One of the unique things that Starbucks** offers, besides their million of drink choices, is the ability to create a space to meet and gather inside of your community. Living in Brooklyn, I have issues with Starbucks and the commercial culture in which it thrives. Especially, when they end up in a neighborhood that has plenty of coffee shops and community organization. In fact, when I moved into my neighborhood, 7 years ago, there were no Starbucks at all. There were a handful of community driven coffee shops and a place called Halcyon -which will go done in history as my favorite place ever. Well…. I don’t want to sound like a nostalgic “times are changing” and “kids today” type of guy -but- I do recognize that the world is changing and Starbucks despite all of its baggage is indeed really making an effort to help the communities in which they exist it.
The energy shot kings that brought us MyStarbucksIdea, a site that I posted about a few months back, is a great example how large businesses are “listening” to their customers and making changes based on the most popular ideas. Walking to work today, I just noticed that they recently added a “rewards” card program and that idea came from the people on the idea site. Not a innovative idea at all -but- community driven nonetheless. Give the people want they want!

Their latest under-the-radar development is called Starbucks V2V.

“Starbucks V2V is a social network with a purpose to get people to take action by collaborating around events that will enrich their communities, their lives and the lives of those around them.

Starbucks and V2V have come together in a unique partnership based on similar core values. This space is the “fourth place” that extends beyond the four walls of the store to help partners and customers showcase the amazing things they are doing in their communities. This special place fosters creativity, collaboration amongst new friends, and inspiration to make our world a better place to live. Together, Starbucks and V2V are “Redefining Community”.”

I am a huge fan of activating offline community involvement through a meetup like online network and if a Venti triple shot Frapacino is what it takes to get us “Latter Liberals” out from behind our screens to collborating face to face with a live person - I am all for it!

**Seattle Best Coffee - A Starbucks brand is a DeVries Client