TITLE: Strengthen the free software movement -- join the FSF today!
Since its inception, the free software movement has consisted of a
group of passionate people standing up for what was right. Nothing has
changed since then. We are still fighting the oppressive nature of
proprietary software. We have made solid inroads, and the community is
as passionate as ever. The FSF is proud to represent such a dedicated
group of people and we work to empower everyone to be part of a free
digital society, one where software respects our freedom and dignity.
No movement has ever succeeded without strength in numbers, which is
why we are looking to add 600 advocates to this cause by December
31st. Becoming an [FSF associate member](https://my.fsf.org/join?pk_campaign=frfall2019&pk_source=appeal) is easy. If you can spare
a monthly $10 ($5 for students), your member dues amplify your voice
in the fight for your user rights, and help the FSF fight to protect
freedom for everyone. In appreciation, we offer associate members many [benefits](https://www.fsf.org/associate/benefits). If you have already been an FSF member and your
membership has expired, please take this moment to [renew](https://my.fsf.org/renew?pk_campaign=frfall2019&pk_source=appeal). For
this year-end fundraiser, we even have some exclusive gifts for all
associate members who join us, or renew, as well as some extra motivation
for those who can give a bit more than the base membership.
**Patches**: New or renewing members who sign up at the annual
associate member rate of $120, get these eye-catching patches!
They’ll make a stylish addition to your jacket or messenger bag,
and will start some much needed conversations about why all
software should be free.
**Thermos**: Heat up your commitment to the FSF by joining or renewing
at the next level. Become an associate member for $200, and you
can keep your favorite beverages toasty all day long in
this sleek travel mug, as well as make a fashion statement
with your patches. Rest assured: this 100% DRM-free mug will
let you drink whatever you choose.
**Backpack**: Members who join us or renew as an associate member at
the generous $350 level will be the first kid on your block to
show off this super-deluxe 15" laptop rucksack with an elegant
embroidered logo that will look great with your newly obtained FSF
patches on it.
**GO ALL-IN**: Anyone who becomes a new, or renewed, associate
member of the FSF with increased member dues from $500 and up will
receive the entire premium pack of patches, thermos, and
backpack, as well as an optional [public ThankGNU](https://www.gnu.org/thankgnus/). With your
things neatly organized in a backpack covered with patches, and
coffee forever to go, you will be ready to fight for freedom!
Any students renewing or joining at the annual rate of $60 will receive the
ever-popular [Super Sticker Mega Multi Pack](https://shop.fsf.org/stickers/super-sticker-mega-multi-pack).
Leave us an inspiring note when you become an associate members, and
we will feature your reason here to help convince other people!
*"Large financial interests should not dominate technology."*
*"As a programmer and computer scientist, free software makes up an
important aspect of what I do. And, in many ways, it seems to me
that free software will be the future."*
*"FSF has been a pioneer in the effort to promote technology for
people before profits."*
#ISupportFreeSoftware: inspire three people to receive thank you-gifts!
It is not always easy to explain to your neighbor or friend what
free software is, or why it is so important. But taking the time
to explain it, and motivating the people in your community to
think critically about how much control they actually have over
their software is the only way to keep our community growing and
counter the billions of dollars that proprietary software
companies use to strip our user rights.
Images by FSF intern Valessio Brito.
Click the image to see it full sized, obtain the source file, or get the embed codes.
We would like to offer our year-end gifts to those people that are the
most vocal, as well as our eternal gratitude for expanding our
community. On our associate member [registration page](https://my.fsf.org/join?pk_campaign=frfall2019&pk_source=appeal), we ask
people to give a reason why they joined. If you are able to motivate
three people to join us as an associate member and leave your name in
that box, we will give you an exclusive FSF thermos, with five you get
a backpack, and for those who go all the way and can convince ten
people sign up -- you get all three of our fall fundraiser premiums.
To start you off, we have some useful [social media images](https://www.fsf.org/resources/badges), and we
will be posting new images regularly these next six weeks, each with a
different theme. The themes reflect problems with proprietary software
that people are generally aware of, but where they often do not have
the knowledge to see that things could be different. We hope you can
use them to help grab people's attention. Please use the hashtag **#ISupportFreeSoftware**
to help motivate other people to do the same. If you translate any of our images into your own language, please send
them to , and we will make them available for
everyone.
Share your victories and experiences with free software online or in
person with your community, and then take the time to explain to
people that there are solutions, and that they don't have to endure
the abuses of proprietary software in their daily lives. A good place
for them to embark on their free software journey would be through
supporting the FSF. You can also [gift an associate membership](https://www.fsf.org/associate/gift),
which would be the fast way to get three referrals and your gift.
Besides associate memberships, the FSF relies on individual [donations](https://my.fsf.org/donate?pk_campaign=frfall2019&pk_source=appeal). Any amount that fits your budget will make a real
difference and can help us bring people together around free
software. Have a look at ["other ways to donate"](https://www.fsf.org/about/ways-to-donate) to see if there
is a simple action you can take to give further support to the FSF. If
you prefer to donate or join in euro or pound sterling, please email
for the details.
The movement's success hinges on its people -- those writing the code
and documentation, making and selling hardware, organizing
communities, publishing advocacy articles, and inspiring people around
them. With your help we can further this cause, and together we can
keep building towards a freer future.
Yours in freedom,
The Free Software Foundation
Zoë, Andrew, Craig, Dana, Dawn, Donald, Greg, Ian, Jeanne, John H., John S., Matt, Michael, and Ruben.
Your associate membership or donation to the Free Software Foundation
is tax-deductible. Your employer may match your charitable
contributions, and the FSF generally qualifies for these matches. Our
EIN is 042888848.
If you are a US government employee, use CFC
charity code 63210 to support us through the Combined Federal
Campaign. You have until January 12, 2020 to
pledge.