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***

Dear Free Software Supporter,

You really came through this winter for free software. We made our
winter goal of $400,000 USD, and more. We then launched a
[last-minute extension][1] to gain 100 members in just 16 days, and we
came very close to that, too. In just two weeks, 79 new associate
members signed up — thank you!

[1]: [link removed]

We don't need to remind you that free software plays a vital role in
guaranteeing many other basic freedoms that are being undermined right
now, like the [right to be free of mass surveillance][2] or the [right
to read][3] what you want.

[2]: [link removed]
[3]: [link removed]

Since our [founding in 1985][4], we have laid out many stepping stones
on the road to software freedom and we are excited to keep pushing
this work forward in 2026. We will soon be announcing our plans around
this year's [International Day Against DRM][5] (IDAD), our next steps
on our [Email Self-Defense][6] program (which is an important step to
combat mass surveillance), and some events we look forward to
co-creating with you to connect with the wider global free software
community. Stay tuned!

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

Although our new member drive challenge for the beginning of the new
year has come to a close, it is of course never too late to help us
further our collective mission.

For as little as $12 USD a month ($6 USD for students), become part of
a huge global community today by [joining the FSF][7] as an associate
member.

[7]: [link removed]

2026 will be another key year in this global movement to free
ourselves and others from freedom-restricting software, and get us
closer to [securing the future of a free society][9]. We are energized
to keep working with you toward realizing this future.

[9]: [link removed]

In freedom,

Heshan de Silva-Weeramuni
Program Manager
--
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Sent from the Free Software Foundation,

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