by Erica Michelle

Created on: November 09, 2009

Who is the Starbucks woman? She is in fact, a mermaid, a siren of the sea; a two tailed mistress of the ocean. Her image has changed over time, as has Starbucks itself. The company, named after the first mate of Captain Ahab from the famous novel, Moby Dick, has evolved its presence in communities worldwide. Among many of its motions to become more socially responsible, Starbucks offers strong initiatives for volunteer projects in its communities, practices fair-trade policies with coffee providers, and has competitive benefits for its employees, whether they are hired full or part time. Another interesting initiative: the company gives space for people to voice their opinions, with its "The Way I See It" column which runs on the backs of its coffee cups.

The Starbucks Volunteer Initiative

A catchy commercial bobs across the driftline of the Internet shores, singing about a Starbucks grassroots initiative. Pledge your commitment to volunteering 5 hours in your community, and be rewarded with a free, tall coffee, not to mention the feelings of fulfillment from helping others in need. Starbucks strives for greatness in the realm of community service, with a current mission to accumulate 15 million hours of global community service from volunteers by the year 2015. It also awards grants to exceptional young people or organization who use the funds to create positive changes in their communities and the greater world.

Fair Trade

Though the subject of a lot of controversy in the scrutinizing public eye, Starbucks proclaims that it practices fair trade agreements with all of its coffee suppliers. This means that farmers are paid a fair price for their goods, and that the business transactions are conducted in line with international fair trade standards. As of late 2009, the company boasts 100% of its coffee distributed in Europe is Fair Trade Certified.

Employee Benefits

Whether you work for Starbucks part-time or full-time, you are guaranteed job perks, which include paid vacation and sick leave, subsidized health benefits, and stock options. Not many companies offer these benefits to their part-time employees. It also offers 401(k) plans, not to mention... free coffee.

The Way I See It #31

""Risk-taking, trust, and serendipity are key ingredients of joy. Without risk, nothing new ever happens. Without trust, fear creeps in. Without serendipity, there are no surprises." Rita Golden Gelmen, nomad since 1986

Though Starbucks may have had to mask the image of its lovely siren, who once seduced coffee goers with her bare-breasted, full bodied, two-tailed self, it has given the space for expression in other ways. With "The Way I See It", authors, famous individuals, or anybody with something to say can contribute by filling the inviting space on the back of a cup with their opinion. With the evolution of the company going strong, particularly in the arena of social responsibility, one might wonder what the Siren herself would say.

"Life is a mysterious ocean. I have learned that though they may be hidden from view, everybody has two tales. A tale of light, and a tale of dark. Which tale will one choose to navigate life's magical, mysterious waters? I prefer both." The Starbucks Siren

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