Over the perfect cup of coffee or tea, the global dialogue surrounding diversity, conflict and change grows daily. Today, Starbucks debuted “Upstanders,” its first original content series for multi-platform distribution, including the Starbucks Mobile App, Starbucks online, and the in-store digital network.
“Upstanders” features 10 stories–each told in written, video and podcast form–about ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change in their communities.
Each of the featured individuals and organizations are doing amazing work–demonstrating the transformative power of change achievable when communities weave together their passion and resources. Topics include race, religion, community policing, re-entry into society after imprisonment, environmental justice and more.
“We’ve asked ourselves what is the role and responsibility of a public company and, as citizens, how we can catalyze hope in a time when we need more optimism, empathy, compassion and leadership,” said Schultz. “The upstanders featured in this series are inspiring individuals whose actions are emblematic of the American spirit and what is missing from so much of today’s national dialogue. We have always been storytellers at heart and more of these stories need to be heard. We are using our scale to share them as broadly as possible.”
The series is written and produced by Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz, Starbucks Executive Producer Rajiv Chandrasekaran and a former senior editor of The Washington Post.
Town Hall events featuring participating Upstanders and community and civic organizations will be held in Memphis, TN; Dallas, TX; Deerfield, FL and Washington D.C.
To learn more about featured Upstanders and to nominate one, visit Starbucks.com/Upstanders.
