The first steps are being taken in Central America to network free software groups in the region and develop collaborative relationships with each other. The first Central America Free Software Gathering (ECSL) is being organized for June 17 - 21 in Nicaragua. The goal of the event is to:

• Share organizational experience from user groups of different countries,
• Exchange technical knowledge based on each group’s skill-set specialization,
• Create social ties and cohesion of ideas between regional communities,
• Set goals for the advancement of Free Software in Central America

The event’s blog has posts announcing public IRC meetings, updates and reports as well as announcements of free software community events around the region. Examples include the pizza-bash meetings in Nicaragua or the ‘Sabados de Software Libre’ (Free Software Saturdays) as well as pre-FLISOL events in Guatemala.

The event stands out because of the low cost to participate. The registration package includes: - round-trip costs from airport/bus-station to the event place; - hosting place during the event; - food; - a welcome kit when you arrive at the event. All of his is offered for USD $120, according to the estimates from the organization team.

The event website also includes a comprehensive directory of Central American free software groups: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá and El Salvador.