Summer of Internet Freedom

The release of the Declaration of Internet Freedom has sparked a vigorous global discussion about the role of the Internet in our lives — and how we can keep it free and open.

So this August we’re encouraging Internet users to continue the conversation by organizing a series of events — Internet BBQs, you could call them — across the country and around the world.

This is a great chance to eat good food, meet people from your community and discuss what Internet freedom means to you. The more that we engage with the Declaration and show public support for Internet freedom, the closer we’ll get to policies that protect our right to communicate online.

Want to host a Summer of Internet Freedom event? Take the first step and sign up here.

Or maybe you want to attend an event that’s already in the works. Find an event near you and sign up now.

Preparing for Your Event

What is the Declaration of Internet Freedom?
July 18, 2012
Looking for ways to launch a discussion of Internet freedom? Check out these tips. You may even want to print this out and share it with attendees.
What Are These Summer of Internet Freedom Events Anyway?
July 17, 2012
What's the Summer of Internet Freedom all about? Why are we asking people to organize their own events? Read on.
How to Host a Summer of Internet Freedom Event
July 15, 2012
Everything you need to know about planning your own event.
Creative Event Ideas
July 14, 2012
Stuck on what kind of event to host? Check out our list of suggestions.
Hosting an Event? We Have Discussion Questions for You
July 13, 2012
Here are some ideas to help you get the conversational ball rolling.

At Your Event

Printable Declaration of Internet Freedom
July 19, 2012
What can you do after you’re done grilling and noshing? Remix the Declaration! Here’s a printable version you can add comments and edits to.
Summer of Internet Freedom Eagle Poster
July 14, 2012
Here’s a printable poster to bring to your event. Use it for signage, pose with it for pictures or pass copies out to attendees.
Summer of Internet Freedom Sign-In Sheet
July 13, 2012
Please ask attendees to sign in as they arrive, and be sure to send a scanned copy of the sign-in sheet to us after the event (see “After Your Event”). This sign-in sheet will help you keep track of attendees and it’ll help us follow up with them about getting more involved in the fight to protect Internet freedom.
Taking Great Photos at Your Event
July 12, 2012
We wish we could be at your event to see how everything goes! But we can’t be everywhere at once. So please take pictures to share with us. We’ll use them to showcase all of the Summer of Internet Freedom events taking place around the world. Here are some pointers.
Fundraising for the Summer of Internet Freedom
July 11, 2012
We don't take a cent from business, government or political parties and rely on contributions from people like you to keep our work going. Could you ask your attendees to support our work? Here are some suggestions.

After Your Event

Tell Us How It Went
July 16, 2012
We can’t wait to hear about your event. Please take a moment to tell us what happened, who attended and what the experience was like for you. And be sure to attach some pics!
How to ‘Lobby’ Your Elected Officials on Internet Freedom
July 10, 2012
You can schedule face-to-face meetings with your elected officials to tell them about the importance of Internet freedom and to urge them to sign the Declaration of Internet Freedom.

Actions

Declaration of Internet Freedom

Tired of fighting bad bills like SOPA, PIPA and CISPA? Want to stand up against those who are trying to control what we do and say online?

Let's do something different. Add your name and join the global movement for Internet freedom.

Sign the Declaration
Presidential Candidates: Sign the Declaration!

The Declaration of Internet Freedom is a vision for protecting Internet freedom for good. Take action to urge President Obama and Gov. Romney to sign the Declaration of Internet Freedom.

Take Action!

Blog Posts

Alphabet Soup in Dubai
Josh Levy
December 6, 2012
Hungry for some global tech policy? Heard rumblings about the ITU meeting in Dubai and an alleged United Nations takeover of the Internet? Here's your bowl of Internet-flavored alphabet soup.
Verizon vs. Humans
Josh Levy
November 21, 2012

Last summer, Verizon — joined by smaller cellphone carrier MetroPCS — sued the Federal Communications Commission for adopting some Net Neutrality rules. The companies even claimed the constitutional right to censor everyone’s online speech. But with the court case moving forward, more and more people are countering this dangerous argument.
Rep. Pingree Signs the Declaration of Internet Freedom
Josh Levy
November 19, 2012

The Declaration of Internet Freedom, which was launched earlier this year by a diverse coalition of open Internet advocates, has been signed by more than 2,000 organizations and companies. And the names keep rolling in.

This week, yet another member of Congress — Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine — joined Reps. Anna Eshoo, Darrell Issa and Jared Polis and Sen. Ron Wyden in adding her support.

More »

Press Releases

Declaration of Internet Freedom Goes Global, Translated into 63 Languages
August 7, 2012

WASHINGTON — The Declaration of Internet Freedom — a statement of principles endorsed by more than 1,500 organizations — has been translated into more than 63 languages. Global Voices, an international coalition of bloggers, organized a 24-hour “translathon” to encourage international participation in the Declaration project and to highlight how everyone has a stake in the future of the Internet.
Declaration of Internet Freedom Gains Momentum
July 23, 2012

WASHINGTON -- On Monday, Free Press announced that Oregon Senator Ron Wyden joined more than 1,500 groups and organizations and 50,000 individuals from more than 130 countries who have signed the Declaration of Internet Freedom since its launch on July 2.

“The events of the last year, at home and abroad, made clear that access to an open Internet is vital to democracy, the advancement of human rights, individual empowerment and social progress,” Sen. Wyden said. “The Declaration of Internet Freedom lays out rights that must be defended.”