[image from abc. For those new to the Ethiopia coffee trademark issue, start here]

It’s going beyond an e-petition now! This Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, is gonna be the first Day of Action on this Ethiopia coffee trademark issue.

Oxfam’s put together a fact sheet to give your local Starbucks employees here (PDF). All you have to do is download, print, and while asking for a cuppa Ethiopian coffee at your local Starbucks, hand the sheet to the barista.

Why a fact sheet for the Starbucks employees? Sez Oxfam: “Many Starbucks employees have asked to know more about the campaign. We need your help to let them know the facts. The best way to do this is to go into the store, ask for a cup of Ethiopian coffee, and hand the employee the fact sheet. It’s an easy way to educate Starbucks employees about the plight of Ethiopian coffee farmers.”

I’d like to take this time to remind you that the baristas themselves are not to blame. Be v. nice, and if need be, say that you’re concerned about Starbucks’ CORPORATE policies, not with the individual store or baristas — but that the indiv. store and barista are your main point of contact for getting a message to corporate.

Wanna do more — and win Oxfam prizes? Embark on the Great Starbucks Safari. With a group of friends, visit as many Starbucks locations as you can by the close of business on Saturday, December 16, and document each visit with a photo in front of each store.

To get in on the prizes, send an email with your team’s name, and contact info for each member to jbillings@oxfamamerica.org by 5pm on Dec. 15. Vist the stores on Dec. 16 with camera in tow, then upload the pics to Flickr — captioned with the location of each store and the time visited — by noon on Dec. 16. Make sure ALL team members participate in the action at EACH location.

I’m thinking of organizing a bike-based safari for the westside. Wanna join in? Email me: greenlagirl@gmail.com.

Update, 12/15/06: The bike safari’s happening! Details here.

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