2025-06-11 19:15:00
The free software community celebrated the 40th anniversary of the FSF with a global “LibreLocal” month in May, hosting nearly thirty meetups worldwide.
This global initiative connected free software enthusiasts locally and globally, showcasing the community’s vibrancy and international reach. Stay tuned for more recaps.
- Global party of free software.
- Meetups around the world.
- Community collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) rallied its supporters to celebrate the month of May as LibreLocal month, resulting in nearly thirty meetups across the globe.
Exploring Free Software Worldwide
Canary Islands, Spain
On May 10th, Lucio Albenga organized a librecan meetup. Attendees discussed topics such as the distinctions between “open” and “free,” option kernels for the GNU System, differences in GNU licenses, and hardware that respects freedom. One attendee, “Un teclado,” enjoyed the discussions.
Le Blanc,France
On GNU/Linux Presentation Day,May 17th,people in Le Blanc,France,gathered to watch demonstrations of free programs like Inkscape and openstreetmaps,and to help each other install GNU/Linux. Nine volunteers from Atelier “Linux au Blanc” organized the event, and they even printed FSF40 T-shirts.
Livermore, California, USA
On May 10th, FSF volunteer Joe organized a LibreLocal meetup at the Livermore Public Library.Attendees tried GNU/Linux, played free games, and used Inkscape.Joe also demonstrated how to replace Windows with Trisquel. As an inevitable result, the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce requested assistance in migrating a Windows 10 system to GNU/Linux.
Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo
The first LibreLocal meetup of the year took place on February 24th in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by narcisse Mbunzama. Participants discussed free software philosophy and importance, sharing knowledge and even holding a small hackathon.The attendees plan to organize more events.
Nairobi, Kenya
In Nairobi, software developer Benson Muite taught attendees on May 10th how to create puff embroidery designs using Inkscape-based Ink/Stitch. One participant, Munyoki, embroidered the GNU Guix logo on a cap during the event.
Toronto, Canada
Tech enthusiasts in Toronto meet every Monday at 18:00 EDT at Victory Cafe for Tech Pizza mondays. On May 12th, they held a special edition to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the FSF.
Gratitude and Future involvement
The librelocal meetups inspired attendees and fostered networking among free software activists worldwide. The events highlighted the community’s dedication to software freedom.
The following LibreLocal meetup organizers agreed to be named in public: Andreas Schenzle, Ansh Arora, Arun kumar V, Atelier “Linux au Blanc,” Benson Muite, carter Zhang, DFF, Damian Fajfer, Giri Prashad, Gleb Yerofeyev, Harsh Patel, Immanuel Raj, Joe, Justin Benito, Keerthana Rajesh Kumar, Kirill Sorudeykin, Lucio Albenga, Matthias Kirschner, Michalis Zisis, nammahari, Narcisse mbunzama, Nikos Parafestas, Panos Alaropoulos, Richard, Ryan Futures, Sakhil Ahamed, savvas Adamzillou, shlug, and William Goodspeed.
In addition, the following groups participated in the coordination of LibreLocal meetups: AOPRobotics, Artisans Asylum, Bitwäscherei, Boston Open dev, Ελεύθερος Πλανήτης, ΕΛΛΑΚ, Ένωση Φίλων Ελεύθερου Λογισμικού, FOSS United Chennai, GNU/Linux Free Software Users Group, GNU/Linux User Group Switzerland, GNU/Linux User group WMK, Iran Free Software Activists, Κοινότητα Ανοιχτού Λογισμικού Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίας, Libre Boston, LibrePlanet São Paulo, Masscollabs Services and contributors, NGI Taler, PBSFG, Relvecorp, RéparLab, revamp-it, Software Freedom Law Center India, and many others.
Interested in organizing a LibreLocal meetup or sponsoring this initiative? Contact [email protected].
To stay updated on the FSF’s fortieth-anniversary events, visit fsf.org/fsf40 and subscribe to the Free Software Supporter newsletter.
Expanding the LibreLocal Network: Beyond the Meetups
The success of the LibreLocal meetups, as showcased in cities from Kinshasa too Toronto, demonstrates the power of community-driven free software initiatives. These events, held in May to celebrate the FSF’s 40th anniversary, were just the beginning. How can this momentum be sustained and expanded? Several strategies are emerging,promising to build even stronger communities around free software.
One key area is online collaboration. While in-person meetups foster immediate connections, online platforms can provide continuous support and resource sharing. Consider dedicated forums, mailing lists, and video conferencing for discussions, troubleshooting, and project coordination.
Another vital element is education. Many attendees, such as those in Le Blanc, France, benefited from demonstrations and workshops. Providing accessible educational materials-tutorials, documentation, and beginner-kind guides-can empower even more people to adopt and contribute to free software. This could include translating materials into different languages, reaching wider audiences.
nurturing local communities involves strengthening ties with existing organizations. This includes collaborations with educational institutions, local businesses, and community centers. Joe from the livermore meetup exemplifies this approach, having cultivated relationships with the Livermore public Library and the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Actionable Steps for Continued Growth
Here are some practical tips to keep the LibreLocal spirit going:
- Establish Online presence: Create a website, forum, or social media group for your local free software community.
- Regular Meetups: Schedule regular, recurring meetups-monthly or quarterly-to maintain engagement.
- Skill-sharing Workshops: Organize workshops to teach specific skills, such as using inkscape or setting up GNU/Linux systems.
- community Projects: Initiate collaborative free software projects-anything from translating documentation to developing local applications.
- Outreach: Partner with local libraries, schools, and community centers to promote free software.
What are the key benefits of participating in a free software community? Free software communities offer opportunities for learning new skills, networking with like-minded individuals, and contributing to a more transparent and user-controlled technological ecosystem. How can I find or start a free software community in my area? Search online for local meetups, user groups, or online forums. if none exist, consider starting one yourself — the FSF offers resources and support to help you.
Looking Ahead
The LibreLocal initiative has demonstrated the enduring relevance of free software in a world increasingly reliant on technology. By building on the energy generated by the 40th-anniversary celebrations, the community can ensure that software freedom continues to thrive. The FSF’s future plans include more outreach, education, and resources for organizers. The global network of free software enthusiasts can empower the next generation of developers and users.
The experiences shared in Kinshasa, Nairobi, and across the globe highlight the value of human connection and local knowledge sharing. The growth of LibreLocal depends on this. By focusing on education and collaboration, the free software movement can continue to grow.
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