Like many Americans, Starbucks's CEO Howard Schultz is left feeling disheartened by the 2016 election results [1]. But he wants to send a message of optimism and kindness to all of his employees, partners, and customers. On Nov. 9, he sent an email to all US Starbucks employees (over 120,000) with the subject "Onward Together."

"Last night, like so many of you, I watched the election returns with family and friends. And like so many of our fellow Americans — both Democrats and Republicans — I am stunned," he wrote. Schultz endorsed Hillary Clinton in September [2], saying, "We've seen such vitriolic display of bigotry and hate and divisiveness, and that is not the leadership we need for the future of the country." Schultz's compassion is further emphasized by Starbucks's new green holiday cups [3], which feature a drawing of over a hundred people made with one continuous line. "During a divisive time in our country, Starbucks wanted to create a symbol of unity as a reminder of our shared values, and the need to be good to each other," Schultz said of the cups.

You can read Schultz's full email following the election [4], below.

Dear Partners,

Last night, like so many of you, I watched the election returns with family and friends. And like so many of our fellow Americans – both Democrats and Republicans – I am stunned.

We cannot know what the precise impact will be on our country and the rest of the world. I am hopeful that we will overcome the vitriol and division of this unprecedented election season.

As Americans, we must honor the democratic process. We have a president-elect in Donald Trump, and it is our responsibility as citizens to give him the opportunity to govern well and bring our country together.

Whether you are pleased or disappointed by the outcome, we each still have a choice. Today and every day, we have a choice in how we treat one another in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and of course in our stores.

We can choose to answer the challenges of the day with kindness and compassion. We can choose to listen, to understand and to act with respect. We can choose to live by the values that reside in each of us, and honor our commitment to nurture the human spirit with love, and offer everyone in our stores and communities a place of inclusion and optimism.

Today, I trust you, and I trust all that is good in our country. Let's take care of each other and the people in our lives. I believe we will each find the best version of ourselves to help our country move on in the direction we all deserve. Together is where our collective power lies, as partners, and as Americans.

I am so very proud to be your partner.

Onward,

Howard