My name is Carmen. Free software is one of my favourite things on the planet.

I learnt about free software when I was 13, all the way back in the 2000s. As someone who adored computers and loved learning about them, free software blew my mind in the best possible way. 

But back then, there wasn't much at all for people my age who cared about software freedom. It was hard to get involved, especially when you're dealing with school and teenage turmoil at the same time!

Now I'm all grown up, I want to give teens who love free software like I did something just for them. Mission:Libre is my project to carve out a little space in free software just for teens, something that speaks to their interests and serves their unique needs. Free software is for everyone, no matter your age.

It's tough being a teenager. It's even harder when you're under surveillance. 

Any student at a school that uses non-free 'classroom management software' can tell you all about it. Let the spy in your computer see the wrong piece of art, a moment of minor rebellion or a little curiosity into controversial subjects, and you might find yourself having to explain to school administrators that your innocent adolescent exploration isn't a threat. And to add insult to injury, if you want to hide in the school bathroom to have a quiet moment to yourself to calm down afterwards, you might have to let some distant company know about it to get a hall pass. 

Even once school is done for the day, things don't get much better. Teens' lives are lived through software more than ever before. Non-free social media has become a refuge for teens missing places to spend their time, even though it's designed to exploit their vulnerabilities and fears. Youth culture revolves around non-free computer games and DRMed media. Non-free software, and the harm it brings, is ubiquitous in their lives. 

Free software offers teens a way out. Nothing else puts their dignity back at the centre of their digital lives like free software does. Only free software tells them they don't have to compromise their right to privacy, their right to explore and their right to share. 

In turn, teens have a lot to give free software. They are tomorrow's programmers and technical writers. If they're taught about free software at a young age, they can be motivated by its values to consider a future in computing and take up the vital work of writing and maintaining the many free software projects that will need their skills.

I want Mission:Libre to be there to make free software stronger year after year.  I'll start by building a great community and culture for the future. This is what I plan to do in Mission:Libre's first year:

Introduce teens to free software

I'll make all sorts of age-appropriate materials telling teens why the four freedoms are important and how free software works in their best interest. To share my work, I'll forge relationships with other projects for youth that can help Mission:Libre get teens excited about free software.

Create a fun, supportive online community for teens interested in free software

Mission:Libre's online community will be a welcoming place for teens to share what they know, learn new skills and find friends to collaborate with. It'll have structured discussions, online celebrations and monthly challenges to help teens learn more about free software and technology.

I'm aware of the plans many countries have to age-restrict social media sites. I'm doing my best to support campaigns against the restrictions and encourage regulators to exempt projects like Mission:Libre. But even if I'm not successful, there's always something Mission:Libre can do to give teens an online community!

Publish an online magazine once a month 

Mission:Libre's magazine will be a very useful resource for young people wanting to learn about free software. It'll have a range of fascinating articles including answers to questions, stories about software freedom issues, tutorials and projects, all from a youth perspective. Mission:Libre's magazine will help them switch free software, understand the issues and feel connected to the rest of the movement.

Start free software clubs, online and offline 

Mission:Libre will offer a range of weekly and fortnightly clubs over videochat. The clubs will be places for members to collaborate on in-depth projects with others and have fun with free software in a sociable environment. I'll also be running a club offline in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Help teens choose free software 

Young people deserve software freedom. In Mission:Libre's first year, I'll start work with teenagers and their parents to make it possible for them to choose free software at school. I'll also help them bring their friends over to free messaging apps.

I know times are uncertain right now, but I can't do any of this without your support. 

Mission:Libre's first yearly budget is tiny: just US$45,800. This covers:

• A salary for one person at no more than 130% of the New Zealand Living Minimum Wage;
• Hosting for Mission:Libre's websites and online services;
• Other expenses typical of small businesses: filing fees, insurance, levies, etc. 

Any amount you can give will go a long way towards helping make Mission:Libre possible. Please consider making a donation at the link below:

Donate