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Dear Free Software Supporter,

Times are tough in 2021, but free software enthusiasts are a tenacious
lot, and while we haven't been able to hug many friends, we haven't
lost touch with them, either, thanks to a wonderful plethora of [free
software communications tools][0]. Given how crucial our families and
social networks are to our ability to survive and thrive right now,
we're so fortunate to be able to talk to all the people we love,
anywhere in the world, without sacrificing our principles or exposing
ourselves and our loved ones to the predatory and abusive practices of
proprietary software companies. The handcrafted communications tools
we use don't come with strings attached – they are a simple and
perfect gift, shared with an absolute commitment to generosity and
respect.

[0]: [link removed]

Accordingly, our friends at the [Free Software Foundation Europe
(FSFE)][1] have chosen the theme of "staying connected" for their I
Love Free Software Day celebration, which happens every year on
February 14, Valentine's Day, and we also want you to share the love!

[1]: [link removed]

## Tell the world why you love free software

FSFE has created a very cute and clever picture for you to customize
and share for the occasion: you can add your favorite photo of
yourself to [an I Love Free Software frame][2] and then, [following
these instructions][3], add your own reasons why free software brings
you joy every day! We encourage you to share your custom picture on
your preferred [social media][4] with the hashtag #IloveFS. You can
read more about why FSFE loves free software [in their blog][5], and
listen to messages from free software supporters on [their upcoming
podcast][6], including one from Free Software Foundation (FSF)
campaigns manager Greg Farough.

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

## Show your loved ones that you care about their freedom

It may be easier to just default to the substandard options most
people are using for video chat, like Zoom or Skype, but by now I'm
sure you're familiar with all of the pitfalls of using proprietary
software for work, [school][7], and leisure. As [Javier Sepulveda
wrote][8] in our Spring 2020 *Free Software Foundation Bulletin*,
"these tools are free because the product is the user, and the benefit
is derived from intercepting the data transmitted through these
platforms." But Javier's story, in which he convinced local schools to
use Jitsi Meet for classes instead, demonstrates that as long as you
have user-friendly free software options available, it's actually not
that hard to get people to use them.

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

Today is the perfect day to show someone you love that you care about
their right to control the software they use. So if you've been
thinking of using Jitsi, GNU Jami, BigBlueButton, [or another free
software program][9] to make your next video call to your best friend,
or your cousin, or your nieces and nephews in the next town, or state,
or country, try it now! It's a great way to open up a conversation
about your favorite subject, and ours -- more free software supporters
are essential to build our movement.

[9]: [link removed]

If you want to take this conversation a step farther, you can even
purchase someone you love a [gift associate membership to the
FSF][10]. Along with many other [benefits][11], all FSF members have
free access to our handy [Jitsi Meet server][12]!.

[10]: [link removed]
[11]: [link removed]
[12]: [link removed]

We don't know when life will return to "normal," but we can see the
light at the end of the tunnel. Until we get there, free software has
all the tools you need to reach the people who make your heart sing
and keep your spirits high. Share the love, and spread freedom far and
wide!

Happy and healthy hacking!

Dana Morgenstein
Outreach and Communications Coordinator

--
* Follow us on Mastodon at <[link removed]>, GNU social at
<[link removed]>, Diaspora at <[link removed]>,
PeerTube at <[link removed]>, and on Twitter at @fsf.
* Read about why we use Twitter, but only with caveats at <[link removed]>.
* Subscribe to our RSS feeds at <[link removed]>.
* Join us as an associate member at <[link removed]>.
* Read our Privacy Policy at <[link removed]>.

Sent from the Free Software Foundation,

51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335
United States


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