HPR4166: Everybody organize Software Freedom Day!

Hacker Public Radio

Introduction

• Event: LibrePlanet
• Topic: Relaunching Software Freedom Day and the surrounding movement.
• Editing Note: The recording was edited to remove some visuals.

Background

• Personal Involvement: I have been organizing Software Freedom Day (SFD) in Brussels since 2012.
• Digital Freedom Foundation (DFF):
  • A nonprofit organization that has gone through various names and legal states.
  • Focuses on celebrating digital freedom through various events.
  • Initially focused on Software Freedom, later expanding to Hardware Freedom and Document Freedom.
  • Briefly included Education Freedom Day and Culture Freedom Day, but resources were limited.

History of Software Freedom Day

• 2004 Origins:
  • Matt Oquist recognized the quality of free software and lamented its obscurity.
  • Collaborated with the OpenCD project to create and distribute CDs containing free software.
  • CDs were distributed to various groups, organizations, and libraries to raise awareness.

Importance of Software Freedom

• Awareness and Advocacy:
  • Emphasis on the importance of making the public aware of the benefits and availability of free software.
  • Efforts to advocate for the use of free software in various domains.

Evolution and Challenges

• Expansion of Focus:
  • The movement expanded from Software Freedom to include Hardware and Document Freedom.
  • Periodic inclusion of Education and Culture Freedom days to address broader aspects of digital freedom.
• Resource Limitations:
  • Challenges faced due to limited resources, leading to a focus on the most impactful areas.

Conclusion

• Call to Action:
  • Encouragement for individuals and organizations to participate in and support Software Freedom Day.
  • Emphasis on the collective effort required to promote and sustain the movement.

Additional Information

• Contact and Participation:
  • Register your event on the website or keep an eye on the blog for updates or inspiration
  • Join the chat on the Software Freedom Day Matrix channel
  • Follow us on Mastodon