Hy Local Guides,
Today is Inclusion Day (October 10th) and I am thrilled to celebrate with the community by reflecting on how inclusive we are as a community and how we truly welcome the world with our review, photo and edit at a time on Google Maps.
What is Inclusion? 
Inclusion is a process of an individual or a community that ensures everyone feels safe, valued, respected, heard and has equal access to opportunities and experiences; regardless of their ability (accessibility), identity (gender, age, sexual orientation, etc..) and background (culture, language, etc..).
With Diversity in mind, Inclusivity goes beyond the stage where it ensures everyone is valued and their perception is considered. In simple words, inclusion makes sure everyone feels like they belong.
What does inclusion mean to you as a Local Guide? 
As discussed in a previous post of What does inclusion mean to you as a local guide? and on Inclusion Week, below is the summary/brief explanation of how inclusive we as a local guide can be, towards our contributions.
- Accessibility for All
From Accessibility to Age Friendliness & Kid Friendliness, local guides can share details about the place which will be vital information to other users. This means sharing information like a pathway having wheelchair accessibility, a restaurant having a braille menu or a cafe having printed menus to aid in help for audio accessibility. Information should have a complete picture so that everyone feels the place is right for them.
- Diversity for All
Our community is diverse and so are our local businesses and places around us. Inclusion means seeking out and supporting local places that celebrate diversity, owned by different identities or have foster inclusive features on Google Maps. It’s all about giving a voice to hidden gems that promotes and supports Inclusivity on Google Maps which in turns help local guides to explore such places.
- Accurate information for All
Nothing is more frustrating than getting inaccurate information on Google Maps. This is when inclusive features like whether having gender neutral bathrooms or a place that is verified as LGBTQ+ Friendly should be updated by local guides through their reviews or edit attributes. These small contributions make into a collective inclusion for the community to travel and navigate on Google Maps.
Local Guides Initiatives & Features! 
Inclusion has always been a spirit for our community. We are inspired by Initiative and features put forward by other local guides to promote inclusivity on Google Maps & Connect. Two most inspiring examples are :
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Maps For All series by @Globe_trotter_Ish - This initiative focuses on Accessibility, support small businesses, empowering women local guides and promoting LGBTQ+
contents & community which in turn encourages local guides to contribute inclusively on Google Maps. Her educational meetup series has also helped to bring upon new ideas for inclusivity on the Connect as well as to contribute also. -
Age Friendliness by @TravellerG - This project highlights age friendliness where it encourages Local Guides to contribute which makes a place easy to navigate for all ages groups. This includes priority seating and entrance, queues at ticket counter, etc..
On this Inclusion Day, let’s celebrate towards Inclusivity and how we can contribute & reflect it on Google Maps.
I love to hear it from you : What does inclusion mean to you? Do you contribute towards it on Google Maps, please share your stories in the comments?
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post, dear friend…