Why Mission:Libre?
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.
Why free software is more important than ever for teens
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 moment alone 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, pervades their lives completely.
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.
What is Mission:Libre?
Mission:Libre has four goals:
- Spread the word about free software to young people;
- Connect teens who care about free software with others;
- Help teens learn skills they'll need as they become tomorrows free software contributors and activists;
- Support teens to free their digital lives.
It's early days for Mission:Libre yet, but soon you can expect a thriving community for teens that care about free software! Watch this space!