First-quarter of 2020 was a very tough one for almost everyone. As the world faced a series of unpleasantries till date, focusing on the big picture was organized as a safe space to talk about some of those important things that matter within our communities as local Guides. Also, how can we educate and support each other in times like these.
We started with about eighteen of us, local guides from almost all levels, different parts of the world and different careers with majority female attendees who are championing great causes in their various communities. Such as Gender-based violence including online, Women and Girls Empowerment, Accessibility and Inclusion Champions, community leaders and advocates.
Due to the sensitivity of the meetup, we didnāt record to make sure everyone feels safe to talk comfortably. We started with the introduction followed by our first topic on the agenda which was on racism. At this time in June 2020, there was still Black Live Matter protest around the world particularly the United States. We highlighted some local guides who have been actively engaged in advocating for BLM through Google Maps list and other means to increase awareness, discussed how racism is still in our communities, shared how we have been in solidarity to advocate for such and some of us shared the situation of being racial discriminated. Read more about BLM in my community here
Women worldwide face a series of challenges from being marginalized, sexually abused or harassed, discrimination, sexism to body shaming and lack of equal opportunities and rights in some parts of the world. Some heartfelt stories were shared as we dived into the subject which was centred on safe places for women especially being a female local guide, some of the attendees shared some safety precautions for women contributing on maps to please be careful or avoid adding places at night alone in areas not safe for women or at least be there with a friend.We also shared a connect post by Googler @KatieMcBroom featuring a local guide who have been supporting Women-Owned Businesses on Google Maps (Post here), we made emphasis on the importance of supporting women-owned businesses in our communities, especially as Local Guides.
Tribute
Ruth Bader Ginsburg - RBG was born in Brooklyn, New York, United States on March 15, 1933, and died on September 18, 2020, Washington, D.C., United States at the age of 87 due to cancer complications. She became the only second woman to sit on the highest court in the US as the US Supreme Court Justice. Ginsburg is famous for promoting womenās rights at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) since the early 70s. She was involved in pioneering the case that the Supreme Court ruled that sex discrimination was unconstitutional. Ruth was a Gender Equality Champion, a trailblazer for Womenās Right and a beacon of light to many people across the globe particularly womenās right advocates. Rest in Peace Notorious RBG
Reference: Wikipedia, NPR - National Public Radio, NYTimes (Video)
1st to 30th June 2020 was**annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration month (learn more here by Connect Moderator @AdrianLunsong ).Some of our attendees shared some beautiful moments of their annual celebration and how they have been championing inclusivity, we presented a connect post here by Googler Katie MC Broom that highlighted some of the local guides championing inclusivity on Google Maps. Accessibility was part of the inclusion discussion and we had some accessibility champions @Lily_Asongfac @Jesi **in the attendees who also shared the importance of accessibility and the needs to contribute as Local Guides.
Covid-19 pandemic instils fear, worry and stress in the minds of many around the globe which are normal responses as humans to perceived or real threats and can affect our mental health and well being. Particularly with all the unprecedented changes in our daily lives activities from movement, education and employment. āāMental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.āā MentalHealth.Go. A major factor that affects our Mental Health is online harassment. According toPew Research Center findings; 41% of online adults have experienced it, 73% have witnessed online harassment and if you are a female, LGBTQ, a person of colour or Muslim, the chances of being harassed is high. We focused on some of these issues during our discussion. A book (Not available in all regions) was shared from Google PlayStore to help in such a situation, 7 Cups: Anxiety & Stress Chat App ( Play Store / App Store ) is also a great app recommended by many of the attendees. Here are some great connect posts by local guides to learn from which can be useful.**Hereās to Your Mental Health! by @NitaBC , Being a Local Guide in times of crisis by @CaroGuiniazu **
Local Guide must abide by Googleās Anti-Harassment policy by being part of the local guides program and during events. Local Guides can be removed from the program for violating this policy after being held accountable, please learn and be aware. This was our last presentation before we concluded the meetup.
āGoogle is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Google takes violations of our policy seriously and will respond appropriately.ā Google Event Community Guidelines and Anti-Harassment Policy
What to learn from this!
1, Learn about racism, say no to discrimination to any race and support equally.
2, Be supportive and protect women and girls in your communities, work environments, in business, education and their dreams.
3, Respect peopleās privacy, personal space and understand boundaries.
4, Connect with people, make them happy, learn your difference, share knowledge and expertise, support them when needed.
5, Explore the endless amazing contents on Local Guides Connect community to build yourself and help others around you grow as well.
- Champion to great causes that will impact the lives of millions positively wholeheartedly.
To all the phenomenal attendees who did not just attend but shared valuable life lessons, their time and knowledge, thank you so much! This meetup was challenging to host because I lost one of my brothers just a few days before the meetup and we planned the meet up together, Rest in Peace Ismaila.
@Ewaade_3A @FalguniP @Globe_trotter_Ish @Anil6969 Zino, Maimuna Jeng, Shreeya Barai, Fatou Juka Darboe, TravelByJP, Nick, Tida Kinteh, Olajumoke, Mariama Cham, Nuhu Ibrahim, Riya Mathew.
You guys are the best, thank you! 
But Iām glad that 