The #rp25 Democracy Speeddating

You may not know them yet, but they are already out there - all those civil society initiatives that are committed to an open and democratic society, whether online or on the streets. Who oppose hate speech, want to strengthen our sense of togetherness in society, demand recognition and participation and create spaces for participation and solidarity. At re:publica 25, we’re bringing you together – no red flags, we promise!

If your heart beats faster when you think about political activism - or you are ready to make it beat faster - then our Democracy Speeddating is the right place (for you). We are putting a small selection of initiatives on stage for a speeddating session with you. Sparks might fly - and who knows, maybe you’ll find your perfect match at the end: 

Judith Porath is the managing director of the Brandenburg-based association Opferperspektive, which advises victims of right-wing, racist and anti-semitic violence as well as those affected by discrimination. 

Beatrice Ullrich is the managing director of the non-profit organization teilensWert e.V. The association helps people to stand up for democracy, environmental protection and social justice online by curating well-founded, shareable content and stimulating constructive debates.

Lisa is a member of the Polylux network. The network supports associations, initiatives and critical civil society projects in the Eastern parts of Germany.

Johannes Tödte is the Head of Communications at ProjectTogether, a non-profit organization that brings civil society, politics and business into joint action - through projects such as the Werkstatt der Mutigen, UpdateDeutschland or Re:Form - Allianz für den Staat von morgen. 

Basma Bahgat is a victim counselor and project manager at toneshift - Network against online hate and disinformation at HateAid with a focus on topics such as digital violence, anti-Muslim racism and gender-based violence.

Birgit Heller is a member of OMAS GEGEN RECHTS ('Grandmas against the Right'), a civil society initiative that has been campaigning agains right-wing extremism, racism, anti-semitism and misogyny in Germany since 2018. Inspired by the Austrian movement of the same name, older women in particular, but also men, are committed to protecting democracy and upholding dignity.