Free software needs you. Don't just take my word for it! 5 people from the free software movement have written to tell you what free software means to them and welcome you to our community.
Jason Self
Welcome! Software freedom gives you the power to shape computing so it serves people, not the other way around. Every contribution, big or small, matters. Learn, share, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The journey is rewarding, and you're not alone — I'm glad you're here. The movement needs your voice, your ideas, and your passion.
Jason Self is a free software advocate.
Zoë Kooyman
Welcome to the world of free software. We're glad you're here! You've just started a lifelong journey of discovery, of challenging (while protecting) yourself and others to take control over your technology, and of having fun while doing that.
Zoë Kooyman is executive director of the Free Software Foundation.
Alexandre Oliva
Hello gentlepeople,
I'm so happy you're interested in free software.
Controlling our own computing is essential.
Computing I do in my mind shouldn't be under anyone else's control, and computing I do with computers shouldn't either.
When asked to do computing using software I'm not allowed to control, I'm horrified, as I'd be with brain implants for others to control my thoughts. I hope you do too.
Help us pursue software freedom for all!
Alexandre Oliva is a free software activist, founder of FSF-Latin America and GNU contributor.
Miriam Bastian
Hi, I’m glad you discovered free software! The great thing about libre software is that it puts you in control and lets you tinker as much as you like. Nobody dictates you how to run it and what you may or may not do with it. Nothing prevents you from sharing free software with your friends. I look forward to seeing what you’ll create with free software. Why don’t you participate in the FSF40 hackathon to get started?
Miriam Bastian is program manager at the Free Software Foundation, the organization that promotes computer user freedom and defends the rights of all software users. She organizes the FSF40 hackathon, which will be held online November 21–23, 2025. For more information, see https://fsf.org/fsf40/.
Matthias Kirschner
By contributing to Free Software, you take an active role in shaping our society. Whether you program, translate, design, test, and promote Free Software or help others using it, you thereby shape a future in which technology empowers people — not controls them. I am sure you will find solutions to problems the current generations have no answers for and shape a world in which technology respects people and protects democracy.
Matthias Kirschner was the Free Software Foundation Europe's first intern, now its president, and author of "Ada & Zangemann - A tale of software, skateboards, and raspberry ice cream".