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Dear Free Software Supporter,

The work of dedicated contributors is at the center of free
software's ability to [empower users][0]. Whether they're developers,
documentation writers, community organizers, or inspiring new
volunteers, everyone plays their own role in building the movement.
Together, the work of these community members contributes to the technical
excellence of free software, but more importantly, it makes it
possible for everyday people to live a full digital life without
compromising their freedom.

[0]: [link removed]

Each year, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) formally expresses our
appreciation to these individuals and organizations through the [Free
Software Awards][1]. These awards are given each year at
[LibrePlanet][2], our conference for free software community
activists, domain experts, and people seeking their own solutions to
problems like user-abusive antifeatures and bulk government
surveillance. The Free Software Awards let these people and projects
know that their work is deeply appreciated, and that they play a vital
role in bringing this global movement toward its goals.

[1]: [link removed]
[2]: [link removed]

You might know of a contributor or organization who has done
significant and user-empowering work on free software. We invite you
to take a moment to show them (and tell us) that you care, by
nominating them for an award in one of three categories: the [**Award
for the Advancement of Free Software**][3], the [**Award for Projects
of Social Benefit**][4], or the [**Award for Outstanding New Free
Software Contributor**][5]. Don't assume that someone else will
nominate them -- too often, everyone assuming someone else will
express the appreciation means that it never happens. As taking
initiative and speaking up for the community are important parts of
free software, why not take the time yourself to make sure your voice
is heard?

[3]: [link removed]
[4]: [link removed]
[5]: [link removed]

The deadline to submit your nominations is **October 28th**, 2020, at
15:00 UTC.

# 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. Last year's award was
accepted by [Jim Meyering][6], whose work on GNU [Coreutils][7] and
numerous other utilities was foundational in the early development of
the GNU operating system, and helps to keep it robust. Previous winners
include Deborah Nicholson, Karen Sandler, Alexandre Oliva, and Matthew
Garrett.

Submit your nomination for this individual award [here][8]!

[6]: [link removed]
[7]: [link removed]
[8]: [link removed]

# Award for Projects of Social Benefit

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. Last year's
award was accepted by [Let's Encrypt][9], an HTTPS certificate
authority that has made great strides in democratizing security on the Web.
Previous winners of this award include OpenStreetMap, Public Lab,
SecureDrop, GNU Health, Tor, and the Internet Archive.

Submit your nomination for this project/team award [here][10]!

[9]: [link removed]
[10]: [link removed]


# 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 2020, 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. Last year's award was accepted by
[Clarissa Lima Borges][11], who upon beginning an internship through
[Outreachy][12], immediately hit the ground running on improving
usability tests for [GNOME][13] desktop applications.

Submit your nomination for this individual award
[here][14]!

[11]: [link removed]
[12]: [link removed]
[13]: [link removed]
[14]: [link removed]

In the face of threats to user freedom coming from every different
angle -- including the ongoing pandemic -- let's press forward by
showing the hardworking members of our movement that we deeply
appreciate their dedication.

In freedom,

Greg Farough
Campaigns Manager
--
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Sent from the Free Software Foundation,

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