Dear Local Guides! 
Iâve noticed that some folks think participating in the Local Guides program means guaranteed cash rewards, prizes, or even becoming a Google employee! 
While itâs understandable why some might think that, hereâs the truth: weâre all volunteers here, and participating in the program doesnât automatically make us Google employees. So, no official Google uniforms or ID cards for us! 
Weâre a community of volunteers who share our experiences to help make Google Maps more useful for everyone, and while Google might give out some occasional perks or small bonuses, itâs not about the moneyâitâs about the joy of sharing and connecting. 
You might be wondering, âIf thereâs no tangible reward, why do it?â 
Well, Local Guides is all about being part of a global community, sharing hidden gems, helping others discover new places, and even making new friends from different corners of the world. 
The real ârichesâ here are the experiences we gain and the connections we make.
If your goal is to earn money or win prizes, there are other ways to do that online. But if you enjoy contributing, learning, and being part of a community with shared interests, then youâre in the right place. 
For those who have been part of the program for a while, whatâs the most rewarding thing youâve experienced as a Local Guide? Letâs share our stories! 
Hey friends, do you have any more thoughts on this topic? Would love to hear what you think!
