
“There's nothing you can do!”, “What difference can I make?” – we all know these phrases. In times when authoritarian rulers and tech giants act as if the world belongs to them, and anti-democratic parties achieve record results at the polls, it is easy to lose heart.
Maria Mayrhofer, founder of the civil society organisation #aufstehn, refuses to accept this and counters despondency in times of crisis with the power of community. She draws energy for her work from the strength of the many and is convinced: especially when the clock is ticking, every single voice counts for democracy. Her encouraging essay is an analysis of current political developments and a passionate plea for the resistant potential of civil society.
Maria Mayrhofer is founder and co-managing director of the digital campaigning organisation #aufstehn, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. Its aim: to foster civic participation and bring about change. A political scientist by training, she is an expert in digital campaigns and democratic participation. Mayrhofer is an Obama Europe Leader and received the “Vienna Women's Prize” for her work against online hate.
The Festschrift has been available since 23 October 2025.
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ISBN 978-3-978-3-9502173-0-8
Price: 9 euros