Starbucks Day of Action

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Laura (left), Patrick (third from left), Naheem (third from right) and others outside a Starbucks in London

Last Saturday, 26^th October, groups across the UK went into their local Starbucks to make their stammered voices heard.

It was all part of the 'Starbucks Day of Action', sparked off by our campaign to make coffee shops more stammer-friendly. We sent our guide 'Stammering & Coffee Shops', which you can open here or download below, to all the major coffee chains, with recommendations to increase inclusivity in their stores. Only Starbucks didn't engage with to us.

In response, Stammering Pride advocates Patrick Campbell, Naheem Bashir and Laura Lascău called for people across the UK to visit Starbucks on Saturday and order something, making stammered voices heard and raising awareness of the barriers people who stammer face. Backed by STAMMA, groups in Liverpool, Glasgow, Doncaster and Grimsby headed to their local branches.

Development

We're delighted to announce that after hearing about the Day of Action on social media, Starbucks has been in touch with STAMMA. We look forward to having a conversation with them very soon. 

Thank you to everyone who took part. You can read how each group got on below.

From Bob in Doncaster

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Members of the Doncaster Stammering Association in Starbucks, and Bob with Vic

A most excellent day at the Silk Road Starbucks. We were approached outside by someone asking about the Stammering Pride flag. They were very interested and went straight on to the STAMMA website to find out more. They then took our photo to share on Instagram, where they have lots of followers.

We had a similar reaction inside Starbucks, with Vic becoming a new STAMMA supporter. See the picture — Vic said she'll share it with all her followers.

Had a chat with the manager. He said they only ask for names when it's very busy, and is used to people not feeling comfortable, for whatever reason, in sharing their name. He told us they then ask the customer if they can log them as "The guy in the red cap" etc.

So, lots of awareness raised, and we had a nice coffee. Mission accomplished.

From Hilary in Liverpool

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Hilary (second from left) and others at a Starbucks in Liverpool

Our small group spoke to staff and handed over STAMMA's letter. They were expecting us and said they knew about our Day of Action, so they had clearly been briefed. I think they were quite relieved that there weren't thousands of us!

They were keen to take my name but when others stammered, they gave them time to speak and did not ask for names. Lesley insisted on giving hers anyway (and they misspelt it!). I think individual staff members got the message and hopefully management will get the message when they have their conversation with STAMMA.

From John in Glasgow

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John (left) and others at a Starbucks in Glasgow

Here is our photo from Glasgow, where four of us from the Scottish Stammering Network visited Starbucks, handed over the letter and spoke to staff. 

From Wendy in Grimsby

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Wendy and her drink, with her name on the cup

Today went well, even though It was only me. I spoke to the staff and asked them why they asked for names. I was intrigued, and was told it was because it was a more personal experience, although I went in last week when it was quiet, and they didn't ask for my name then. The staff said they knew about the Day of Action.

From Patrick in London

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The group at Starbucks in London

Twelve people who stammer gathered in Hanover Square, just off Oxford Street in London, on Saturday 26th October 2024 to make their voices heard at Starbucks. Among the group were people who had never met others who stammer before, they had joined the protest because they particularly related to the challenge of ordering at Starbucks.

The morning began on a positive note. I outlined the plans for the action and the thinking behind it. I also shared the great news that Starbucks had contacted STAMMA to begin a conversation around inclusivity. Starbucks had heard the group before they even raised their voices. Naheem spoke next, summing up the spirit of the day: "Sometimes the most powerful protest is simply refusing to hide who you are".

After taking group photos, everyone headed to the nearby Starbucks. We entered, explained the action's purpose, and presented STAMMA's letter to the store manager. The baristas were kind, friendly and accommodating. However, one staff member tried to finish someone's sentence while they were stammering — highlighting exactly why training matters. 

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Conversations in a London Starbucks

The group then ordered coffees with their voices: cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates. When staff members learned that people who stammer may find saying their names challenging, they offered the option to type their names on a screen at the counter when ordering. It was encouraging to see this kind of immediate accommodation from staff. Some members of the group took up this offer while others chose to say, and stammer on, their names. Each person was free to communicate in their preferred way. 

For the next hour, the store was filled with stammering voices and friendly conversation. The group left feeling positive about what they had achieved. By coming together and speaking openly, they had, together with other people who stammer around the country, helped start an important conversation about making everyday spaces more inclusive for people who stammer.

This Day of Action was not just about Starbucks. It was about showing that people who stammer deserve to feel comfortable using their voices everywhere. The fact that Starbucks reached out before the action even took place shows that positive change is possible when people who stammer come together and use their voices.