*loud literal groaning*
The worst part is that I went there this morning, after getting on the freeway right behind a car with an autism speaks bumper sticker. Like WTF!
Click through if you don’t understand why autistic people would beg them not to support Autism Speaks. Or if you just want to read the letter this blogger wrote to Starbucks.
Below is what they said about what they learned, and what actions we can take:
“I wasn’t alone in my objections. Several other parents–even more than the people I reached out to!–wrote to object, and I’m happy to report that Starbucks responded. The acting district supervisor not only sent my email to her media staffer to vet my resources, but also contacted Seattle headquarters. My name has been given to to southern district supervisor in charge of community relations; I certainly plan to follow up.
“I talked with the district supervisor this morning, and here’s what I learned: Starbucks has had a long association with Autism Speaks. It started with a couple of parents in partner organizations whose children are Autistic. The parents felt that A$ was making a positive difference in their lives, and worked with Starbucks to create a partnership. (The gist here is that Starbucks supports A$ walks elsewhere, too, not just here, so this is a much bigger battle!)
“So corporate headquarters now knows about the #BoycottAutismSpeaks movement, but also has a long relationship with people who are passionate about A$. Starbucks needs to know who to support.
“And here’s where YOU come in:
“Starbucks continually reviews its relationships with community partners. The company is committed to supporting A$ walks through the end of the year, but that commitment is not permanent. If we can give them local community partners to support in lieu of A$, they will listen. I want to emphasize that the supervisor I talked to was quite eager to support the needs of people, not organizations. It makes perfect sense to her that if A$ is not supporting people, we need an alternative. But WE have to make the case, and WE have to give them an alternative community partner to support.
“WHAT YOU CAN DO:
“If you are new to the #BoycotAutismSpeaks movement, please take some time to read the links above. Then ask yourself: do you really want A$ in your community?
“Forward this everywhere. Let everyone know that (1) Starbucks, as an international cooperation, supports A$, and/but (2) they are willing to listen and talk.
“Send your own letters. I promised not to give out email addresses here (*send me a private message, hint, hint*), but there’s a dedicated portal for suggestions about community involvement here: http://mystarbucksidea.force.com. the supervisor I talked to insisted that suggests posted here are constantly reviewed and discussed at corporate.
"You could also leave a comment here: http://store.starbucks.com/customer-service/cs-landing.html. Or, contact your local store, find out who the district supervisor is, and send an email to that person.
"Find / create alternative events for Starbucks to support (and please work with organizations run by or supported by #ActuallyAutistic people). It’s easier for Starbucks to work with partners who host specific events. (This is another reason why it is so easy for them to support A$.) #ActuallyAutistic people who run organizations: please help us all get the word out about your events so we can support your work.
"If you are reading this and you are already working on a similar campaign, please contact me! I want to work with you to amplify our efforts.
"People in Central Texas: please let me know what’s going on in your community that helps #ActuallyAutistic people.”