1) Community
After attending Connect Live 2019, I returned home with a greater sense of comradery within the Local Guides Community. I was more motivated to step my game up and earn more points to ultimately achieve the next level. I have a new list of places that I want to visit after meeting so many wonderful people at Connect Live. Now I find myself taking random pictures as I am walking down the street and seeking out more experiences in my local area. For Thanksgiving 2019, I encouraged my family to dress up and experience Thanksgiving New Orleans style. Check out our picture!
2) Purpose
I have always enjoyed traveling and trying new things, but since becoming a Local Guide, I have gained a greater sense of purpose. I enjoy telling my family and friends about the work that we, as Local Guides, do. I feel such a sense of pride when telling someone that I added a place to the map or that I edited a place to include the correct information. Whenever I find something wrong or missing from the map, I am filled with joy because it is another opportunity to make a difference. The icing on the top of the cake is knowing that our contributions matter. I absolutely love to receive emails like the one below:
The Local Guides Program truly rocks and this is just the beginning! I can only imagine what’s next for the Local Guides Program. We can now follow other Local Guides and they can follow us back. This new feature, and the fact that we can suggest more features and enhancements means that the sky is the limit. The Local Guides Program inspires me to stay engaged because I’m curious to see what the future holds. If I had to sum the program up, I’d say:
“The Local Guides Program is a constantly evolving program which relies on the contributions of people just like me…those who are enthused by the opportunity to make a difference on a global scale.”
