The Free Software Foundation recorded 46 LibreLocal gatherings on six continents in 2026—almost twice the previous year’s number. Formats ranged from conversations over coffee to larger workshops, but the purpose was shared: connecting people who want software that respects user freedom.

A movement is not maintained by repositories alone

The FSF provided organisers with guides, a safe-space policy template, promotional support, and limited funding. Local hosts chose their themes, from GNU/Linux introductions and practical help for new users to privacy, GPG, and the social consequences of restrictive software.

Alongside LibreLocal, the FSF continues Free Software Directory meetings and educational work. These activities may not attract the visibility of a major product launch, but they preserve documentation, welcome contributors, and turn abstract rights into practical skills.

The Dimitrium view: local autonomy is part of digital autonomy

Source code can be available globally, while trust is built locally. People are more likely to change tools, learn signature verification, or contribute when someone in their city and language can explain why it matters.

Forty years after the FSF’s founding, the challenge is not only to defend the definition of Free Software. It is to renew the network of people able to use, maintain, and pass that freedom on. LibreLocal is a modest but concrete response.

Source: Free Software Foundation — Forty-six free software meetups on six continents