May is shaping up to be a month of community and collaboration for free and open-source software enthusiasts. The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is calling on supporters to organize in-person meetups throughout May – dubbed LibreLocal month – to connect, learn and celebrate the principles of software freedom. The initiative builds on the success of 2025, when nearly thirty LibreLocal meetups took place across five continents.
The idea behind LibreLocal is simple: bring people together. These gatherings can range from casual conversations in a local cafe to multi-day conferences with workshops and presentations. The FSF encourages organizers to focus on topics like free software and free culture, digital rights, decentralized social networks, and the right to repair. The goal is to foster grassroots campaigns and build a stronger community around the core tenets of free software, which prioritizes user freedom and control.
Last year’s meetups spanned the globe, with events held in countries including Brazil, Canada, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, and the United States. The FSF is hoping to surpass that number in 2026, and is offering support to those willing to take the lead. According to the FSF, the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative demonstrates the success of decades of work advocating for free software.
The FSF is offering financial assistance to help cover the costs of organizing a LibreLocal meetup, but funding is limited. Those interested in applying for a grant must first create an account or log in on my.fsf.org and then submit a request. The deadline to apply for funding is March 15, 2026.
Resources for Organizers
For those looking to host a meetup, the FSF provides a wealth of resources. A comprehensive meetup guide offers tips and tricks for planning a successful event. Organizers can also utilize a template for a safe space policy to ensure inclusivity and respect. The FSF also shares recaps of successful events from 2025, published in two parts.
The FSF emphasizes that the format of a LibreLocal meetup is entirely up to the organizers. Events can be as simple as a coffee gathering or as elaborate as a multi-day conference. The organization encourages events that promote the free software philosophy and the concept of freedom at its core.
Connecting and Finding Events
Individuals interested in organizing a meetup can connect with others by adding their name to the organizing page on the LibrePlanet wiki, or by emailing [email protected]. The FSF will assist in connecting potential collaborators in the same geographic area.
Those looking to attend a LibreLocal meetup can check the sign-up list on the LibrePlanet wiki for events happening near them. The FSF will promote listed events through its newsletter and social media channels.
To help get started, the FSF suggests a quick checklist: reserve a venue, list the event on the LibrePlanet wiki, study the meetup guide, apply for support (if needed), and let the FSF know how they can help. Most importantly, the FSF encourages participants to have fun and connect with fellow free software enthusiasts.
The Free Software Foundation’s renewed push for LibreLocal meetups underscores its commitment to building a vibrant and collaborative community around free software. With the application deadline for funding approaching on March 15, 2026, those interested in organizing an event are encouraged to take action soon.
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