“You In?" Turn Your Pledges Into Action

Hello, my name is Anna Cunningham and I work on the Community Investments team at Starbucks.

This past January, Starbucks and the HandsOn Network invited people to pledge five hours of their time to serve their local communities.  The response was tremendous! Together, we pledged more than 1.25 million hours of community service!

Now I want to invite you to join the Summer Volunteer Initiative which is all about turning those pledged hours into action!  If you need ideas about how to fulfill your pledge, please visit the HandsOn Network’s website or the V2V Network to find out how you can serve your local community.

For those of you who have already fulfilled your pledge – thank you! Your commitment to positively impacting your community doesn’t have to end there – please consider participating in another volunteer project and invite others to join you.

Please share your stories with us and thanks again for making a difference, one hour at a time.

Anna
 
This blog was inspired by an idea: Let folks who pledged volunteer time know about opportunities

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harrisfr
6/24/2009 10:05 AM

Where I go, I pick up paper and put it in the trash. I have identified all the trash cans in my area, and I pick up paper and make things neat as I go along. I also pick up all the paper and waste in any Starbucks restrooms. Then I wash my hands. Then I order my coffee with soy milk. Sometimes I enjoy a yogurt too. It makes me feel good to know that I've done something to make things better.

magicmarker44
6/24/2009 10:12 AM

I've put in 25 hours volunteering with TreePeople in Los Angeles, CA, planting and caring for hundreds of trees all over the city, in schools, neighborhood streets, parks and mountains. Very satisfying work, getting my hands dirty with other eco-conscious people to help green our city and heal our planet. :-)

kg4giy
6/24/2009 10:21 AM

Shortly after getting my Amateur Radio license, I "put up my hand" and was appointed Emergency Coordinator for Prince William County, Virginia, a position I have held now since April, 2001.  In that position, I am responsible for coordinating the activities of all the Amateur Radio operators in Prince William and acting as liaison with the County Office of Emergency Management.  This includes attending meetings, doing educational presentations to the paid, volunteer and political staffs, helping with equipment procurement and installation.  I am also involved in spreading the word of Amateur Radio and its position in preparations for disasters as well as teaching fellow operators how to support their communities. It continues to be a very rewarding mission and completely voluntary.  Something everyone could do almost every day of the year.

dawnieg
6/24/2009 10:22 AM

For the last several months, I have been volunteering for the American Cancer Sociey's Relay for Life in my hometown of Oxford, PA.

twocuphabit
6/24/2009 10:26 AM

I have joined a Community Emergency Response Team. We meet for 3 hours for 10 weeks, learning disaster response. We will then be on call for local emergency management and law enforcement agencies. We are all volunteers, from all walks of life. It is extremely rewarding, even in training, to know that we can support our community in the event of a major disaster or emergency.

lepley
6/24/2009 10:41 AM

I volunteer as a board member of a local pastoral care center.   I also   volunteer at our local YMCA.  Right now I am teaching a water exercise class for people with arthritis.  

vedelstein
6/24/2009 10:43 AM

I volunteer in a few different ways - most notably I was recently named chair of the board of my local Habitat for Humanity. I also fundraise for a program that creates programming for elementary school kids when school is out of session to keep them off the streets. I love the idea posted above of just cleaning up the streets in a less formalized way to give back to community - I think that's incredibly important, too!

ms_h71
6/24/2009 10:45 AM

I volunteer with a number of non-profits.  The majority of my hours go to Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa.  Keeping reproductive health options for men and women viable and affordable is a major priority for me.  I take every opportunity to educate people wherever I go about what PPGI really does.  Thus far this year I have helped at fundraisers, manned booths, done phone banks and more.

Everyone time someone says, "I didn't know that", I feel the power of education and am proud.

gardenmom
6/24/2009 10:49 AM

Two things  - I participated in the March of Dimes Walk America walk in Louisville, Ky. this year and served on one of the committees also.  I also got a committee I am involved in with a local organization to do a landscape project, working with the owner.  Most of the plantings have come out of my own garden and am getting lots of comments how much nicer it looks.  I am doing all of the volunteer weeding, watering, etc.  I also find myself cleaning up any trash around the area.  I wish more groups or people would just take a little area and beautify it.

JB_Ypsilanti
6/24/2009 10:49 AM

I assistant coach or coach (as time permits) for Girls on the Run in my local community.  I love the program and so do the girls.  Sometimes I even get MY workout in.  My other volunteering is usually in support of  running events.

GerryB
6/24/2009 10:51 AM

I volunteer at our church with budget counseling throughout the year.  I help people create a workable financial budget and meet with them periodically to help them make adjustments as necessary.  This summer I have volunteered to go to the Summer Youth Camps in St Petersburg Russia to be with 600 Russian children.  We take arts and crafts, sports equipment, and offer English lessons and small bible study groups .  We have a two groups of  high school and college students and older adults going in July.

Ardoth
6/24/2009 11:10 AM

I like to sew. I've been learning to machine quilt while making a quilt that will be donated to the "Quilts of Valor" project. It is red, white and blue and will eventually be donated to a soldier recuperating at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.

Terrykae
6/24/2009 11:24 AM

I have been volunteering at our local Humane Society for the last 3 years.  I volunteer 5 to 6 hours a week. I take photographs of all the new dogs and cats to post on our website and on petfinder.com. I also wash dishes, litter pans and do laundry.  I take as many dogs as I can for a good half hour walk. I also bake snickerpoodle dog cookies for all the dogs every week.  It is very rewarding, I just love helping all the homeless animals.

pamrubitsky
6/24/2009 11:24 AM

I started volunteering at the Sacramento SPCA Thrift Store in March of 2007. I was going to be a dog walker at the shelter but my daughter who works there in Adoptions really didn't want her mom at work with her.

I jult love working at the Thrift Store! It's right on my way home from work so no extra driving! I sit in the back and put tags on the clothes that are going to be sold. It's a lot of fun and nice to see all the wonderful donations the organization receives because all the money goes to the animals. There is very little overhead as most people there are volunteers or paid by AARP. AARP is helping out the senior citizens earn extra income at no cost to the SPCA. A total win-win situation!

mamasherry
6/24/2009 11:28 AM

I volunteer every Friday in a second grade class for a young girl who doesn't have a Mom role model.  I also am the cafe baker for our church on Sunday mornings.  My husband and I also open our home to people who need a place to stay for short times.  I also knit caps for chemo patients, scarves for the Christmas at Sea program and baby items for hospitals as needed.  I love volunteering, it makes my heart feel so good to know that I have helped someone smile.

sandya
6/24/2009 11:43 AM

I volunteer at a community non-profit nursery school for three hours every week. I help in the 2 year old room and find it to be a lovely, simple time in my week.   Plus I have done "projects' for the school as well, from home mostly.  This is something I do in addition to volunteering at my son's high school as part of the band parents association.  It's volunteering, technically, but I do it because I'm a parent and I can. Plus I enjoy being a part of his school experience.

mered30
6/24/2009 11:57 AM

Where volunteer is at an animal shelter helping animals. I motly clean cages. I also volunteer at a theraputic horsebackriding  program. That's great because you get to see people that wouldn't normally smile or walk.

papoosh
6/24/2009 12:02 PM

I have been volunteering for about the last six years with two organizations, The Glendale Police Department in Glendale, AZ , (VIPS) Volunteers in Police Service.  We are trained in Emergency  Response, Parking Control, special events and a variety of other areas too numerous to mention.  I also volunteer for the American Red Cross at Luke AFB, AZ.  I work at the base hospital in the Optometry Clinic.  I do visual field tests, receive, log in and distribute glasses.  Also, I make minor repair and adjustments to glasses, work the front desk as needed etc.  This has and still is very rewarding.

analimarie
6/24/2009 12:06 PM

These stories are so fun to read through - thank you for sharing :)   The I'm in! campaign inspired me to get more involved in Seattle and after a bit of digging around, I landed on the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  I've been a "BIG" now for about 6 months and I absolutely love it!  

Aine9971
6/24/2009 12:12 PM

I live a beautiful area: great weather, wonderful beaches, "my" Starbucks right on my morning walk.  Unfortunately we also have a lot of homeless people, some by choice & some not.  Earlier this year I volunteered for the Homeless County.  We took coffee & ditty bags into areas where people sleep.  Soliciting their help, we tried to document especially families that are on the streets.  Part of this is to plan for services that individuals & families need and to let them know of existing help in the community.

darlene1
6/24/2009 12:48 PM

I  volunteered eight month, 4 times a week, to a homeschool group. I am  the principal and I also help out with the office work along with adv. English classes. Whenever the school needed supplies I would go out and buy them and then donate them to the school. I also sign up to volunteer to work the food tent for Light the Night, I do this every year in memory of my husband.

iluvhatz
6/24/2009 12:50 PM

I am active in my community by voulnteering for 2 community non-profit organizations. 1st being on the Child Abuse Prevention Council and finishing my internship with them and 2nd being a CASA, or a Court Appointed Special Advocate for kids in the foster care system. Kids need a voice in the local court system reaching the judges ears to make sure that their requests are heard. Both organizations are reaching  abuse and neglected kids in the community. It has been a great eye opener for me.

henryh
6/24/2009 12:57 PM

My ongoing volunteer action is with the Red Cross. Here in Stamford, CT, I am on the Disaster Action Team. As recently as last Thursday, we deployed to assist an elderly couple without lodging after they had an electrical house fire. I am also on the National Red Cross disaster team, having deployed to Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav in 2008. When it comes to really helping people who are in immediate, frequently desperate need, the Red Cross is an excellent place to do it, and I heartily recommend it. You do not need prior experience. Just get in contact with your local chapter and they will tell you what volunteer opportunities they have. It does not have to be disaster relief. It could be  helping with blood drives, or learning to teach CPR, or helping to keep military families in touch with their loved ones overseas in emergencies. There are technical opportunities as well, in communications or logistics. So, think about it. If you have a few hours a week, and you want to be on the front lines of helping people who really are in need, try the Red Cross.

vannysplace
6/24/2009 1:11 PM

I helped start a no-kill, cageless cat shelter and adoption center in Boise, Idaho named Simply Cats. We have over 100 cats and kittens at all times. Most are homeless, some are hurt and most sick. We get them healthy, spay & neuter them and ready for adoption. I volunteered for years with organizations to help humans. So now it is cats who get all my time.

PinkPanda
6/24/2009 1:19 PM

I have been teaching ESL to Burundian refugee women. They were unable to get out to go to the free ESL classes in community centers because they have infants and toddlers and also work a night shift. I took the ESL classes to their apartment complex.  I and other members of our Quaker Meeting have been helping them with other resettlement needs as well including finding better schools and job training for the teenagers.  It is a wonderful opportunity to put faith into action and to share the blessings of America with people who profoundly appreciate what we have here!  Everybody could benefit from working with refugees and/or spending a year or two in a developing country. You will be given at least as much as you give!

ThosRM
6/24/2009 2:07 PM

I am a retired aerospace engineer with considerable computer experience. I volunteer as the IT Manager and programmer for Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, Texas, which is a not-for-profit organization.  I became affiliated with this organization because I was widowed in 2001. My goal is too help those who have lost a spouse, most of whom are seniors and have little familiarity with the computer.

mendib
6/24/2009 2:11 PM

Recently, I was able to cater a fund-raising event at our local senior center (my mom, age 88, attends regularly).  Because my mom now lives with me, I am not able to volunteer as much as in the past (hundreds of hours annually), so I jump at the opportunity to work at smaller events.  

DanBH
6/24/2009 2:30 PM

I take care of friend's gardens when they are on vacation. I pick flowers and deliver them to shut-ins and people in nursing homes. I put the flowers in recycled vases. The care facilities give me empty vases when

I promise to bring them back with flowers.

It gives me great joy to bring something to brighten people up.

tkrbl
6/24/2009 3:17 PM

I volunteer with the Oregon Zoo.  It is a great group of adult and teen volunteers.  We have many programs that involve educating the public, working on projects and staffing events.   I've volunteered there for nearly 5 years with my family, it is a great way to give back to our community.  

swiatek2
6/24/2009 3:20 PM

An informatics club and I share our knowledge of computers, the Internet, e-mail, etc. with residents at a local retirement village in Urbana, IL. We really enjoy working with our seniors. Every week, they are so appreciative that we help with their tech questions and issues. It really makes my group and myself feel good to teach seniors about the world's new technologies.

Dragonfly3112
6/24/2009 6:33 PM

I volunteered at my childs school at the bookfair and other school events.  I volunteered at my church clothing giveaway and I volunteered at my library booksale.  I try to volunteer everywhere I love to go.  Volunteers are the people who truly make a difference because they WANT to be there and it shows! My daughter and I love to volunteer and love working with other volunteers to make a difference!

cajunbiker
6/24/2009 8:04 PM

I volunteer with the local animal shelter, playing with dogs and cats, and helping train new volunteers.  I also volunteer with various other rescues and shelters, helping transport aniamls to their new adopters.  And I volunteer with Best Friends Animal Society, the best national animal welfare group in the world, doing some internet work for them and helping spread the word.

MYMIKE
6/24/2009 9:29 PM

My wife and I volunteer for the So. AZ Chapter of the American Red Cross.  She is on the Board of Directors and I am involved with Disaster Services.  We are both involved in fundraising for the Chapter and have helped raise money for the last 2 years.  

Sister Robin
6/24/2009 10:52 PM

I have been a volunteer at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School In Hawthorne ,Ca  for three years. I help out in Kindergarten, First , Second Grades.

I give about 12 hours a week and it has been the best experience. The teachers need and appreciate help.  To the kids I am a rock star. I am retired and am blessed to be able to do this . I really feel that this kind of service can counteract the effect of budget cuts. The kinder class size will DOUBLE in September, so they need even more help!

Anonymous
6/24/2009 11:34 PM

My family and I, along with approximately 40 more people that are in the same Mother's Organization, volunteered 2 Saturday's and participated in a clean-up (Phase 1) and beautification (Phase 2) project at our local Boys & Girls Club.  It was hard work and we got really dirty, but the children there are now able to play in the yard area safely and are also planning to continue with a project of their own and plant food.  Secondly, I volunteer weekly at our son's Elementary School as a VIP Volunteer in the schools Copy Room.  This helps all the teachers spend more time in the classroom with our children and not be taken away and/or consumed with photocopying all the materials needed.  We are very fortunate to live in a community where many of the parents volunteer with both time and money.... With all the budget cuts to the Public Schools System, we should ALL consider helping at school.  Besides, our kids love it when they see us helping out at their schools - they are proud to know that Mommy and Daddy are helping  :)

DekDog
6/25/2009 1:41 AM

I have been a volunteer for a long time.  I'm on the Sheriff Departments Medical Reserve Corp. logistics team. (I have some limited medical training.) We work under homeland security in preparing for emergency situations, disasters, pandemics, etc. and provide medical care/first aid stations at public events like airshows, parades, etc. along with drills and training to sharpen our skills.  I'm also on our local C.E.R.T. team.  Someone else mentioned this.  This is through the local fire department.  Anyone (and everyone) can participate in this training. You can also go a step further and get advanced training.  The Red Cross has trained us in setting up emergency shelters (basic, we can help) and some other skills, directing traffic, helping with search and rescue teams...... We do other community service too, last weekend I participated in a local dog park dedication, again providing a basic first aid station. Lots of fun!  I also volunteer at the local animal shelter. I do church work.... LOVE IT ALL!  Yes, I'm retired (young) and busier than ever. This is the life! oh, I guess I actually DO work a little on the side, to finance my volunteer work.

maleficent1964
6/25/2009 4:10 AM

I am always volunteering to do something... it's important for me... My current projects are dog walking at an animal shelter.  2-3 hours a week I go to one of my local animal shelters and play with the puppies --  I take them for walks, and help to socialize them so they can be adopted and get a forever home...

notan_jk
6/25/2009 5:20 AM

Starting last fall and through this spring I volunteered to work with a Somali refugee family through my church. I helped tutor them in English and helped the kids with their homework. It was a very rewarding experience. My wife & kids were also able to work with and get to know the family. It was really outside my comfort zone but I'm glad I did it and would certainly consider doing it again!

notan_jk
6/25/2009 5:22 AM

Also, for the last school year I volunteered as a mentor for a 4th grader at the elementary school near my office. It is a low-performing school and many of the kids do not have stable home lives; for example, the boy I mentored did not have a two-parent home and his father had spent some time in prison. I would go to the school once a week and have lunch with him, sometimes play sports with him and his friends and just be there to talk to. I'm hoping that, when the next school year starts, he'll want me back for 5th grade!

jmy970506
6/25/2009 5:23 AM

I volunteer once a week with an elderly lady who is blind. I read her mail to her, and help her with various errands.

Charee
6/25/2009 6:48 AM

Since January I have volunteered over 600 hours helping to plan and execute our local American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Our event took place on June 13 and 14 and we raised over $200,000.  Starbucks is a National Corporate Sponsor for Relay For Life and all our local stores were really involved in fundraising and promoting the event.  

lauramp
6/25/2009 7:16 AM

Hi! My name is Laura and I am the organizer of the New York City Volunteering Meetup Group.  My boyfriend Rob and I run this meetup group together to help non-profits, the parks department, city and state agencies, and other volunteering organization get young professionals to help out with their projects or help raise money for them.  Our upcoming Happy Hour Fundraiser event is on July 10th to help raise money for New York Cares.  For more information about this event and other events we are doing this summer please visit our website at volunteerism.meetup.com/181

rictberg
6/25/2009 12:52 PM

As a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley Restore here in Colorado I give 21 hours weekly and enjoy assisting customers and seeing that the many household items sold to them find new homes and do not go into the land fill.  I also put time into the construction locally 0f new homes that Habitat builds worldwide with the aid of all other HFH volunteers and the many suppliers of materials and labor.  Awww ha my work has earned me the title of Volunteer of the Year 2008 in this area, yet knowing that assisting in the many projects which HFH does provides me with a sense of giving.  My thanks and kudos to all others who volunteer.  Together we get it done. ;-))

Bless Backpack
6/25/2009 3:20 PM

I started volunteering about a year ago.  I am involved in the Blessings in a Backpack for the intercity school children in Kansas City, Missouri.  During the school year this year starting in August we will be filling about 1000 back pack for the children who don't have food over the weekend.  We fill every Thursday and delivery the backpacks on Friday and then pickup in Tuesday of each week.  I got involved since I just retired and this touch my heart so much.  I want to thank all of our volunteers that come every week and those who just come once a month, we couldn't do it without  you.

kallison
6/25/2009 7:31 PM

I'm an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer- so my whole life is volunteering! Currently working on Project Homeless Connect- a one stop event for the homeless in Anchorage to access services that are normally all around town (medical, mental health, public assistance, etc). A truly humbling experience. You NEVER realize how much you have until you see people cry when they actually have someone wait on them to get lunch- something very few have ever had the luxury of.

<p>But stepping it up over the summer and helping out at a local soup kitchen a few nights a week.

LibrarySteff
6/26/2009 5:44 AM

I began volunteering at The Cat House in Lincoln, NE in January. I work 2-3 hours per week cleaning the shelter and feeding the cats. It is very rewarding.  I wouldn't have started if it wasn't for the Starbucks "I'm In" campaign.

kacy6595
6/26/2009 6:54 AM

Keep in mind that MANY agencies, organizations, and non-for-profit corporations continue to go through major staffing cut-backs.  It's so important to offer your services to such groups as a volunteer, NOW more than ever.  I volunteer as a worker in the botanical gardens of a local museum, and as a environmental education instructor for another local university.  It's SO much fun, plus both opportunities offer such incredible "ecotherapy" that I had not anticipated.  Both volunteer experiences help me deal more positively with the negative consequences of my real full-time job, too.

lovinglifeinoc
6/26/2009 11:32 AM

I have voluntered since 1991 at the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, and currently serve in the OCRMH family room in the ICU ward at Choc (Children's Hospital).  I have worked so many charity events through the years, and worked in the House doing anything needed to keep the House comfortable for our families.  I also volunteer at my church, and rode my bike to Florida in 1971 from California for Cystic Fibrosis.  Makes my heart full helping others.  I'm in!!!!!!    

Makeitmocha
6/26/2009 1:56 PM

I pass out food at my local food pantry for the poor on Wednesdays. I also sing in a group with other seniors at assisted living facilities. The patients even sing along and have a good time with us.

interocitor
6/26/2009 2:21 PM

Volunteering, even in small ways makes such a difference. Being IN matters. I volunteer for several non-profits: Cancer Research Foundation, PTA at the unit and council levels, Education Foundation, Women's Club GFWC, Friends of the Library, starting up a GoGreen club. It is very rewarding to see what a BIG difference we can make in our community and all of the diverse, talented and energetic I get to work with!

KLG
6/26/2009 2:59 PM

I help run a Second Harvest Food Bank satellite at our church.  We have exhausted our resourses to provide volunteers from our church.  We have had volunteers from out  of our church and we have had to increase the number of volunteers due to the increased demand.  I have 7 open slots for July!

If you are lonely, new to an area or have 2-3 extra hours please volunteer at your local food pantry.  Many people need your help right in your community.  We need your help.  Please.

celestialdrmz
6/26/2009 6:06 PM

Volunteering isn't actually 'new' to me.  I've been doing it w/the SF AIDS Foundation for about 5+ years now.  I go into their office every week (995 Market St., 2nd Floor) & help out Finance w/filing & volunteer services w/updating their volunteer DB. I also do outreach through various events in SF.  The next BIG event I'll be volunteering@is the SF AIDS Walk.  I wish more people would volunteer their time to worthy causes like AIDS,  Lymphoma & Leukemia and homelessness!

So, register for the SF AIDS Walk on 7/19 in Golden Gate Park!!!  A beautiful place to that will be filled w/beautiful people!

StefS
6/27/2009 6:17 AM

Every week I volunteer at a local museum where I spend time educating people about wildlife and conservation.  I get to lead school groups on tours and have fun helping guests learn about the exhibits.

1yogabucks
6/27/2009 6:40 PM

I helped raise money for the YMCA annual campaign.

I also helped raise money for The Youth Science Institute for their first ever camapign to help keep them open and operating.

ssweetred
6/28/2009 7:53 AM

I am happy to donate a unit of blood every 8 weeks, but what gives me the most satisfaction is the time I volunteer at HANDS OF HOPE.  This is a place where the homeless families in our area can go to wash clothes, shower and feel relaxed and safe.  Children of school age have tutors to help with their studies and encouraged to appreciate a proper education.   My involvement will be to donate my time cutting and styling hair and making the clients look and feel good about themselves.  We all know how important this can be when attending school or seeking employment.  HANDS OF HOPE is not a typical rescue facility, in the sense that clients live there.  It is a refuge in which free services and counseling are available for many people that are having a tough time right now.   President Obama has given people HOPE, and it is up to each and everyone of us to HELP whenever we can.  

jojomabi
6/29/2009 6:51 AM

What I do is quilt.  I make charity quilts for women's shelters,  for families at risk and for organizations who request them.  I love to quilt and really, how many quilts can you have at one house?  My whole community (and now across the world) is involved with ConKerr Cancer pillowcase project.  We make bright and cheery pillowcases for children and youth in the hospital.  It brings them a happy time in their stay.  Quilting really is about stitching in love and caring.

mcarriker
6/29/2009 7:13 AM

The members of the Winston-Salem Junior Woman's Club of Winston-Salem, NC, each pledged 5 hours a piece at the local Ronald McDonald House. At the end of March, we gathered at a club member's house and baked cookies and sweets for the families being served by the RMH. The goodies were delivered to the RMH, still warm and right out of the oven. It was a great way to help those in our communities, and spend time together.

elisaLC
6/29/2009 9:59 AM

I have been volunteering at a mobile homeless shelter in Suburban Dupage county, Illinois. I work the 11pm-3am shift. We wash clothing and make sack lunches for the guests in addition to whatever is asked of us while we're there.

I was heartened to learn that this same shelter is occasionally a recipient of donated Starbucks pastries. The guests really appreciate the goodies. Thanks Starbucks!

marbella
6/29/2009 10:06 AM

April 2009, 300 church community members pledged to spend the day volunteering with organizations across Chicago. We divided into teams and were sent out to schools, senior residences, child care centers, facility for developmentally disabled adults, public parks.  We cleaned, painted, planted, organized, and worked directly with the people we were serving. At the end of  the day of hard work, we gathered back and told stories of who we met and the difference we made at each work site and in the lives of the people we served.

guinness1227
7/1/2009 8:39 PM

This past March I decided to leave my unsatisfying, miserable job for Africa for 6 weeks to volunteer. I stayed in Tanzania and taught English & Math to 5 & 6 year olds. It was quite a challenge and I was totally out of my element. But it was the most wonderful and fulfilling experience of my life. The people were so welcoming and friendly. They were willing to share what little they had with anyone-family, neighbors, even strangers. They have such a sense of community and make any foreigner feel like a local. I returned with those values & outlook and really learned to put things in perspective.

Keeplaffin
7/2/2009 11:29 AM

I've agreed to be the Speaking Engagement Coordinator for Western Farm Workers Association. The ogranization is 100% volunteer run and depends on donations to address critical issues facing farm workers in the Central Valley agricultural area. Through contact with local community organizations, we acquire medical, legal and family care assistance for our members. Recently, we successfully advocated for the continuance of a county-managed health care clinic for low-income workers.

LeeAnnJackson
7/16/2009 10:58 AM

Kids and volunteering just go together   . . .  don't believe me, just kneel down to a child's level, look them in the eyes and listen intently to the wonderful stories they have to tell!   Children take particular delight in someone else's mommy (or daddy!) taking an interest in them--in who they are.  By simply donating 2 hours of my time weekly at my local church volunteering with 5 and 6 year-olds in the AWANA program, I'm humbled to discover what a difference I can make in a little child's life--in their self-esteem and consequently, in mine . . . and isn't making a difference what it's all about?  =)  

Anonymous
7/20/2009 8:19 PM

I run a licenced store and my barista and I feel like we are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to community involvement.  We do alot of things for our environment, we volunteer at different places, we take donations for different charity events from our friends and family but starbucks does not consider us "one of them."  Why if we work at Starbucks, we are just as pasonate with our customer service, we serve all of the same fantastic drinks, and are just as passionate with training, why does my baristas not get the same perks from starbucks as the baristas a few towns down.  Really the only difference is we pay royalties to starbucks, as opposed to being owned by starbucks,  but our sales are much higher than any of the stores (most probably) in the whole state.  I do belive that makes us just the same "Starbucks Barista".  

ladybugteacher
7/24/2009 10:01 PM

I live in a town that has live horse racing from Presidents' Day through Easter.  The racing season brings many people who travel throughout the year following the racing circuit.  Many of them do not speak English.  Each Thursday night, during racing season, I volunteered my time, alongside friends of mine from church, to teach English to the men and women who work as stall cleaners, groomers, and hotwalkers.  This was a very rewarding experience.  Thanks to Starbucks for giving everyone a chance to read about the good that other Starbucks fans are contributing to our world!

dancingtrees
8/19/2009 2:28 PM

I was so sickened when I read this article. I did some digging and got a copy of the court documents. This is true.  How can Starbucks even consider backing a convicted sex offender, verses a minor child?

Starbucks Paying for Legal Defense of Former Barista, Admitted Statutory Rapist

blogs.ocweekly.com/.../starbucks-paying-for-defense-o

By Gustavo Arellano

Wednesday, Aug. 19 2009 @ 6:34AM

​Better stop buying your Frappuccinos and whatever other drinks Starbucks brews--your hard-earned cash just might be going to the legal defense of a former barista criminally convicted of statutory rape.

In a case currently winding through U.S. federal court in SanTana, a former Starbucks worker is suing the company and one Timothy Horton for civil damages regarding Horton's admitted statutory raping of the victim when she was 16 and working at an Irvine Starbucks (guess which one!) and he was 27 and her supervisor. Horton already served time for the crime, having pled guilty earlier this year in Orange County Superior Court  for unlawful sex with a minor. Police reports and depositions have already established Horton's superiors suspected his perversion, going so far as to transfer the victim to another Starbucks after the victim's mother complained about Horton yet never bothered to report him to law enforcement.

Nevertheless, Starbucks is standing by a man they fired. In an August 16 sworn declaration filed in court by plaintiff lawyer Vince Finaldi (part of Manly & Stewart, the law firm best known for showing again and again how the Catholic Diocese of Orange protected pedo-priests) stated that Horton's lawyer, Eric Yuhl, admitted during a conference between the two sides that Starbucks hired him to defend Horton and is paying all legal fees. And Horton admitted to as much in a June 30 deposition; when Finaldi asked how he found Yuhl, Horton replied, "Eric was given to me by--referred" by Starbucks. "What you're going to have to do since there's--for lack of a better legal word, goofy stuff, give me the chance to object," Yuhl instructed his client.

Wow. Since when did Orange Bishop Tod D. Brown start whipping up lattes? Much more on this case in the coming days...  


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