Hamjambo wapendwa 
!
I trust you are all doing well, as I do. It started with days, weeks then months, and finally a year since I last posted on this Forum.
I tried to catch up as I see other local guides do, who have been here from the very beginning but all was in vain. I’m so excited that I am back despite all the obstacles, I am gratefully happy for the blessings and good health as I come back with this post. You know we are told that any good thing that comes after long-suffering or patience is a blessing 
. Therefore I am blessed to be blessed with a “junior local guide” 
after a long-suffering and absenteeism from the Connect community, but now as Local Guide Mom,newborn is also giving me some spare time to connect with my Local Guide family again 
.
For those who we interacted with during this period, thanks for prayers and well wishes even though I never disclosed the cause of my ailing.
Yes, I was away, but my soul was here with my local guide’s family. I was smiling when I couldn’t talk and I also left a like on a post that l read through because that was all I could do when I had no comment to leave.
When I completely couldn’t, I stayed away. Only a few will understand this feeling. And after all that happened, these questions were coming to my mind, and wondered, how would life be if we all were nowhere to be seen if affected in one way or another? Will this forum still be here? And by that I decided to hook up with some local guides who are here making a difference, have been here, and will still be here because to them Connect is a home to stay.
I thought of a meetup so they can take us through some key steps on how they are managing but again I felt am not ready yet for the public, 
so this kind of "questions and answers " session behind the scenes was a yes for me. I try to put myself in someone’s shoes before judging them and by that, I have come to learn that a good student was once a listener and a good leader was once a student, this is my understanding. I joined this forum when I completely couldn’t understand what it was about. But today I can say, someone somewhere is so thankful for the impact I have made since my journey as a local guide from Kenya 
.
How much others have gained from my little contributions, I have learned and gained as much twice after joining the local guides community. I’m so greatly and humbly thankful to all that have held my hand through this journey. From nobody to Being one of the 50 guiding stars in 2021 is not an ordinary achievement.
Some google maps contributors who know me here in Kenya who came before me but choose to stick with Google maps were so happy to see__1st Kenyan __ as a Guiding Star 
.
Looking forward to bringing them on board InshaAllah. Thanks to the Google team for this lifetime opportunity as a guiding star in 2021.
On my list of questions and answers, I have some major topics, which I feel affect us directly in our communities, and reaching out to ensure it reaches those at a grassroots level needs thorough and detailed information so we can achieve impactful Awareness.
In episode 1 we have
- Accessibility awareness and Accessible life on Google Earth.
I Requested some of our local guides here on connecting to help me understand this. Thanks to @KashifMisidia , @Kwiksatik , @Erna_LaBeau @ErmesT @Sagir @Tejal , @TravellerG @indahnuria for accepting. I believe it will help someone somehow. I couldn’t forward the question to all of you my seniors but looking forward to your answers in the comments section and future questions, because this is just the beginning. But before our question, let’s try and understand how they’ve managed to be always active here on connec
Here are my questions, and everyone from the Connect family is invited to answer, Gazie 
.
Questions to the local guides community, who through thick and thin, some still active and keep the spirit of guiding others
1: Most people speak about consistency, what does it take to be consistent, especially here on this forum as a local guide? despite everything that’s happened and is happening in the world? From COVID-19 To Russia / Ukraine war, climate changes, and so on, please guide us on this.
Answered by Ermes Tuon, one of our connect moderators from Italy,
He never disappoints….
I had to go search for a book and read about it. I didn’t read the whole book, but as a literature student back then in high school, I read what I needed to understand what he meant, so I could continue reading the Answers by him. And to me, this was so adorable, because as a local guide on connect, you never stop learning if you really wanna learn.
I call this
ERMES’s kicker……
He started,
Hi Zuhra,
"This reminds me of Life, the Universe and Everything, the third book of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The answer is 42, in the book.
But here the answer will be a bit longer, I guess."
To me this was never about the answer in the book anymore 
, after going through the book online, I immediately learned that all we have to do to achieve our goals is, we have to exercise PATIENCE in order to achieve our goals.
Nonetheless, in the book, it took them 7 millions plus to get the answer, for me it took me quite longer than I expected.
He added,
Consistency is an interesting word, with interesting meanings. I still remember when @TraciC invited me to be a Connect Moderator, five and a half years ago. I was worried about what a moderator should do, to moderate a large and multicultural community. She said: “be yourself”. So I understood that what I had to do was to be exactly who I am. Many people try to “emulate” someone else, or try to appear different from what they are, and this is a big mistake
I joined the program in 2016 because I wanted to ask Google to do something about the earthquake in central Italy.
Six years later I am still here because I think Google can do more in different fields.
We can relate to what is happening in the world by continuing to be ourselves and trusting us.
COVID: I am trying to keep the positive part of the experience. What we have learned about protecting ourselves and others, and the possibility of interacting online.
WARS: there are always wars in the world. This last one is impacting most of us because it is in Europe, and it is impacting me because I have a lot of friends there, on both sides. Some of them are Guiding Stars in this community. I’ve made my choice, trying to help them, and I am happy with what we did.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I believe Awareness is the keyword and the first goal that we have to achieve. We are small drops in the sea, but what is the sea? It is just a big amount of drops. If every one of us will do a small part, together we can do a lot.
So yes, we can be consistent, and follow our aspirations, to achieve our goals".
Ermes.
Therefore, being ME,
and following my ASPIRATIONS
is the way to go.
When I asked the same question to Megan Coburn Connect moderator from the USA,
In her memo she explained….
"There are a few ways to measure consistency, but I find that the most accurate measure of consistency is the maintenance of interest and passion. No human life is spared difficult times. I find it best to address challenges as though they were seasons - each in it its own time, and for its purpose. During seasons of difficulty, it is natural to reallocate energies to those things which are most pressing - basic needs such as shelter, safety, security, and stability.
As unfortunate circumstances resolve or become more manageable, re-engaging with the things that bring us joy is a part of the healing process. The fulfillment we get from these actions is a form of self-care. Simply put, the act of suffering does not extinguish our pursuit of happiness - it merely re-prioritizes it. Sometimes, such as during the heartbreaking challenges we have faced as a global community, the maintenance of our passion, even in the absence of action, is the definition of consistency.
One of my favorite things about being a Local Guide is that there is a myriad way to contribute, both publicly and privately. Many epic contributors to Google Maps are unaware of the Local Guides Connect forum. Not everyone is driven to share their efforts publicly, and many people even avoid public recognition. Perhaps, these contributors are even more honorable than those who gain attention for their efforts - they are driven by passion alone, acting in the absence of direct validation and praise. This is one of my favorite features of Guiding Stars - the silent heroes are sought out and recognized for their efforts.
Kwikstik.
Wow….
In her own words ,
“The maintenance of our passion, even in the absence of action, is the definition of consistency”.
I was not satisfied 
,
Then I looked for Mohammad Sagir Adamu, a Connect moderator from Nigeria.
In his simplicity, He then Said…
" Doing what you like with passion to me makes one consistent in whatever he/she is doing. Also, all we aspire to achieve is to make a positive impact, as such, you will be consistent to be able to actualize that "
Crystal clear,
positive impact = passion + being you.
Then I thought of
Erna Labeu from the USA.
She politely replied,
Zuhra….
These last 2 or 3 years we have been bombarded with covid from working at home to worrying about our fellow Local Guides whose country got involved in a war to draughts in many places. During covid, we (especially myself) have had so much spare time it is easy to speak about consistency being a Local Guides. In my (personal) opinion consistency is primarily about our activities in Local Guides. Connecting our involvement or interaction with other Local Guides may be biased but in the end, this consistency statement will be determined by individuals as we all know what we do is voluntary. Dear fellow Local Guides, do what makes you happy.
"Whatever makes you happy, do it anyway, "
Erna.
My all-time tutor
Kashif Misidia
Connect moderator from Pakistan noted……
In the last few years, the world has changed a lot, in many aspects not only our lifestyles but everything. And till now the changes are going to happen so rapidly. But as I experienced Local Guides always support each other anyway morally. And that makes many people so constant and active on Local Guides Connect because, during the Pandemic period, local guides came so close to each other through virtual meetups. And that was the time when I also learned a lot from others. And I also learned that my presence in Virtual meetups wasn’t the reason for being more creative only for me, but for other friends as well. And on the other hand, it gives me an inexpressible feeling whenever I think that my Contributions on Google maps are giving someone guidance whom I don’t know, but I and other Local Guides are helping millions of people daily, including the differently abled people.
“Some situations create a way for us to be passionate.”
Kashif.
“I can therefore say thanks to the global effect at least it has made us unite and serve on purpose like a community.”
When in a chat with her she said yes, why not Zuhra?
Here is
Tejal Chhaya’s explainer from India.
By consistency, I would like to say that during the pandemic we local guide community made changes in places that were closed due to lockdown and also reopened the same once the lockdown was removed. Even the businesses which are dormant or shutdown or active we see that we take care of the same and provide the correct information to the end user. Even during heavy rainfalls, we corrected some roads which were closed and the same information was useful to all.
TravellerG from India said in such beautiful words, he said " In my opinion, this aspect depends upon the individuals - a person regularly attending LG Connect once a week is also consistent. However, as a semi-retired professional, I try to be available for Google activities 5 hours a day, almost 7 days a week, except when I’m traveling for professional reasons; and during the pandemic, this duration was 8 to 10 hours per day.
Indah Nuria from Indonesia’s conclusion…
And I think this is my struggle too, not only on connect but also on Google maps.
She pens down ……
Consistency is probably the hardest thing to do! I have been trying my best to be consistent as a Local Guide, in terms of contributing to Google Maps as well as in the Connect forum. In my case, the pandemic and personal affairs (family, work, health) have been the two biggest challenges in keeping the flow of my contribution. So far, I have been quite successful (in my personal view) to keep my contribution on Google Maps, mostly through photos, videos, and reviews. If I have no new photos, I will check the reviews, and facts, and do other activities on the map that will be considered a contribution. As for Connect, I have to admit I struggle after moving to New Zealand for my new assignment from work. I need time in finding the balance and the rhythm between family, work and google maps, especially to contribute to Connect.
I believe by these answers, there will be some changes and adaptations on how we engage not only on connect but as Local guides.
Parting shot.
Being you, having the passion and maintenance of aspiration will always lead you to consistency, and consistency will lead you to positive impact and that is the motto here on connect.
2: Accessibility as a broader topic, are we Local guides doing enough in our communities, and does what we do on Google maps make any impact on the world to make the world a place for All?
Kashif Misidia 
:
In my view, Accessibility is the most important topic. Because if someone is contributing to 
Accessibility on Google maps i.e Adding 2 more lines (which was the main theme of Accessibility Virtual Meetups series by @JaneBurunina & me during 2020 to 2021) in his/her google maps review regarding information of availability or unavailability of Accessible Ramp at any specific place Or uploading photos of entrances of places, Can create a huge impact. Because it will be not only helpful for people with different abilities, but it will be beneficial for business owners who care about differently-abled people along with other customers because they can get more business.
Erna Labeu 
:
In some countries, accessibility has become very inclusive it is part of the state regulation where there is no discrimination against persons with mentally or physically disabled. Via Google Map thru reviews of places we visited we can show how important it is to have a very inclusive place for all. As @user_not_found _Brock stated in one of our accessibility virtual meetups it will take a minimum of 3 complaints for the government to take action. My conclusion is YES it will make an impact on the world. Let’s change this beautiful world into a better place for ALL one day at a time!
Traveller G 
:
These are two different questions:
-
Yes, in Google Maps and LG Connect, we have been attending accessibility to a good extent.
-
Yes, over some time (maybe even a decade), what we do on Google Maps today for accessibility will make an impact, for sure.
Megan Coburn :
I believe accessibility is the most important topic on the global stage today. There is power in unification, and the umbrella of “accessibility” is an undeniably simple way to define equal access. Whether we are talking about the ability to enter a physical building structure via ramp or stairs, basic human needs, access to food and medical care, intellectual rights to fair treatment and education, or even more abstract concepts such as political or religious rights, “accessibility” is a central requirement to achieving equality. I understand that many people’s definition of “what is right” includes the denial of certain rights to others, and I reject that premise on the whole, in favor of accessibility.
Google Maps is the virtual key to the physical world, freely available to everyone, and Local Guides are the stewards of the Map in real life. Every day, everywhere we go, we carry in our hands and pockets the ability to promote accessibility. The things we spend our time contributing directly shape the information other people rely on. Simply by focusing our contributions on humanitarian aspects, we can have a direct and measurable impact on promoting equality.
One of the key concepts of accessibility is that we are not aware of what we need until we need it. Much of accessibility education is incidental. We do not know our local bank is inaccessible until we are on crutches. We do not know our local women’s shelter listing is inaccurate until we search out that information. We do not realize that sign is illegible until we forget our glasses. The most challenging part of accessibility work is the act of putting ourselves in others’ shoes and attempting to anticipate needs we have not yet experienced. This act of empathy, trying to see an experience through the eyes and limitations of another person, is integral to the cause and implementation of accessibility.
Mohammad Sagir Adamu 
:
Taking into consideration the lack of awareness about accessibility I think Local Guides and the contribution on maps are making a significant contribution. Because one can decide on where to go knowing that it has or doesn’t have what he/she requires.
Tejal Chhaya :
As local guides, we are doing our level best for accessibility, but more is required as awareness is not there. We have to work together and form a bridge between technology & the accessibility community. I am doing these every Thursday 2 hours of training and a virtual tour on Google Maps with psychological patients and getting positive responses from them. Also showing them the 3D street view feature available on Google map.
Ermest Tuon 
:
No, we don’t do enough, and again I think that the keyword is awareness. Let’s divide the answer into two parts:
We don’t choose to know about disability. But when the disability impacts our lives, we change our minds. Many just talk about accessibility because it is cool and trendy, but they lack awareness.
Accessibility and disability are two different topics, with some elements in common. I think we should focus on Accessibility more than on disability if we want to make a real impact because the number of people involved in accessibility issues is broader than the number of people who are disabled. Accessibility is a concept that can deeply impact the business’s attitude, and the first to benefit from an improvement of accessibility is of course the disabled. There is a lot that we can do, as Local Guides, on the accessibility aspects of Google Maps. Don’t forget that Google Maps is only a virtual representation of the real world, and every chance we make there is immediately impacting the real life of the people.
My closing remarks!
Wow! Wow! Wow!
" We as local guides have tried, but we need a lot more effort to spread awareness on’’ Accessibility," rather than forcing on the “disability” alone, and if I quote
Sir Ermes’ statement
“The first people to benefit from Improved accessibility are of course the disabled”. How can we engage in this? To make most places Accessible By interacting through sessions as before, during the pandemic so we can learn more about this topic Accessibility, And Yes, we can do more because some of our local guides on this forum are working on that and can help us understand this, and also Google Maps being a virtual representation, not most of us are aware of accessibility, because I learned that not all local guides when you check on reviews, especially in my home country, understand how important we need more business to be accessible, and if they do not most of them will mention of it in reviews. I have struggled to understand this. If not for the meetups I attended before with some of the local guides, I wouldn’t learn that much about being a helpful local guide and wanting to do much and spread awareness of Accessible life.
I believe when we tryna focus on this,
“Accessibility is a concept that can deeply impact on the businesses attitude” then
We shall change our beautiful world into a better place, way more for ALL one day at a time!
Keep guiding, Much love from Kenya.
