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*Read and share online: <https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/spring-bulletin-verifying-licenses-free-software-in-education-and-more>* Dear free software supporter, Software freedom needs our advocacy, our words and voices, and our generosity to spread. The biannual *Free Software Foundation Bulletin* is an item made for sharing, its articles from FSF staff and community members help facilitate the conversation about the importance of free software in daily life. It is a great tool to help people find their reason to *support* free software, to *contribute* to free software, or -- for the many who are just learning about it -- to *take their next steps* up the ladder to freedom. The physical printed pamphlets have already been mailed out to thousands of free software supporters. Now, we are happy to announce that the [online version is now available][1]. The *Bulletin* has articles about basic free software concepts, such as how to verify free software licenses, as well as timely articles tackling complex issues, such as artificial intelligence in government, and free software in education. There is even a delightful article (with a picture!) about the *legendary* Lemote Yeelong, the *first* fully free software-compatible netbook. [1]: https://magazine.fsf.org/2022-spring/?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail In this issue of the *Bulletin*, you'll learn about: * The dangers of the adoption of nonfree artificial intelligence software systems by governments around the world, specifically calling attention to the example of the Dutch "Toeslagenaffaire." The article illustrates the very real and horrific consequences of doing [injustice to everyday citizens][2]; * An examination of ["industry standard" in technology][3] used in education, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the free software community; * [Free software on very old computers][4], the miracle of GNU/Linux keeping them alive and running (where proprietary commonly software fails), and the challenges of finding and maintaining updates for these old machines; * [The need for free software education now][5], in an article by guest writer (and [2022 LibrePlanet speaker][6]), Greta Goetz, PhD of University of Belgrade; * [The basics of how to verify free software licenses][7], a great primer for anyone getting started in free software. [2]: https://www.fsf.org/bulletin/2022/spring/unjust-algorithms?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [3]: https://www.fsf.org/bulletin/2022/spring/overcoming-the-hurdle-of-industry-standard-in-education-technology?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [4]: https://www.fsf.org/bulletin/2022/spring/old-but-not-forgotten?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [5]: https://www.fsf.org/bulletin/2022/spring/the-need-for-free-software-education-now?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [6]: https://framatube.org/w/55YqAxfXkezWszfjz3huja [7]: https://www.fsf.org/bulletin/2022/spring/verifying-free-software-the-basics?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail We expect this issue of the *Bulletin* to be very helpful in spreading the word of free software. If you know anyone who is seeking freedom in their digital life, **please share** -- share *freely*. (It is, after all, licensed under a [free license][8]). And, in case you missed it, we published a new item to introduce people to the idea of free software (and the perils of nonfree software) is the FSF's new video, *Escape to Freedom*. We encourage you to [watch][9] and [share][10]. [8]: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ [9]: https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/help-others-find-free-software-watch-and-share-escape-to-freedom [10]: https://fsf.org/share?u=https://u.fsf.org/escape-to-freedom&t=Watch%20and%20share%20the%20FSF%27s%20latest%20animated%20video%20%22Escape%20to%20Freedom%22%20about%20the%20need%20for%20software%20freedom%2C%20and%20how%20you%20can%20take%20your%20first%20step%20on%20the%20journey%20to%20liberation.%20%2523EscapetoFreedom Oh, and that's not all! Don't forget that, *for the first time ever*, the FSF is hosting a [Mastodon Hour][11] where you can join the FSF in an interactive session via Mastodon. The discussion topics are "helping others find their reason to support free software," "decentralization and federation," and "on the freedom ladder." The event will be this Friday, July 8, from 16:00 to 17:00 EDT (20:00 to 21:00 UTC) on Mastodon. This is yet another great way to show your support for free software while helping others take steps toward freedom. [11]: https://www.fsf.org/events/mastodon-hour20220624 Again, all of this great stuff needs our advocacy, our words and voices, and our generosity. We have just a few more days in our biannual fundraiser, and everyone's efforts have already resulted in an impact. Please help the mission of free software by helping other to find their reason to support free software. And what better way to do that than through the *Bulletin*, *Escape to Freedom*, and Mastodon Hour -- materials and events aimed to do just that! We're just about a third away from reaching our [spring fundraising goal][13] of USD 67,000 before July 8. [*Any* financial contribution][12] you can make goes to help the campaigns team spread the message of free software. For only $10 a month ($5 if you are a student), you can [join us][14] as an FSF associate member. Bringing new members to the community is a core part of the fight for software freedom, and helps us build a foundation of committed activists for years to come. It will help us create introductory materials such as these, in which we can assist people directly in their journey to learn more about free software. Getting the word out is just as important: please take a moment to [publicly bring attention][16] to the need for free software! Use the hashtag #UserFreedom, and share this message and others to help us build even further support. [13]: https://www.fsf.org/appeal?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [12]: https://my.fsf.org/donate?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [14]: https://my.fsf.org/join?mtm_campaign=spring22&mtm_source=bulletinmail [16]: https://www.fsf.org/share Did you receive the printed *Bulletin* in the mail? If so, please let us know when it arrives and help to get the word out by sharing a picture of your copy with the hashtag #fsfbulletin! We love seeing how far these little pamphlets travel -- and free software is necessary in every corner of the globe. Happy hacking, Devin Ulibarri Outreach & Communications Coordinator -- * Follow us on Mastodon at <https://hostux.social/@fsf>, GNU social at <https://status.fsf.org/fsf>, PeerTube at <https://framatube.org/accounts/fsf/video-channels>, and on Twitter at @fsf. * Read about why we use Twitter, but only with caveats at <https://www.fsf.org/twitter>. * Subscribe to our RSS feeds at <https://fsf.org/blogs/RSS>. * Join us as an associate member at <https://www.fsf.org/jf>. * Read our Privacy Policy at <https://www.fsf.org/about/free-software-foundation-privacy-policy>. Sent from the Free Software Foundation, 51 Franklin St, Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States You can unsubscribe from this mailing list by visiting https://my.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=165613&qid=76406494&h=761f20d801befdbc. To stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design, and the Free Software Supporter newsletter, visit https://my.fsf.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=165613&qid=76406494&h=761f20d801befdbc.
