"We call our employees partners because we are all partners in shared success.." -Starbucks Newsroom, 9/20/2013 Starbucks has built its brand around being the customer's "third place." First is home, second is work, and, ideally, the third is Starbucks. Every morning Partners around the globe don the green apron and turn raw beans into life sustaining fuel for every kind of person there is. We pour drip coffee for laborers rubbing their sleepy eyes before heading to their long shifts. Baristas make quad lattes for surgeons on their way to save lives. Giggling squads of teen study groups order infamous Frappucinos by the dozen, their faces lighting up in pure joy when we call out their special combination of sugar and love. Through these small interactions we become familiar with our customers. They tell us about their lives, their loves, and bits of who they are, integrating us into their extended circle of family. It's second nature to most Partners. We easily remember names and drinks of our regulars and put forth every effort to be part of our local community. Starbucks in and of itself is a role model to other businesses big or small. This company works fervently to set an example and an exceptional standard. It is because of this that we are petitioning for our beloved employer to rise and set a new, greater movement and better the lives of its Partners and the neighborhoods that we are all intricately weaved into. We are petitioning to Starbucks and our CEO, Howard Schultz, a raise in the minimum wage for these crucial Partners across the board. Without question, we are part of an elite population capable of creating magic in the eyes of those around us. We work long, chaotic hours. We memorize hundreds of recipes, strive to constantly improve our coffee and product knowledge, breed new and incredible Baristas, and most importantly be the change and positivity we need in our towns and our world. We believe that creating a sustainable environment for our Partners would make Starbucks better and brighter. Far too many stores have a high Partner turnover causing extreme stress on the loyal to pick up extra slack in an already high pressure position. Creating a livable minimum wage, showing that Starbucks Partners really are the heart at the center of this international company would promote longevity and come full circle with Starbucks' motto that Partners are part of the entire company's shared success. Baristas would radiate a newfound happiness which in turn spreads to our customers. With everyone's help and with Howard's approval of this motion to take place at the start of the next fiscal year, we will honestly make this company the best its ever been. We are nothing without our baristas. It's time that all Partners are shown the gratitude they so rightly deserve and in turn making our international cafés the true "third place" for all.