The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is once again rallying its community to organize local meetups throughout May, dubbed “LibreLocal” month. This initiative aims to bring free software enthusiasts together to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate the principles of software freedom. Following a successful inaugural year in 2025, the FSF is hoping to expand the reach of LibreLocal even further in 2026.
Last year, the response to the FSF’s call was significant, with twenty-nine LibreLocal meetups taking place across five continents. Events were held in a diverse range of locations, including Brazil, Canada, the Canary Islands of Spain, China, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Kenya, Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These gatherings varied in scale, from informal discussions to multi-day conferences, demonstrating the adaptability and enthusiasm of the free software community.
The FSF is actively encouraging individuals and groups to host meetups this year, offering support to organizers. Those interested in hosting a LibreLocal event can find resources, including a meetup guide, a safe space policy template, and accounts of successful events from 2025, on the FSF website. The organization is as well offering financial assistance, though grant amounts are limited. Applications for funding must be submitted by March 15, 2026, after creating an account on my.fsf.org.
LibreLocal meetups aren’t just for seasoned free software advocates. The FSF emphasizes that these events are also a valuable opportunity for newcomers to learn more about the benefits of free software and connect with a supportive community. The FSF is prepared to assist with promotion, and even has staff available to join events virtually or, when possible, in person.
Getting Involved: Organizing and Attending
For those looking to organize a meetup, the FSF recommends starting by reserving a venue – anything from a table at a local bar to a dedicated conference space. Organizers are then encouraged to list their event on the LibrePlanet wiki, where the FSF will promote it through its newsletter and social media channels. The wiki also provides a space for organizers to connect with others interested in collaborating.
Individuals seeking to attend a LibreLocal meetup can check the sign-up list on the LibrePlanet wiki for events happening in their area. The FSF encourages potential attendees to explore the available options and participate in the growing global movement for software freedom.
The FSF’s commitment to fostering a vibrant free software community extends beyond LibreLocal. Throughout 2025, the organization celebrated its fortieth anniversary with initiatives like LibreLocal month and an in-person celebration in Boston, Massachusetts. You can find more information about the FSF’s anniversary events here.
As the FSF looks ahead, the organization hopes to see LibreLocal continue to grow and inspire even more people to embrace the principles of free software. The success of the initiative hinges on the dedication and enthusiasm of its community members, and the FSF is committed to providing the resources and support needed to make LibreLocal 2026 a resounding success.
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to the FSF at [email protected] to connect with other organizers or to learn more about how you can contribute. Let’s make LibreLocal global again this year!
