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| = Booth Volunteer FAQ = Free Software Foundation Europe |
## page was renamed from Activities/OrganizeABooth/BoothFAQ #language en ## page was renamed from Migrated/BoothFAQ '''Booth Volunteer FAQ''' |
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| Copyright c 2001, 2002 Free Software Foundation Europe. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts. | This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the [[http://fsfe.org | FSFE]] at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding the FSFE and Free Software. |
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| === Abstract === This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the Free Software Foundation Europe at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding Free Software, FSFE and software patents. |
For more information you may also see the [[Advocacy/faq_en|Advocacy FAQ]] which has more information and answers to some common questions asked. |
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| == FSF & FSF Europe == === What is the Free Software Foundation Europe? === The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) was founded in 2001 as the sister organisation of the Free Software Foundation (FSF) in the USA to take care of all aspects of Free Software in Europe. |
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| == Where is FSFE located? == Though operating throughout Europe, the main office of the FSFE is in Germany. The adress is |
= FSFE = |
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| . ''Free Software Foundation Europe e.V.'' . ''Talstraße 110'' . ''40217 Düsseldorf'' . ''Germany'' In addition, there are local chapters in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, UK, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia and Sweden. == Why is a European FSF necessary? == Looking at the development of Free Software in the last years, it is clear that many important projects have originated in Europe. Because of the difference in judicial systems between Europe and USA it becomes necessary to ensure that legal matters surrounding Free Software are also -confronted- in Europe. This is especially important in regards to ensure that the validity of Free Software licenses like GNU GPL and LGPL apply equally to European law. FSF Europe works together with several legal experts on this issue. |
== What is the Free Software Foundation Europe? == The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a charity founded in 2001 whose mission is to keep the power over technology in your hands. The FSFE works on legal and policy issues related to free software, to ensure each and every one of us can take advantage of the full power of computing, using free software without hindrance. |
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| The Free Software Foundation Europe is primarily involved in the following activities: | See https://fsfe.org/campaigns/campaigns.en.html and our web pages in general for detailed information. In particular, it's worth noting the FSFE hosts the largest legal network of free software legal experts (300+ lawyers), we do political lobbying and grass roots engagement towards the European Commission and governments around Europe. We provide education and raise public awareness of Free Software in many ways, including participating at events and running local campaigns. |
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| === Technische Aufgaben === Direktes oder indirektes Engagement in technischen Aktivitäten, wobei besonderes Augenmerk auf die Identifizierung und Lösung von bisher nicht genügend beachteten Engpässen gelegt wird. Z. B. das AGNULA Projekt. |
== How is FSFE organised? == Due to the lack of common European organisation laws, FSFE is formally a central organisation in Germany, but with hundreds of volunteers and thousands supporters throughout all countries in Europe. Most of our work is done in local and thematic teams, with a core team and coordinators team in which all coordinators of the different teams participate. In addition, many core volunteers, who feel strongly connected to the FSFE, are also formally members of the FSFE, meaning they have a controlling function similar to that of a board of directors. |
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| === Kompetenzzentrum === Die FSF Europe stellt ein Kompetenzzentrum für Freie Software zur Verfügung. Sie begleitet den po- litischen Prozeß auf EU-, Länder- und kommunaler Ebene und bemüht sich sicherzustellen, dass Freie Software eine angemessene Berücksichtigung im politischen und legislativem System findet. Z. B. die Empfehlung für das 6. Rahmenprogramm der Europäischen Kommission. |
The FSFE has an office with roughly five or six full time staff in Berlin, Germany, where also also often have interns joining us for shorter or longer times. We also have some staff, permanent or project, located in other countries. |
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| === Juristische Arbeit === Mit Hilfe der am weitesten verbreiteten Lizenzen für Freie Software der GNU GPL und der GNU LGPL stellt die FSF und die FSF Europe weltweit sicher, dass die Freiheiten Freier Software gewart werden. Dazu zählt die Vertretung der GNU GPL vor Gericht, als auch die Anpassung an neue juristische und technische Entwicklungen. Z. B. die Ausnahmeregelung für Freie Software in der Revision des deutschen Urheberrechts 2002. |
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| === Schaffung von Bewusstsein === == Wie sind FSF Europe und FSF organisiert? == Mangels eines europäischen Körperschaftsrechts ist die FSF Europe modular aufgebaut und besteht aus einer zentralen Organisation (dem „Hub“) mit Satelliten (den „Chaptern“) in allen beteiligten Ländern. Die zentrale Organisation ist ein eingetragener, gemeinnütziger Verein nach deutschem Recht, dem alle Mitglieder der FSF Europe angehören. Mitgliedschaft in diesem zentralen Verein ist Voraussetzung für die Mitgliedschaft in einem Chapter. Der Hub und die Chapter der FSF Europe sind demokratisch organisiert, wobei die wesentlichen Ent- scheidungen gemeinsam auf europäischer Ebene gefällt und an die Chapter weitergereicht werden. Durch diesen „legal hack“ ist es uns möglich, faktisch eine europäische Einheit zu bilden. Positionen werden durch Wahl vergeben, üblicherweise in einem zwei-Jahres Rhytmus. Diesem Skelett zugeordnet („assoziiert“) sind die sogenannten assoziierten Organisationen der FSF Eu- rope (siehe ??), die im Gegensatz zur FSF Europe selber prinzipiell jedem offenstehen (siehe ??). Diese assoziierten Vereine nehmen unmittelbar an den Vorgängen innerhalb der FSF Europe teil und werden in die Kommunikation mit einbezogen. Auf diese Art und Weise kann jeder durch Beitritt zu einer assozierten Organisation an dem Innenleben der FSF Europe teilhaben. |
== Is FSFE independent from FSF in USA? == FSFE is legally and organisationally independent from the FSF. That we share a similar name has some historical relevance, but in practice, we have different leadership, engage in different activities, work with different stakeholders, and have sometimes different ways of working. Both, however, share the common goal of working for free software, and both operate internationally. |
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| == Ist die FSF Europe unabhängig von der FSF in den USA? == Ähnlich wie bei anderen internationalen NGOs („Non-Governmental-Organizations“) ist die FSF Eu- rope organisatorisch unabhängig von der FSF, wird von dieser aber als offizielle Schwesterorganisation anerkannt. Insbesondere Spenden an eine FSF werden von allen anderen anerkannt. Alle FSF’es weltweit arbeiten eng miteinander und sprechen sich bei der Wahrnehmung der Interessen Freier Software ab. |
== How is FSFE financed? == FSFE is mainly financed through monetary donations, our supporters and the sale of merchandise. (see http://www.fsfe.org/about/funds/funds.en.html for details) |
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| == Wie finanzieren sich FSF Europe und FSF? == Hauptsächlich durch Spenden, aber auch Merchandise, Projekte und u.U. Fördermittel. |
== How many people are part of FSFE? == FSFE has around 100 active volunteers across Europe, and a few thousands supporters which support our work financially or through their activities. |
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| == Wie viele Personen stecken hinter der FSF Europe? == Derzeit besteht die FSF Europe aus 11 Personen, wobei diese in Deutschland, Frankreich, Italien und Schweden ansässig sind. Dazu zählen: |
== Is it possible to become a member of FSFE? == Yes! You can join the FSFE as a supporter, which is a good step towards becoming engaged in our activities. You can also join one of our topical or local teams as a volunteer. Regardless of how you contribute, you're welcome as a part of the FSFE. If you're interested in becoming a formal member of the FSFE e.V., the non-profit central organisation, you can read more about this on the [[Teams/GA]] page. == How can I support FSFE? == There are many ways you can contribute to the FSFE. The most obvious are: * Maintaining or translating websites. * Translating leaflets and articles. * Organising and participating in booths at conferences. * Donating to FSFE by joining as a supporter. (See also http://www.fsfe.org/contribute/contribute.en.html) == Are donations to FSFE tax-deductable? == They are, at least in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. See http://www.fsfe.org/donate/donate.en.html for details) == How do I contact FSFE? == See http://www.fsfe.org/contact/contact.en.html for most recent and updated info. = Free Software = == What is Free Software? == Each one has a different way of explaining free software, and you should try and see what works for you. You may find our [[https://fsfe.org/campaigns/15years/15years|15 years birthday video]] interesting and a useful starting point. Ultimately, how you explain free software also comes down to who you're talking to. If you want to be technical, you cna mention the following four freedoms, which define free software. But often you don't need to talk about the four freedoms unless you're specifically asked what the parameters are for something to be free software. Free Software is defined through the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software: 1. '''The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.''' . ''Placing restrictions on the use of Free Software, such as time ("30 days trial period", "license expires January 1st, 2004") purpose ("permission granted for research and non-commercial use", "may not be used for benchmarking") or geographic area ("must not be used in country X") makes a program non-free.'' 2. '''The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.''' . ''Placing legal or practical restrictions on the comprehension or modification of a program, such as mandatory purchase of special licenses, signing of a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) or - for programming languages that have multiple forms or representation - making the preferred human way of comprehending and editing a program ("source code") inaccessible also makes it proprietary (non-free). Without the freedom to modify a program, people will remain at the mercy of a single vendor.'' 3. '''The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.''' . ''Software can be copied/distributed at virtually no cost. If you are not allowed to give a program to a person in need, that makes a program non-free. This can be done for a charge, if you so choose.'' 4. '''The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.''' . ''Not everyone is an equally good programmer in all fields. Some people don't know how to program at all. This freedom allows those who do not have the time or skills to solve a problem to indirectly access the freedom to modify. This can be done for a charge.'' Important points to note are: * The term "Free" refers to Freedom, not price. * The opposite of Free Software is proprietary or non-free software. * Free Software places no restrictions on commercial use. == What is the difference between Free Software, Public Domain, Shareware, Freeware and Open Source? == Among these categories, only Free Software and Open Source actually ensures that any user has the freedom to modify the software and distribute her or his changes. While a computer program in Public Domain would be freely distributable, the lack of available source code would render it non-free according to the definition of Free Software. Shareware and Freeware are generally used to describe proprietary (non-free) software that can be downloaded free of charge and have nothing to do with Free Software. Not only are Shareware and Freeware provided without any source code, they are also often licenced in a way that even further distribution might be illegal. It's important to point out that Free Software and Open Source means the same software. The FSFE prefer to speak of free software, and try to be consistent in this. We do not, however, consider there to be any difference between the two terms. The tension is often not between free software and open source but between free and open source proponents and these who say free or open source but mean something less. Any chance we can get to point out that free software and open source are the same, the better. It mitigates the feeling of a division in the community and encourages the community to stand together against those who try to disrupt our work. ---- [[Category/Booth]] [[Category/Faq]] |
Booth Volunteer FAQ
This document is primarily a guide for volunteers who would like to present the FSFE at conferences, forums and similar. It includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding the FSFE and Free Software.
For more information you may also see the Advocacy FAQ which has more information and answers to some common questions asked.
Contents
-
FSFE
- What is the Free Software Foundation Europe?
- What does FSFE do?
- How is FSFE organised?
- Is FSFE independent from FSF in USA?
- How is FSFE financed?
- How many people are part of FSFE?
- Is it possible to become a member of FSFE?
- How can I support FSFE?
- Are donations to FSFE tax-deductable?
- How do I contact FSFE?
- Free Software
FSFE
What is the Free Software Foundation Europe?
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a charity founded in 2001 whose mission is to keep the power over technology in your hands. The FSFE works on legal and policy issues related to free software, to ensure each and every one of us can take advantage of the full power of computing, using free software without hindrance.
What does FSFE do?
See https://fsfe.org/campaigns/campaigns.en.html and our web pages in general for detailed information. In particular, it's worth noting the FSFE hosts the largest legal network of free software legal experts (300+ lawyers), we do political lobbying and grass roots engagement towards the European Commission and governments around Europe. We provide education and raise public awareness of Free Software in many ways, including participating at events and running local campaigns.
How is FSFE organised?
Due to the lack of common European organisation laws, FSFE is formally a central organisation in Germany, but with hundreds of volunteers and thousands supporters throughout all countries in Europe. Most of our work is done in local and thematic teams, with a core team and coordinators team in which all coordinators of the different teams participate. In addition, many core volunteers, who feel strongly connected to the FSFE, are also formally members of the FSFE, meaning they have a controlling function similar to that of a board of directors.
The FSFE has an office with roughly five or six full time staff in Berlin, Germany, where also also often have interns joining us for shorter or longer times. We also have some staff, permanent or project, located in other countries.
Is FSFE independent from FSF in USA?
FSFE is legally and organisationally independent from the FSF. That we share a similar name has some historical relevance, but in practice, we have different leadership, engage in different activities, work with different stakeholders, and have sometimes different ways of working. Both, however, share the common goal of working for free software, and both operate internationally.
How is FSFE financed?
FSFE is mainly financed through monetary donations, our supporters and the sale of merchandise. (see http://www.fsfe.org/about/funds/funds.en.html for details)
How many people are part of FSFE?
FSFE has around 100 active volunteers across Europe, and a few thousands supporters which support our work financially or through their activities.
Is it possible to become a member of FSFE?
Yes! You can join the FSFE as a supporter, which is a good step towards becoming engaged in our activities. You can also join one of our topical or local teams as a volunteer. Regardless of how you contribute, you're welcome as a part of the FSFE.
If you're interested in becoming a formal member of the FSFE e.V., the non-profit central organisation, you can read more about this on the Teams/GA page.
How can I support FSFE?
There are many ways you can contribute to the FSFE. The most obvious are:
- Maintaining or translating websites.
- Translating leaflets and articles.
- Organising and participating in booths at conferences.
- Donating to FSFE by joining as a supporter.
(See also http://www.fsfe.org/contribute/contribute.en.html)
Are donations to FSFE tax-deductable?
They are, at least in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. See http://www.fsfe.org/donate/donate.en.html for details)
How do I contact FSFE?
See http://www.fsfe.org/contact/contact.en.html for most recent and updated info.
Free Software
What is Free Software?
Each one has a different way of explaining free software, and you should try and see what works for you. You may find our 15 years birthday video interesting and a useful starting point. Ultimately, how you explain free software also comes down to who you're talking to. If you want to be technical, you cna mention the following four freedoms, which define free software. But often you don't need to talk about the four freedoms unless you're specifically asked what the parameters are for something to be free software.
Free Software is defined through the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:
The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
Placing restrictions on the use of Free Software, such as time ("30 days trial period", "license expires January 1st, 2004") purpose ("permission granted for research and non-commercial use", "may not be used for benchmarking") or geographic area ("must not be used in country X") makes a program non-free.
The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs.
Placing legal or practical restrictions on the comprehension or modification of a program, such as mandatory purchase of special licenses, signing of a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) or - for programming languages that have multiple forms or representation - making the preferred human way of comprehending and editing a program ("source code") inaccessible also makes it proprietary (non-free). Without the freedom to modify a program, people will remain at the mercy of a single vendor.
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
Software can be copied/distributed at virtually no cost. If you are not allowed to give a program to a person in need, that makes a program non-free. This can be done for a charge, if you so choose.
The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits.
Not everyone is an equally good programmer in all fields. Some people don't know how to program at all. This freedom allows those who do not have the time or skills to solve a problem to indirectly access the freedom to modify. This can be done for a charge.
Important points to note are:
- The term "Free" refers to Freedom, not price.
- The opposite of Free Software is proprietary or non-free software.
- Free Software places no restrictions on commercial use.
What is the difference between Free Software, Public Domain, Shareware, Freeware and Open Source?
Among these categories, only Free Software and Open Source actually ensures that any user has the freedom to modify the software and distribute her or his changes.
While a computer program in Public Domain would be freely distributable, the lack of available source code would render it non-free according to the definition of Free Software.
Shareware and Freeware are generally used to describe proprietary (non-free) software that can be downloaded free of charge and have nothing to do with Free Software. Not only are Shareware and Freeware provided without any source code, they are also often licenced in a way that even further distribution might be illegal.
It's important to point out that Free Software and Open Source means the same software. The FSFE prefer to speak of free software, and try to be consistent in this. We do not, however, consider there to be any difference between the two terms. The tension is often not between free software and open source but between free and open source proponents and these who say free or open source but mean something less.
Any chance we can get to point out that free software and open source are the same, the better. It mitigates the feeling of a division in the community and encourages the community to stand together against those who try to disrupt our work.