Starbucks Coffee Starts its Own Job Stimulus

Back in September 2011, Starbucks released red, white, and blue wrist bands with the message "Indivisible" on them.

They sell for $5 which in turn is put into the Create Jobs for USA Fund at Opportunity Finance Network. Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz came up with this idea to give the economy a boost, saying: "We can't wait for Washington."

"Private citizens must recognize this is an opportunity to embrace citizenship over partisanship and recognize that we too can make a difference," he said.

Today, Starbucks released a new line of Indivisible products to further Starbucks effort to boost the economy. With so many locations, patrons, and employees, Starbucks seems to be the perfect venue to reach many people very quickly. Included in this line is a new blonde roast coffee Indivisible Blend. This coffee was roasted and packaged in America. With each purchase $5 goes directly to Opportunity Finance Network and the Create Jobs fo USA fund. Along with this, other products were released which were all made in the USA and each has their own donation value that goes to the OFN.

By visiting the Create Jobs for USA site citizens and businesses can apply to join the network or receive financing to create jobs. Starbucks knows that this program by itself will not solve the unemployment crisis. But by moving forward with it, it can help create conversation, inspire ideas, and empower us all to take action in our communities.

Currently there are 14 million unemployed American citizens. To date, this program has raised $11.5 million, $3 million from concerned citizens, 4,000 jobs created, and 150 CEOs are on board. Howard says: "It's time to balance profitability and give back."

I believe everyone has been touched in some by unemployment whether they have lost a job themselves or know of someone who has. This may not solve the unemployment problem, but it does bring attention to it and it feels good as a Starbucks employee to be part of the effort.