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  Buck Starbucks Campaign Update
Starbucks: Painting their own corner Tiger Tour Update

 
  Dear Friends,

Good news: The effects of your calls and letters are being felt because Starbucks keeps shifting their responses to the public regarding their support of rodeo. First it was denial, then it became “we only spent $250,” then Starbucks held up the “it’s a Native American cultural event” lie. Starbucks continues to fail to acknowledge or respond to the fact that SHARK has discovered three other rodeo sponsorships by Starbucks.

Now, in their latest response the company has omitted the Native American angle, and is claiming their support of events is driven by what is “relevant” and “important” to local communities.

Please write and call Starbucks to tell them abuse of animals is not “relevant” to any community. Insist that the Chairman of the Board, Howard Schultz, address the question of Starbucks’ potential support to many other animal abuse industries that are “locally driven” such as cockfights, seal hunts, and bullfights. Why might Starbucks not sponsor these events if they are willing to support the cruelty that is part and parcel of rodeo?

Here is a letter than you can feel free to use or modify:

 
 
To Mr. Howard Schultz, Chairman of the Board of Starbucks Coffee

Dear Mr. Schultz,

I have read Starbucks' latest position regarding the rodeo controversy which states:

At Starbucks, we are deeply committed to living by our six Guiding Principles, which include Contributing Positively to our Communities and Environment. One of the ways we give back is by supporting activities that are important to the communities we serve.

As a result, a significant portion of Starbucks marketing efforts are locally driven and focus on connecting with the community through sponsorships, events and community giving programs. In some instances, Starbucks could be involved with an event that may be relevant to one community, but not to another.

Thank you for clarifying Starbucks' position on this matter. I would like to be certain that I am completely clear about this. Can I expect to see ads and/or sponsorships of cockfighting in New Mexico and Louisiana, where this cruel and repulsive activity is still legal? Might I expect Starbucks to advertise in venues that support and encourage cockfighting, since it is legal in that state? If I am traveling in Spain or Mexico, might I expect to find Starbucks ads or sponsorships in support of bullfighting? One more thing, in Nova Scotia, might I find Starbucks ads or sponsorships in support of the seal hunt?

Based on Starbucks' "six Guiding Principles," I must assume that the answer to these questions is a firm "YES!" However, if Starbucks does deny future ad placement with or sponsorships of these events, then I would appreciate an explanation as to how these animal abuse issues differ from the rodeos that you currently support.

Sincerely,

Your Name

 
 
Please contact Starbucks' Chairman of the Board, Mr. Howard Schultz:

Call Starbucks and request to speak to Mr. Schultz: 1 (800) 235-2883

Write:

ATTN: Mr. Howard Schultz, Chairman of the Board

Starbucks Corp.

P.O. Box 3717

Seattle WA 98124

Email:

[email protected]

 
 
Tiger Truck Heads Out!

As you know from our previous update, SHARK’s Tiger Truck will soon be taking the images of Starbuck’s support of rodeo cruelty straight to their stores. This mobile video unit brings the abuse out of the arena walls to the eyes of those sponsoring it.

The Tiger Truck has an undeniable impact wherever it goes, but we need your help! The Tiger Truck's new launch date is Monday, December 12th and our first target city is St. Louis, Missouri on December 13th. If you can help in St. Louis or any of the other cities along the route to Starbucks' Headquarters in Seattle, Washington, please contact SHARK at [email protected].

The list of potential cities for the Tiger Tour are:

  • Saint Louis
  • Kansas City
  • Tulsa
  • Oklahoma City
  • Albuquerque
  • Phoenix
  • Tucson
  • Las Vegas
  • Salt Lake City
  • San Diego
  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • Portland
  • Seattle
  • The arrival dates and the number of cities the Tiger Truck gets to stalk depends on the success in each city. Here are some ways you can help as an activist in your community:

    • Seek out optimal Starbucks locations for Tiger presence
    • Send out press releases to local media
    • Hand out Buck Starbucks flyers to patrons while the Tiger Truck works your local store

    Be a part of this new front in the Buck Starbucks campaign!

     
     
    Get those pictures out there!

    We need everyone to download our Buck Starbucks flyer and make it seen! Click HERE to download your own and print it out!

    Leaflet patrons at your local Starbucks. Give them to the Starbucks staff and explain to them why they can longer count on your coffee business. Finally, pick up the Starbucks comment cards available at every store near the sugar and cream counter! It says, "We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts," so tell them to stop supporting rodeo cruelty! The postage is pre-paid to mail the cards, and you can even include a flyer so they can't avoid seeing the abuse.

     
     

    For more information about Starbucks' sponsored rodeos, contact information, a downloadable flyer, and an online petition, can all be found at: www.BuckStar bucks.com.

    Thank You!

    For the animals,


    Steve Hindi and your SHARK Team
    phone: 630-557-0176