How a Hashtag Changed The World

This is the story of a global movement that began when a single LinkedIn user who was missing face to face connection started a local meetup, and the global movement that followed. #LinkedInLocal began as a single meeting over a coffee for fifteen strangers in 2017, and grew to over 650 cities, in over 90 countries in less than two years. This book details how the volunteer movement began, how it grew, and the lessons and reflections from the movement. The impact on careers and building a sense of belonging was profound, and demonstrates how a group of thoughtful human beings can unite communities and use social media for good. It shares many human stories of authentic connection, career change, and social impact at a local and global level.

This global community was founded on the values of collaboration, diversity, authenticity, and respect for one another. Events were pitch-free, not for profit and had corporate social responsibility at their heart. As our post pandemic world starts to take shape #LinkedInLocal shows us the power of connection, community, and using social media for good. The time has come to consider our social dilemma, the role of social media and the human connection gap created by our digital world, and how we as human can navigate a path forward.

How a Hashtag Changed the World lifts the curtain on a global movement and reveals stirring stories of a community that had an incalculable impact. Read it and be inspired.

Kristin Sherry

YouMap® Creator and bestselling author of YouMap

In this book, Anna and Nicole beautifully detail not only the history of the #LinkedInLocal movement, but also the core of why it captured the attention and hearts of so many in the business world that were looking for a place where they could truly belong. It is a must-read for any current or future leader.

Michaela Alexis

LinkedIn trainer, consultant and speaker

We all have ideas that have the potential to change the world. But how does that idea turn into a positive global social movement? The story of #LinkedInLocal is full of unexpected surprises and hope. This is the narrative that you want to follow if you have similar ambitions for both your local and global communities. It is the grounding that you need to prepare for the things you cannot change, and the motivation you need when you are faced with the things you can change.

Katrina Ramage

Founder, The Eye of the Storm

#LinkedInLocal's founders created something extraordinary and relevant. It's especially important now, as our global community addresses an epidemic of loneliness, depression, and now a pandemic that limits our connections with other humans in even more significant ways.

Sarah Elkins

Founder, No Longer Virtual events

Author of Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will