The Question of Social Responsibility and Coffee

Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, devoted citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that has". Just what in the world does Margaret Mead's socially charged statement, coffee in Costa Rica and Starbucks have to do with me? It's all about our social responsibility to change the world, one person at a time. In the case of Starbucks and my involvement, this means one cup of coffee at a time.

For years I have enjoyed the pleasure of living in a place where I can set my own limits, achieve my own goals and pursue happiness as I see fit. I have enjoyed an environment where I can walk out my front door every day and see the beauty of the river, the Sandhill Cranes and the wildlife that are part of my everyday existence. I have the economic freedoms made possible by the free trade that exists in this country. Unfortunately, over the past several years I have watched that environment change, due to the lack of protection and social responsibility that has emerged within the current political administration. It is my duty to be socially responsible for the changes that effect my community, my country and the world at large.

Starbucks and the Expedition for Change research group are showing that there is a way to begin social change through study and research about accountability in one area of the world, and one community initiative. As Margaret Mead suggests, we can, through one small and yet collective group of citizens, show that there are better ways to not only change the world, but to cultivate communities. We can encourage and stimulate growth and make our world a more economically and environmentally progressive place to live. We can do this one cup of coffee, one community and one project at a time. By being a part of the Expedition for Change, I can fulfill my social responsibility to affect positive change. I can help others; I must be a part of the solution.