There's no better way to show a member of the free software community
that you appreciate their efforts to cultivate the free software
movement than by nominating them to the Free Software Awards. Whether
you're a deeply entrenched member of that community yourself or a
newcomer to the movement, you can take the time today to show that you
appreciate one particular member or project's commitment to the ideals
of software freedom. By nominating someone, you send the message that
you appreciate their vital work.
Nominate someone today. The deadline for nominations is November 21
at 23:59 EST (04:59 UTC).
Each year, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) presents the Free
Software Awards to a select group of individuals and projects as a
formal expression of the community's appreciation. These awards are
given out at LibrePlanet, our conference for activists, hackers,
law professionals, artists, educators, students, policymakers,
tinkerers, free software beginners, and anyone fighting against
user-abusive antifeatures and bulk government surveillance. With the
Free Software Awards, we let these people and projects know that their
work is deeply appreciated. It's our way of thanking them for playing
a vital role in bringing the movement closer to its goals.
Maybe you've been inspired by the work of a particular member of the
free software community, or maybe you've been impressed by the great
strides made by a project that incorporates free software into its
platform for social change. We invite you to take a moment to
acknowledge each of them by nominating them for an award in one of
three categories:
Be advised that counting solely on others to nominate the projects
who inspire you might lead to your choice not getting nominated.
Additionally, the more nominations an organization or person receives,
the more it will make an impression on the award committee. Taking
initiative and speaking up for the community are important parts of
free software advocacy, and we urge you to make your voice heard.
Award for the Advancement of Free Software
The FSF Award for the Advancement of Free Software is presented
annually to a single individual who has made a great contribution to
the progress and advancement of free software through activities that
are in accord with the spirit of the community. Previous award winners
are listed on the FSF website.
The FSF Award for Projects of Social Benefit is presented to an
organization or team responsible for applying the principles of the
free software movement to a project that intentionally and
significantly benefits society in other aspects of life. Previous
award winners are listed on the FSF website.
Award for Outstanding New Free Software Contributor
The Award for Outstanding New Free Software Contributor is presented
annually to an individual newcomer to the community who has
demonstrated an outstanding dedication to software freedom. The award
recipient must have made their first significant free software-related
contributions in 2023 and show a pattern of ongoing activity. Their
contributions may have included things like: empowering the community
by organizing local meetups, software development, becoming involved
in the strategic or logistical planning of a project, working on
documentation, or helping to make improvements in the environment to
attract and keep contributors. Previous award winners are listed on
the FSF website.
The Free Software Awards are a perfect method for showing that
specific free software volunteer or project that you care about their
work, and that it inspires you in your own daily journey to freedom.
As we look forward to this year's LibrePlanet theme, it's also a small
way you can "cultivate community" in the free software sphere. Please
take the time to show those special people and projects that you
appreciate them by nominating them today.
