Hi everyone!
I've been working on something really exciting I want to share with
you all.
For the past several months I've been working on a project whose aim is to bring
teenagers into the free software movement, help them develop their
skills and give them a fun and supportive community that will sustain
their interest.
My project is currently unnamed[1]. The idea for it was inspired by my
own memories of discovering free software at age 13. This is the kind
of thing I would have loved to participate in as a teenager. I
hope that's also true for today's teens.
This is an ambitious project and I'm in it for the long-term. I'd like
to start fairly small. In the first year, I'll be focussing on:
* Introducing teenagers to free software.
I'll be making plenty of age-appropriate materials telling people
about free software and working with other youth organisations to
distribute them to their members.
* Creating a community for teenagers interested in free
software.
I will run an online community with structured discussions and
online events. I'm also planning on running some biweekly free
software clubs using videoconferencing software. The online
communities will be safe places for young people to learn new skills
and share what they know with others.
* Publishing a small online magazine once a month.
The articles will be things like answers to questions, stories on free
software issues relevant to teenagers, inspiration for college and
careers in technology, programming tutorials, interviews with people
in the community and stories celebrating young people's successes.
* Helping teenagers fight back against non-free software in their
lives.
What I do here really depends on the needs of the young people that
join us. I want to work with them to find goals they can achieve
with some support. Based on what I know about how things are in my
local community, I would be looking at finding ways to help
teenagers win the right to choose free software at school and get
their friends to adopt free software social media and messaging
apps.
This project isn't just for teenagers that are interested in
programming. I have lots planned for everyone.
[1] I came up with a name ('LaunchLibre') many months ago. Despite
searching trademark registers and the internet, I somehow hadn't heard about
LaunchCode until this morning. Obviously, I'll be choosing another
name as soon as I can. Suggestions are very welcome.
Where I'm at now
----------------
I've done substantial research and made detailed plans for what
my project will do, how it'll be funded and how I hope it will grow
into the future. I've been experimenting in my local community with
distributing materials, speaking to community groups and working on
setting up a free software club for teenagers. I've learnt a lot about
what will work and what won't.
The plan for the next few months is to apply for a small business
grant and incorporate.
How you can help me
-------------------
I need members to found an incorporated society.
The law here in New Zealand says I need 10, but it's best if I have
around 20. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find enough people in
this country to get even remotely close to those numbers.
If you might be interested in becoming one of the society's members,
please message me off-list. There will only be an occasional time
commitment. Your participation is vital for making this a
reality and I'll be very thankful for your help. You can become a
member of the society even if you live outside of New Zealand.
I'm always appreciative of comments and advice. You can also help me by
sharing this information with other people you think might be interested.
If you're 13-18 and haven't graduated from secondary school yet, I'd
love to talk to you. This project is for you, and your thoughts mean a
lot to me!
Questions and updates
---------------------
I'm always happy to answer questions. I've thought long and hard about
everything to do with this project and I'm excited to share!
If you'd like updates on my progress, I'll be putting
together a mailing list. Please message me if you're interested.
If you're in Auckland, I'd love to meet you! I'll have a table at
the Christmas festival at Coast Plaza on December 8. I'll be there
from around 10 am to 3 pm with a break for lunch. If you can't make
it, you can message me and I'm sure we can arrange something else.
- Carmen
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