The Third Place: Our Commitment, Renewed
A conversation and learning session on race, bias, and creating an environment that is welcoming to all.
On May 29, we closed 8,000 Starbucks stores in the United States for four hours — so 175,000 Starbucks partners could come together for a conversation and learning session on racial bias.
This was a foundational step in renewing Starbucks as a place where ALL people feel welcome. Starbucks partners shared life experiences, heard from others, listened to experts on bias and racial anxiety, reflecting on the realities of bias in our society and talking about how all of us can work together to create public spaces where everyone feels like they belong.
The Team Guidebook
The guidebook was designed for groups of three to five Starbucks partners to work through the learning session at their own pace — self-directed versus heavily moderated. Each module in the guidebook follows the same pattern — some form of inspiration (a film, a look into mind science, a leader sharing a story) followed by self- or group reflection and a chance to practice.
The Personal Notebook
A personal and private tool for partners to self-reflect on behavior and the realities of bias in our society.
The Videos
Films and documentaries to stimulate both a new understanding and a will to act.
Video 1:
Starbucks evp Rossann Williams on showing your respect today
Video 2:
Starbucks president and ceo Kevin Johnson on why we are here today
Video 3:
Common — Making Others Feel Welcome
Video 4:
Howard Schultz — Who We Are, Who We Aspire to Be
Video 5:
Common — What it Feels Like to Belong
Video 6:
Mellody, Alexis, Rachel & Fred — Understanding Bias
Video 7:
Common — Seeing Your Own Bias
Video 8:
Filmmaker Stanley Nelson’s documentary on the story of access to public spaces in America
This independently created film by Stanley Nelson was underwritten by Starbucks with the intent of educating our partners about the history of access to public spaces for African-Americans. The film explores the impact of bias within public accommodations as well as the possibilities for a better future. The film is integrated into the curriculum and discussion materials that are shared with Starbucks partners (employees).
Download the documentary.
Video 9:
Kevin, Roz, Vivian & Rossann — Systemic Bias
Video 10:
Rossann & Partners — Wearing the Green Apron
Video 11:
Audio — Woman in Dirty Sweatpants Lingering Near Retail Cups
Video 12:
Audio — Scruffy Man Approaches Woman in the Line
Video 13:
Audio — Woman with Dirty Cup Asks for Refill
Video 14:
Audio — Worrying About the Tip Jar
Video 15:
Audio — Confusion About a Customer's Gender
Video 16:
Audio — Large Group of Students Come in at Once
Video 17:
Audio — Customer with a Thick Accent
Video 18:
Audio — Customer Tries to Return Something Without a Receipt
Video 19:
Roz — What to Expect Tomorrow
Video 20:
Fred — What Each Store Can Do
Video 21:
Kevin — Sticking With It
