1980/81 maislinger volunteered together with joachim schlör in the poland department of the german action reconciliation service for peace. in the museum auschwitz-birkenau he guided german teenager groups. after his return he was more convinced than ever to realize a similar programme in austria. in this endeavor he was supported by simon wiesenthal, teddy kollek, ari rath, herbert rosenkranz, gerhard röthler and karl pfeifer.