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Check out our upcoming events: a house party and a coffee chat! OUR EVENTS WE BELIEVE IN OUR MISSION The future is not something that just happens. It is created with intention, either by the status quo or by the people who dream for something better. Our society is suffering because we — future-shaping youth and youth allies — need more power to solve society's most existential problems: housing unaffordability, lack of public transportation, and neighborhood segregation; inequality of outcomes perpetuating injustice by class, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and more; and the climate crisis and environmental injustice. ​ ​ We organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Will you join us in forging this ambitious, better future for us and the generations to come? ABOUT US Donate You power our work. Be a change-maker and help us advance our mission. DONATE Youth own the future. We're shaping it now. NAVIGATE TO: Projects Events Support Us OUR STRATEGY Our GOAT change-making model Our Time To Act's dynamic approach to change-making is our "GOAT" Change-Making Model, which encompasses grassroots organizing, advocacy, and training programs. Rooted in the Trifecta Model for Youth Empowerment, we strive to foster a virtuous cycle of adaptation, opportunity, problem-solving, and impact. VIEW ALL PROJECTS VIEW THE TEAM Grassroots Organizing Grassroots organizing is collective action powered by community based leaders and volunteers. HOUSING AVEP YVEP REDISTRICTING MIDWAY PROJECT Advocacy and Research Advocacy is a policy-based change-making using a small, well-trained team of advocates. Trainings and Workshops Trainings empower youth with the experience, network, skills, and resources to be impactful leaders. "Activating Youth" Workshop "Introduction to Advocacy, Mobilizing, and Organizing" Worskhop "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" Workshop GOAT Change-Making Model A COLLECTIVE EFFORT Be Part of the Team If you resonate with your mission or are interested in making an impact, consider joining the OTTA family by applying as a staff or board member! You can learn more about who's on the team here. JOIN THE TEAM FUND A DIFFERENCE Support the Work The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to rise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. DONATE YOU'RE INVITED TO Upcoming Events Your chance get involved is right around the corner. With many events coming up, this is your opportunity to learn more about us, become involved in your community, and expand your network. 2023 Winter Gala: Dawn in the Mountains Get excited as we prepare to come together for an evening of celebration and reflection. As we look back on what we have accomplished over the course of the year, we eagerly look forward to the impact we can make and the community we can foster next year. LEARN MORE View our Past Events Our past events stand as milestones in our mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Each event was a unique chapter in our journey, bringing together passionate individuals, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments. VIEW MORE Events STAY CONNECTED Make a Change The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to raise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. Supprort Us Become a Member Join our community as a paying member to enjoy exclusive benefits, network with like-minded individuals, and be a driving force behind our work. Join Today Volunteer Roll up your sleeves and get involved directly in our initiatives. Your time and skills are invaluable in creating a tangible impact on the ground. Sign Up Donate Your contributions fuel our efforts and drive our projects forward. Your financial support ensures we can continue working toward a better future. Donate Today WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS Stay Updated By staying updated, you become an integral part of our mission. Your awareness and engagement contribute to positive change in the world. Here, you'll also discover the incredible impact our community and supporters are making as well as a behind-the-scenes look at our projects, initiatives, and events. Our Newsletter Our newsletter is your gateway to an exclusive world of updates, insights, and inspiring stories. Join our ever-growing community of newsletter subscribers and keep your finger on the pulse of all things happening at Our Time To Act! SUBSCRIBE Press Releases COMMUNITY FEEDBACK We Value Your Opinion We believe that the most valuable insights come directly from our community. Whether you have a question, a brilliant idea, or constructive criticism, we're eager to hear it all. Feedback Form SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

< Back to Open Positions Policy Analyst Paid San Diego APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before March 1st, 2022. ABOUT THE ROLE As a member of the advocacy team, the policy analyst will be responsible for tracking San Diego municipal policy issues/debates. In 2022, the policy analyst will focus on affordable housing advocacy and the city budget. REQUIREMENTS Position Responsibilities: Track important bills/initiatives related to the San Diego City Council/Board of Supervisors Potential responsibilities include: Attending city council/board of supervisors meetings Reviewing meeting minutes and recordings of previous city council/board of supervisors meetings Reviewing and compiling list of related news articles and op-eds Quantitative/Qualitative analysis of potential impact on youth (aged 15-24) and the community at large Attend staff meetings Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy to write policy briefs/position papers Additional duties as assigned. Experience & Education: High school diploma required. Current undergraduate students are preferred. Previous experience in qualitative research is preferred. Hourly Commitment: Average 8 hours per week Compensation $17.30 per hour ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION As a 501(c)(3) youth empowerment nonprofit, OTTA United is dedicated to building youth power (aged 15-24) in areas predominantly occupied by adults to benefit the community as a whole. OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Advocate Academy Program Manager Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE Program Managers for the Advocate Academy support the Advocate Academy. This role is tasked with further developing our academy's curriculum, marketing this opportunity to potential participants, securing speakers and guest teachers, and directly teaching classes to equip youth with the skills they need to become effective advocates. REQUIREMENTS No prior experience required. Demonstrates ability to teach educational material. High school student or beyond. 6-8 hours, 1-2 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Assistant Director of Logistics Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of Logistics works behind the scenes to coordinate our organization's events and functions. They oversee the full preparations for events, finalizing a budget, locating the proper venue, coordinating personnel, and more with the help of Logistics Event Coordinators. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to think ahead, predict, and plan appropriately. Exemplifies strong leadership qualities. High school student or beyond. 8-10 hours, 2-3 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back Ria Maheshwari Vice President Ria Maheshwari is a high school senior. Before becoming the Vice President of Our Time To Act, she served as the Outreach Specialist and within the Department of External Operations. As an aspiring lawyer, Ria combines her ambitions of argumentation and social justice as the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Captain and Board Member for the Speech and Debate Club at her high school and by being part of several community service clubs, such as the National Honor Society. Sports being a key passion of her life, you can always find Ria being active. For example, she travels across the United States to play competitive volleyball with her teammates at Mountain View Volleyball Club. ria.maheshwari@ourtimetoact.org

< Back Iris Leung President Iris is a first year at University of Southern California that's looking to find an interdisciplinary major between the arts and stem. Aside from being an officer of several school clubs, she is also a Monopoly enthusiast and a very devoted spreadsheet user. Outside of school, Iris volunteers regularly at Stanford's Cantor Arts Center, is a seasoned graphic designer for several animal shelters and clinics, and works with several other nonprofit organizations. iris.leung@ourtimetoact.org

< Back to Open Positions Social Media Manager Volunteer South Bay Area, San Diego, and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Social Media Manager is responsible for keeping our social media accounts engaged with supporters, organizations, and youth. They will be tasked with creating and executing an upload schedule and work closely with the graphic designer to bring design concepts into reality. REQUIREMENTS Prior experience preferred. Must be demonstrate ability to engage others through social media. Strong and memorable personality in social media (to stand out from the other social media accounts!). High school student or beyond. 6-8 hours, 1-2 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

< Back March Against Gun Violence in Downtown San Diego Tuesday, March 14, 2023 Our Time to Act United On Tuesday, March 14th, youth, parents, and concerned citizens gathered to March Against Gun Violence. Next Previous

< Back to Open Positions API and Youth Canvasser Paid San Diego, CA, USA APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before March 31st, 2022. ABOUT THE ROLE Despite making up 40% of the voting age population in North University City, only a fraction of API (Asian Pacific Islander) residents vote in both national and local elections. The same is true for youth residents. There are over 9,200 residents between the ages of 20 and 24 living in the area; only a third are registered/eligible to vote in local elections. Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) canvassers will engage API and youth voters living in North University City to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. REQUIREMENTS Position Responsibilities: Door-to-door canvas in North University City/UC San Diego campus Voter registration (April - May) GOTV primary election (May - June) GOTV general election (September - November) Coordinate with Assistant Director of Outreach in planning community outreach events Collaborate with Associated Students of UC San Diego to engage student voters Additional duties as assigned. Experience & Education: Current UC San Diego undergraduate students preferred. University City residents preferred. Hourly Commitment: 7 hours per week minimum Compensation $15 per hour + $5 per voter registered (no cap) ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION About the Organization As a 501(c)(3) youth empowerment nonprofit, OTTA United is dedicated to building youth power (aged 15-24) in areas predominantly occupied by adults to benefit the community as a whole. APPLY

< Back to Open Positions Housing Justice Organizer Staff Position (Volunteer) San Diego, CA, USA APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before May 31st. ABOUT THE ROLE Housing Justice Organizers will build and practice skills in organizing and mobilizing at the grassroots level. This will be achieved with peer-to-peer learning and leadership opportunities. Housing Justice Organizers will participate in the general workload and strategizing of executing the housing project areas. This work will involve educational and organizing campaigns, and participating and mobilizing for direct actions. Job Summary: Attend weekly work & check-in meetings with Housing Projects Director and other Housing Justice Organizers. Attend weekly open-to-the-public meetings of the Pro-Housing Creative Action Collective. Be prepared to research and become quite familiar with topics related to housing, transportation, and land-use policy. Using familiarity with housing, transportation, and land-use policy to help strategize for and create educational materials, campaigns, and direct actions. Sending follow-up emails, texts, and other reminders to have continuous follow-up with community partners and volunteers. Participating in the planning and preparation for community events, tabling, and other direct actions. Mobilizing for and attending community events, tabling, and other direct actions. Bringing yourself and your passion to your work, actively contributing to the planning and execution of project areas using authentic leadership. Providing other assistance as needed. Successful active communication with the Housing Projects Director and timely completion of assigned tasks and expectations. Pay Rate: Volunteer Position Hours Per Week: Up to 20 hours per week (most weeks will be less than this). These hours are mostly flexible except for required weekly meetings. During specific campaigns or running up to events, hours may increase and become less flexible. You are not expected to work late hours, and some weekends may be required, especially for some events. Benefits: Though this position is volunteer, there are many potential benefits. At Our Time To Act United we value building fellow youth up and helping connect them with individuals and opportunities that will help them reach their goals and aspirations. We value your service and perspective in our organization and will work with you to ensure we can support you as well. Desired Start Date: As soon as possible. Priority is given to applicants who can start work on or by June 5th, 2023. REQUIREMENTS Youth, 15 - 25 years old Basic knowledge of how to use Google Drive applications (Gmail, Docs, Forms, Calendar, Slides, Sheets, etc.) Basic knowledge of Slack, the communications platform Attention to detail and deadlines Ability to communicate well with others, including fellow organizers and the public Ability to work successfully with a team Ability to maintain confidentiality Some ability to attend in-person events when necessary, weekly meetings may be attended via Zoom if necessary but some work may be required on-site. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION OTTA United is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Here are some things to keep in mind: Our team values flexibility and taking initiative over structure and top-down delegation. This philosophy is not a good fit for all, so we want to be clear upfront. If you thrive in dynamic, open environments, this is the place for you. We value meaningful impact and support. We seek to authentically serve both our audience and our team members alike. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization are growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve, at all levels of our organization! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow us to be an effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. We prefer personability over professionalism, at least in internal settings. APPLY

< Back OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Monday, February 6, 2023 Our Time to Act United Our Time to Act (OTTA) United's new Housing Projects Director is making waves. On February 6th, 2023, Nicole Lillie's Op-Ed titled " More Housing, For Us and Our Climate " was published in the UC San Diego Guardian newspaper. In her piece, Housing Projects Director Lillie advocates for more "high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing" to address both the housing and climate crisis. Housing Crisis Ms. Lillie uses historical data to identify the root cause of housing unaffordability in San Diego and in Southern California. "The ultimate origin of San Diego’s housing crisis is that San Diego has failed to build enough homes overall ... '[b]y one simple measure, San Diego’s lack of homebuilding since 2010 has resulted in 59,000 fewer units than what’s needed to match the population growth in that time.' In order to address the root cause of housing unaffordability and homelessness, we need to build more homes." The status quo in California and across the country holds up single family homes as the solution. But this is a dangerous trend. In fact, single family homes are "rooted in exclusionary housing practices like redlining and racial steering" and are still widely inaccessible to non-white families today. San Diego needs the most effective and economical option: high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing. Climate Crisis This type of housing also helps us address and combat the climate crisis. Ms. Lillie explains, " 50% of local emissions in the City of San Diego come from transportation. When you build high-density housing near transit, it enables more people to take public transportation instead of personal vehicles. Mixed-use development is also key. This is when you put housing next to commercial buildings. On UC San Diego’s campus, you can study, work, and live — all within a walkable or bikeable distance." In contrast to single family homes, which have higher per capita carbon emissions and reinforce car dependency, high-density and mixed-use are clearly a cleaner choice. OTTA United is proud to be a leader in the housing organizing space in the City of San Diego. Last year, OTTA United helped pass city-wide Community Planning Group reform and pushed high-density housing in University City at a Planning Commission hearing. Housing Projects Director Lillie will continue to trailblaze youth involvement in housing policy and direction in 2023. Read the full Op-Ed here: ucsdguardian.org More Housing, For Us and Our Climate - UCSD Guardian Nicole Lillie is the Housing Projects Director at Our Time to Act United and a second year TMC student studying political science at Next Previous

< Back Benjamin Wang AVEP Researcher Born and raised in Orange County, Benjamin Wang (he/him/his) is a proud Taiwanese-American and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Ben studies Political Science and Education Studies at the University of California, San Diego. A champion for education equity, Ben is a Supplemental Instruction Leader for the UC San Diego Academic Achievement Hub. In addition, Ben served as Recruitment Manager for STEMup4Youth, a nonprofit organization serving over 50000 students dedicated to bringing interactive science activities to underserved communities. Ben joined Our Time To Act in August of 2022 as a Voter Engagement Researcher, and is committed to increasing voter engagement for historically disenfranchised groups as well as speaking out for youth and student affairs. Ben is currently involved in an Our Time To Act initiative to study voter disengagement and apathy. Outside of his work, Ben is a distinguished violinist and pianist, a frequent gym-goer, an avid gamer, and a nationally recognized Naval JROTC cadet officer. In his free time, Ben enjoys volunteering at his local food bank and is a volunteer English tutor for non-native speakers. benjamin.wang@ourtimetoact.org