am really talking about all of you — all Starbucks partners, past and present, around the world.&nbsp;

Today is my 14th Annual Meeting of Shareholders, first as a member of the Board of Directors, then as coo, and the past five years as ceo.&nbsp;

Today’s Annual Meeting will also be my last as a Starbucks partner.&nbsp;

I want to express my gratitude for all that you do and for all that you have taught me about this wonderful company.&nbsp;

You are the heartbeat of Starbucks and together, we are united around a common Mission – a purpose that goes beyond the pursuit of profit – to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup, one neighborhood at a time.&nbsp;

Together, we live a set of values that embody compassion, empathy, and support of each other. As partners we work in service of each other, our customers, and our communities.&nbsp;

And to you, my Starbucks partners, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you.&nbsp;

You welcomed me in your stores around the world. We shared stories together in hundreds of partner roundtables and open forums. You taught me what it means to be a partner. When visiting stores, I often put on the green apron and stepped behind the bar where you would indulge me in a beverage “throw down” challenge. I know you let me win some of those flat white competitions! Please know that I have fond memories of making beverages together, laughing together, and sharing stories with one another. Fond memories of how we overcame challenges and pursued opportunity… together.&nbsp;

You are the heartbeat of Starbucks, Our Starbucks, and it has been an honor working in service of YOU!&nbsp;

As always, I am filled with gratitude and optimism for the future of Starbucks.&nbsp;

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Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson expresses gratitude as he announces retirement after 13 years.

A message of thanks to partners from Kevin: Starbucks has been a gift in my life

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Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson expresses gratitude as he announces his retirement.

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In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

Dear Partners, I was exposed to the realities of Jim Crow at an early age.&nbsp; Segregation, disparities in health, wealth, housing, and employment weren’t an anomaly, they were life. The idea that a young Black boy could dream of one day going to college and aspire to be something great existed in my home with my mother and siblings, in my church, and within my community, but the dream often stopped there.&nbsp; Like many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), we’re encouraged to dream big and then we’re taught to keep those dreams to ourselves out of fear that someone might question our desire for more – our desire for true freedom and autonomy. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement, spearheaded in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Yuri Kochiyama, Marsha P. Johnson, Madonna Thunder Hawk, Judith Ellen "Judy" Heumann, and hundreds of others, that this country began to witness a shift in racial and other discriminatory attitudes. These efforts influenced policies to address school segregation, unfair employment and housing laws, and voter suppression practices, but the movement did not put an end to the narrative of racial and social inequity deeply embedded in this country’s history.

Fast forward several decades, and we’ve welcomed a new era of civil rights activists and community leaders, many of whom are our partners, who face 21st century social justice issues such as the senseless murder of George Floyd, the unexplainable violence against Asian Americans, the disproportionate toll COVID-19 has had on Latinx and Black people, a slew of anti-transgender legislation, and the millions of refugees, undocumented, and displaced people around the world.&nbsp; Sadly, the list can go on and on. While I wish I had the antidote to dismantle systemic discrimination, I do not. But I do believe in the power of civic engagement and role it plays in social change. And I have faith in knowing that more than 50 years ago, a different kind of company was born that put people at the center. And these people, our partners, have been a catalyst for change in the U.S. and around the world.&nbsp; Through their commitment to their communities and one another, partners have demonstrated anything is possible when guided by a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. We haven’t always gotten it right, and we have experienced setbacks, but we’ve taken those setbacks and turned them into opportunities to grow and to be better.&nbsp; You hold us accountable, and I am grateful for that.&nbsp; We will always listen to our partners because your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives matter. That’s why, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-role-and-responsibility-in-advancing-racial-and-social-equity/">last year</a>, Starbucks took a series of actions that would accelerate our journey to advance racial and social equity for our partners and our communities with intentionality, transparency, and accountability.&nbsp; It’s not enough to share these words in one message, our work must be realized through action.&nbsp; Tomorrow we will share some details on our continued commitment to becoming a more inclusive company and instill that within all the communities we serve. These commitments are in addition to the actions we’ve already taken on the realization of our vision to create an inclusive Starbucks. We all have a role to contribute and its with that purpose in mind that we continue to invest in these areas for all partners. Learning comes by doing, and that’s what we are committed to. As a 14-year partner, I’ve prided myself in living Starbucks Mission and Values with a clear approach: real inclusion requires intent. When we do that, we have the power to reframe and normalize diversity.&nbsp; Actions that nurture and embrace our exquisite cultural intricacies provide proof that we are committed to real change, not an award-winning performance.&nbsp; I do not take this work lightly – we’ve made great strides, but we cannot lose momentum and must move faster to accelerate the change necessary and imperative to ensure Starbucks is the brand of choice in being the most diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I began this letter with a little about my personal life and journey because if we do not understand our history, we are undoubtedly destined to repeat it.&nbsp; For fifty years, Starbucks has been led by its Mission and Values.&nbsp; Through intentionality, transparency, and accountability, I believe we will continue to make substantial change on behalf of all our partners. I am proud of how this company has evolved, and I’ve never been prouder to be your partner.

“What we do is more important than what we say, or what we say we believe.” -Gloria Jean Watkins, American author, professor, feminist, and social activist

A More Inclusive Starbucks - Starbucks Stories

In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/a-more-inclusive-starbucks/

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A More Inclusive Starbucks

I recognize that partners have a wide spectrum of views on vaccinations, much like the rest of the country. I also know we all want the best for every Starbucks partner. My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible, wrote Starbucks chief operating officer John Culver.

Since we first began navigating COVID-19, we have been transparent with you about the steps we are taking to care for your health and safety. As we look ahead, you have our commitment that we will continue to make decisions through the lens of our three guiding principles:

As I watch the news of the Omicron variant, which is now dominant in the U.S. and spreading faster than any variant yet, it’s concerning to see this new variant has pushed daily COVID-19 case counts higher than the Delta wave at its peak. Although there are breakthrough cases, public health and medical experts say that people who are vaccinated will likely experience mild symptoms, while those not vaccinated are significantly more likely to become seriously ill, be hospitalized or die. I recognize that partners have a wide spectrum of views on vaccinations, much like the rest of the country. I also know we all want the best for every Starbucks partner. My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible.

The vaccine is the best option we have, by far, when it comes to staying safe and slowing the spread of COVID-19. Last week a federal appeals court ruled the Occupational Safety &amp; Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccination and testing could continue. As a result, OSHA has now set a new compliance date of Feb. 9, 2022 for large employers, including Starbucks, to implement and enforce a policy that requires employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing and wear a facial covering. In continuing our commitment to prioritizing partner care and safety through COVID-19, this means:=

Here is how we will navigate this next phase together in compliance with the ETS:

Our First Step: Disclosure

To help manage this process, all U.S. partners need to disclose their vaccination status by Jan. 10. This is a requirement under the ETS, and disclosing your status is the only way we can know who needs to test or not. There are many options, including if you are unvaccinated for religious, medical or personal reasons. Partners who decline to disclose or choose not to answer will be treated as unvaccinated.

Making the Right Plan, for Right Now

As with every decision throughout this pandemic, we first looked at the facts, science and public health guidance. We also participated in listening sessions with partners, as well as read your comments on Workplace and the Partner Hub on this topic. To better understand the experience for partners, we went as far as to pilot a COVID-19 testing option in a locally mandated market. And in trying to explore all possibilities for partners, it became clear there is no “perfect” option, and every scenario has its own complexities. I believe the plan that we’ve landed on is ultimately the right plan, for right now. This is an important step we can take to help more partners get vaccinated, limit the spread of COVID-19, and create choices that partners can own based on what’s best for them. More information will be available in early January to support you in making the best choice and the best plan for yourself.

As we move forward, I ask that we all listen openly and connect with one another with respect and kindness. If vaccination rates rise and community spread slows, we will adapt accordingly. But if things get worse, we may have to consider additional measures. For now, my hope is that we will all do our part to protect one another. That means getting vaccinated if you can, reinforcing our safety protocols, and as always, being flexible with operations, where needed. In the coming weeks, we will host partner forums to share additional information with you, as well as provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to working together to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that Starbucks continues to be a safe place for all of us and the communities we serve.

My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible.

Letter to Starbucks partners: Vaccines, testing and supporting you in next phase of COVID-19

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/letter-to-starbucks-partners-vaccines-testing-and-supporting-you-in-next-phase-of-covid-19/

My responsibility, and that of every leader, is to do whatever we can to help keep you safe and to create the safest work environment possible, wrote Starbucks chief operating officer John Culver.

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Every day, across the globe, our partners support the communities in our stores and the neighborhoods we are a part of. From open mic nights to service projects to spreading messages of hope, we are making our communities stronger.

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We are rooted in our mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. We are committed to creating environments where everyone is welcome and belongs. Updated July 2024

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We believe in creating meaningful opportunities for our partners—investing in their health, well-being and success. Putting them first and creating a culture where everyone is welcome.

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The Starbucks Foundation’s mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster.

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