Theme:– Operation J.U.M.P. For Jobs, Justice & Unsung Dreams

Who knew public figures in Washington had a heart? Washington D.C. is another story but that coffee company in Washington State is setting an example. With the political stalemate flirting with checkmate something’s gotta give. So Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz offered free coffee to help end the shutdown.

He made a deal with customers. If they’d buy someone else their favorite beverage they’d get a free cup of their favorite brew. This was to encourage customers to urge the political leaders in Washington to come together. Schultz isn’t shy about social issues as Starbucks recently took a stand on guns in stores.

He’s concerned about the “unending cycle of dysfunction and doubt” during these uncertain economic times. Other CEOs have chimed in expressing their frustration with how our elected officials are handling the country’s fiscal matters. Sometimes their actions feel like a made-for-tv movie with a bad plot.

The message that the CEOs are echoing regarding our economy is similar to what is being said by Operation J.U.M.P. about the job market. There’re too many people experiencing doubt and despair due to hiring uncertainty. For them, sometimes it might feel like a bad dream before the nightmare ends.

Starbucks sees giving away coffee as a ‘spark gesture.’ It’s about connecting with customers based on their normal concerns and desires. They hope to make an impact by paying-it-forward with a ‘java boost.’ So it is with Operation J.U.M.P. in connecting with the jobless, restless and those feeling related distress.

Footnote: Operation J.U.M.P. is about coming together as a community to provide a java-like boost to those seen as dispensable or overlookable.