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  • Donate | Our Time To Act

    Help us organize the future in the present WHY GIVE? BECOME A MEMBER OTHER WAYS TO GIVE MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION BECOME A MEMBER Why become a member? Without you, we can't tap into the passion, creativity, and out-of-the-box perspective that youth bring to the table. Last year, we recruited hundreds of youth to make a brighter future possible. We need your help in order to continue this work. Why monthly or yearly? We ask for a recurring donation because our work is an ongoing effort — day to day, month to month, and year to year. We need consistent resources to deliver sustained results, and we want to foster a robust relationship with you to take meaningful strides toward achieving our mission. Membership levels BECOME A MEMBER PEEP Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" $5/mo $60/yr FRIEND Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 50% off of our Annual Gala Ticket ($50 value) $15/mo $180/yr SUPPORTER Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 1 Annual Gala Ticket ($100 value) Public recognition on our website (Optional) $25/mo $300/yr ADVOCATE Invitation to our quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 2 Annual Gala Tickets and special recognition as Gala Co-Host ($350 value) Public recognition on our website (Optional) Invitation to quarterly "Roundtable Discussions" with Staff & Board Leadership $50/mo $600/yr Membership Goals In order to provide stability for our nonprofit, we set membership goals every month. Become a member today to help us reach our goals and fund our cause! New members (out of 50) Raised (out of $10,000)

  • What is Senate Bill 10 | FAQ | All About Housing | Our Time To Act

    SENATE BILL 10 WHAT IS SB 10? SB 10 is a pro-housing policy that cities can choose to opt in to in order to help advance housing development for their residents. It allows a single large plot of land that currently only has one housing unit to be split, in order to allow for up to ten residential/housing units in “transit rich” or “urban infill” areas. In addition to allowing for more homes to be built in these areas, SB 10 also provides housing faster by changing the environmental review process to prevent unnecessary delays that currently occur under the existing law. WHAT COUNTS AS "TRANSIT RICH" OR "URBAN INFILL" AREAS? Because SB 10 is an opt-in bill, if a city chooses to adopt it, they also can choose how to define these areas. In San Diego, transit rich is defined as “within a 1-mile walk to transit.” Urban infill areas can be thought of as developed areas with room to spare. These areas have the capacity for further development and the existing infrastructure to support it. For more information on urban infill, you can also check out the Southern California Association of Governments’ definition and FAQ . HOW DOES SB 10 CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? SB 10 does not get rid of all environmental reviews. Instead, the bill changes the process so that development is not delayed by trivial lawsuits with anti-housing intentions. Under the current law, the well-intentioned, but long-since overly bureaucratic, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Under CEQA, anti-housing advocates in Berkeley, California sued to stop development because of a potential “environmental threat” that had not been considered. What was the potential environmental threat, those suing under CEQA claimed, the city had “failed to assess?” “Potential noise impacts from loud student parties.” Unfortunately, this “get off my lawn,” “not in my backyard” sentiment permeated the courts as well, and the housing development was blocked. Clearly, this process must change in order for development to occur effectively. Additionally, the process of developing infill in transit rich areas encourages more sustainable lifestyles for new residents. ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO WHERE SB 10 CAN BE IMPLEMENTED? Yes. Certain exceptions apply. Areas with severe fire risk, historic designation, or land that has been locally designated for open space for example would not be eligible for lot splitting under SB 10. ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS TO THE SCOPE OF PROJECTS UNDER SB 10? Yes. The project must still meet local building requirements, and may not exceed 3 stories. Without SB 10, areas zoned for only “single family homes” only one housing unit can be developed for every 5,000 sq feet of land. SB 10 allows for more units to be developed on this large plot if the landowner so chooses. Additionally, the key wording in SB 10 is “up to 10 units.” Only one unit can be built for every 1,000 sq ft of the parcel, which means this bill does not allow for cramped, or unrealistic housing units to be developed on a small amount of land. Larger parcels of land can fit the maximum number of units. ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS THAT UNITS BUILT BE AFFORDABLE? While there is no requirement in the bill's language that units be made affordable, Mayor Gloria’s version of the bill would require at least one unit in every parcel that uses SB 10 be made affordable. Additionally, we live in San Diego, land is expensive. If you are forced to purchase more land than necessary to build a house, it will increase the overall cost of the home developed. By decreasing the amount of land required to construct homes, you create the potential for automatically more affordable homes. Furthermore, the addition of more housing supply in the city will put downward pressure on rents and home prices across the region. Economic research shows cities and communities that allow more housing see lower increases in their housing costs compared to cities that do not allow enough housing to be constructed. The city of Auckland, New Zealand for example enacted policies with effects similar to that of SB 10s to promote more housing. Relative to other cities with restrictive housing policies, their rents are up to 35% lower for family housing. HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? Ask away! We are more than happy to provide more information. Send an email to Nicole Lillie, our Housing Project Director. nicole.lillie@ottaunited.org

  • Events | Our Time To Act

    EVENTS Upcoming Events Event Highlights Past Events No upcoming events at the moment Upcoming Events Event Highlights Below are three events showcasing the different sectors of work we do. None of it would be possible without our hardworking team and volunteers. TRITON'S CHOICE DEBATE This debate provided an opportunity for students to practice voting on social issues that impact them. READ MORE AAPI POSTCARD CAMPAIGN Last November, student volunteers from Rancho Bernardo High School Asian Heritage Club and the Bishop's School East Asian Student Association wrote over 500 postcards to engage Asian American Pacific Islander voters in the 2022 election cycle for our postcard campaign. SUPPORT US PRO-HOUSING COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION We held a pro-housing community listening sessions where we discussed and brainstormed solutions to the growing issue of housing in San Diego. READ MORE COFFEE CHAT Our Coffee Chat event is a token of appreciation to the members who support us from the back. SAN DIEGO PRIDE FESTIVAL In 2022, we had the honor to table at the San Diego Pride Festival and to march in the parade. Event Highligts Past Events April CYAN Meeting Sun, Apr 21 San Diego Apr 21, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM San Diego, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Apr 21, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM San Diego, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Details Housing Talk Sun, Apr 07 San Diego Central Library Courtyard Apr 07, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM San Diego Central Library Courtyard, 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Apr 07, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM San Diego Central Library Courtyard, 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA We want to hear from you, join us in a conversation about housing in District 3! Details Winter Coffee Chat Sun, Mar 03 San Diego Mar 03, 2024, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM San Diego, 3015 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA Mar 03, 2024, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM San Diego, 3015 Lincoln Ave, San Diego, CA 92104, USA An event for OTTA United's current & prospective members. +8 more Details CYAN House Party Sat, Feb 24 San Diego Feb 24, 2024, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM San Diego, Clairemont, San Diego, CA, USA Feb 24, 2024, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM San Diego, Clairemont, San Diego, CA, USA Join us for an afternoon of cooking food, making friends, & youth power! +23 more Details CYAN Kick-off Sat, Jan 20 Water Front Park (at the main fountain) Jan 20, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST Water Front Park (at the main fountain), 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Jan 20, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST Water Front Park (at the main fountain), 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Join us in our fight for Housing Justice. Together, we will converse and learn housing topics and find power through community care and direct action opportunities. Details You OTTA Re-Member Us Sat, Aug 19 Kate Sessions Park Aug 19, 2023, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA Aug 19, 2023, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA Meet with passionate community members and learn more about us at a picnic-style social! We'll be sharing our impact and having an open forum, featuring Abbey Reuter (Board Director) and Sparky Mitra (AVEP Project Director). +5 more Details Coffee Chat w/ OTTA United Thu, Jun 22 "The Club" at Regents La Jolla Jun 22, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM "The Club" at Regents La Jolla, 9253 Regents Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Jun 22, 2023, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM "The Club" at Regents La Jolla, 9253 Regents Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Come socialize, meet the team, and support our youth-led cause! +16 more Details Say YES To Housing For Our Future Sat, May 06 Doyle Community Park May 06, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT Doyle Community Park, 8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA 92122, USA May 06, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT Doyle Community Park, 8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA 92122, USA A Community Listening, Healing, and Planning Session +14 more Details Virtual Info Session: Housing Organizing Efforts Fri, Apr 07 Virtual Event Apr 07, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT Virtual Event Apr 07, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT Virtual Event Learn more about OTTA United's housing organizing campaigns—how we are pushing for more housing, transit, and opportunities for all. +7 more Details March Against Gun Violence Tue, Mar 14 Hall of Justice Mar 14, 2023, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hall of Justice, 330 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA Mar 14, 2023, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hall of Justice, 330 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA We need feet on the ground, not bodies. +16 more Details Pro-Housing Rally in University City Sat, Mar 11 Nobel Trolley Stop Platform Mar 11, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nobel Trolley Stop Platform, San Diego, CA 92037, USA Mar 11, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Nobel Trolley Stop Platform, San Diego, CA 92037, USA Hear our voices: We Want More Housing! +15 more Details Sign-Making for Pro-Housing Rally Fri, Mar 10 Silent Tree at UCSD (Near Geisel) Mar 10, 2023, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Silent Tree at UCSD (Near Geisel), University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA Mar 10, 2023, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Silent Tree at UCSD (Near Geisel), University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA Details First Annual Gala: A Sky Full of Stars Sun, Dec 11 Multi Purpose Room, Student Services Ctr Dec 11, 2022, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM PST Multi Purpose Room, Student Services Ctr, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA Dec 11, 2022, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM PST Multi Purpose Room, Student Services Ctr, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA We extend a humble invitation to attend our 2022 Winter Gala Fundraiser: A Sky Full of Stars. We hope you can join us for a night full of excitement, including food from local businesses, a project showcase highlighting this year's efforts, and keynote speakers. +79 more Details Networking Workshop With Alex Villafuerte Sun, Dec 04 Zoom Link Will be Emailed Dec 04, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST Zoom Link Will be Emailed Dec 04, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST Zoom Link Will be Emailed Join us and learn about how to network in order to support each other through collaboration and coalition building. +29 more Details College Prep 101 Sun, Apr 24 Zoom link will be sent via email! Apr 24, 2022, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PDT Zoom link will be sent via email! Apr 24, 2022, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM PDT Zoom link will be sent via email! Want more insight into what college is like? Receive some tips and advice from Rachel Choy, student at Santa Clara University, and Ken Fesler, student at University of California, Davis. Details Get Out To Vote Campaign Kickoff Sat, Apr 16 San Diego Apr 16, 2022, 11:30 AM PDT San Diego, 8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA 92122, USA Apr 16, 2022, 11:30 AM PDT San Diego, 8175 Regents Rd, San Diego, CA 92122, USA +18 more Details Summer BBQ Sun, Aug 01 Sunnyvale Aug 01, 2021, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Sunnyvale, The Dalles Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA Aug 01, 2021, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Sunnyvale, The Dalles Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA Come enjoy free food, summer activities, and learn about our mission! +21 more Details Stories from the Earth Fri, Apr 30 Online Event Apr 30, 2021, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online Event Apr 30, 2021, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT Online Event Hear from Conservationist, Indigenous, and Youth Storytellers +14 more Details Load More Past Events

  • CYAN | Our Time To Act

    Become a Changemaker. Ever wonder why our systems never seem to change? How we go about pushing for change is just as important as why. Community organizing is one of the only ways to build enough power to challenge — and win — against the status quo. And we have a severe need for youth organizing in our local communities. CYAN Interest Form First Meeting Slides No upcoming events at the moment Definitions from Oxford Languages COM•MU•NI•TY OR•GAN•IZ•ING noun NORTH AMERICAN the coordination of cooperative efforts and campaigning carried out by local residents to promote the interests of their community. "San Diego's youth citizens are now empowered to transform the housing situation through community organizing" We need more youth activists and leaders. Most adult-led youth programs have small cohorts, focus on specific skills, or fail to address the systems that disadvantage us in the first place. At the same time, many youth-led groups, at no fault of their own, lack the resources and networks to harness the power of collective action. We want to transform the field of youth-led organizing. We want to eradicate the disillusionment, disengagement, and disempowerment we experience as youth. For that, we need you. C IVIC Y OUTH A CTION N ETWORK The CIVIC YOUTH ACTION NETWORK is a program that recruits, trains, and empowers grassroots youth organizers for systems change and a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. LEARN CYAN members gain access to trainings and workshops that teach you how to organize, mobilize, network, give public comment, analyze policy, fundraise, network, and so much more. The overwhelming majority of learning is youth-to-youth — we promise we’ll learn just as much from you as you from us. CREATE CHANGE Member-led collective action campaigns open opportunities in activism and leadership for youth to apply learned skills to better our future. Housing, transportation, social and racial justice, climate action, and inclusive governance are examples of issues CYAN members can advance solutions for. FIND COMMUNITY Perhaps the most cherished part of CYAN is the close community it fosters. There’s something unparalleled about fighting for change together, and it forges strong relationships that are fun, unique, and powerful. " Youth can breach the political realm — they just need knowledge and community." – Ken Fesler, Associate Executive Director of Our Time To Act A GLIMPSE OF OUR ORGANIZING EFFORTS Here are two examples of past organizing projects to give you an insight into what our work is like and how we make an impact. MIDWAY PROJECT In April 2020, we advocated for housing to be the top priority in the Midway development. Through organizing efforts and voicing our opinions in public comments, we were able to create a new map for the redistricting process that better represents the population of San Diego. LEARN MORE HOUSING In September of 2022, we organized youth in University City to fill out the 2022 University City Plan Update Survey to fight for their future within the context of supporting high-density and mixed-use development. ​ We spoke up and mobilized support in front of the San Diego Planning Commission on September 29th, 2022, leading to the reform passing in a 6-1 vote. LEARN MORE IT'S OUR TIME TO ACT UNITED. OUR MISSION THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT ALL APURV GUPTA Director of Services AIDAN LIN-TOSTADO Executive Director NICOLE LILLIE Director of Housing Justice STAY IN TOUCH subscribe to newsletter @ottaunited @our time to act united

  • Pride | Our Time To Act

    YOU OTTA BE YOU. CELEBRATING YOU “Love wins.” You’ve all heard it. Well, we want to make it happen. OTTA United is committed to empowering youth, and it would be an injustice to not advocate for the historically disadvantaged queer youth community. Our organization employs people of all genders and sexualities, but our desire for inclusivity extends beyond the workplace. This year, OTTA United is participating in San Diego Pride on July 16th and 17th to join our community in celebrating our identities. You too can be a part of this! Sign up to march below, and always remember: You OTTA be you. JOIN US AT SAN DIEGO PRIDE San Diego Pride is a celebration of the queer community and the influential roles held by queer activists and leaders. ​ As proud members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, OTTA United is excited to participate in this year's parade. We encourage our community to sign up and march with us to show your support. ​ When: July 16th at 9 AM Where: Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave & Normal St Goodies: OTTA Shirt, Poster, & Sticker (see right) SIGN UP Pride is a celebration, but it is also a powerful demonstration of collective power and collective action. It is a demonstration of a world where love always prevails over hate, where pain is soothed by community, and where diversity is our strength . That is why Pride means so much to me, and why I am honored to receive the 2022 Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award from San Diego Pride. Please join me, Our Time to Act United, and our wonderful community in marching in the Pride Parade on July 16th . ​ — Aidan Lin, Executive Director CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM! WE'RE PROUD OF OUR NEWSLETTER! SUBSCRIBE JOIN OUR LIST! Please enter your email and name. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter!

  • Press Releases

    Press Releases Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Mar 4, 2024 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Sep 21, 2023 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop Aug 22, 2023 OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Jun 10, 2023 OTTA United Celebrates Positivity and Community in Pro-Housing Listening Session May 6, 2023 Press Conference and Rally: The University Community is Pro-Housing Mar 11, 2023 OTTA United & students play a major role in successful push for more housing in San Diego Feb 15, 2023 OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Feb 6, 2023 Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission Jan 18, 2023 Two young leaders, Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, take new leadership roles on staff team Jan 17, 2023 Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Jan 11, 2023 OTTA United hosts first-ever gala in December 2022 with awards, food, and celebration Dec 11, 2022 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

  • Michael Nguyen

    < Back Michael Nguyen Director of Engagement Michael (he/him) is a second-year at University of California, Berkeley, intending on studying Business Administration and Economics. He is interested in both marketing and the nonprofit sector, and plans on finding a way to integrate the two in his future career. Prior to joining Our Time To Act, Michael was a Communications Assistant at the Research, Teaching, and Learning Services (RTL) at UC Berkeley. Some of his hobbies include writing poetry, playing chess, and reading issues of various literary magazines. michael.nguyen@ottaunited.org

  • Howard Truei

    < Back Howard Truei Director of Development Howard Truei (he/him) is a biomedical pathway student at University City High School. His first interaction with Our Time To Act was through the Aaron Price Fellows Program. He officially joined OTTA and became the Director of Development on August 22, 2023. As Director of Development, Howard takes the lead in the growth and expansion of OTTA through fundraising as well as OTTA’s integration with local communities. Outside of OTTA, Howard is an Aaron Price Fellow, co-captain of his tennis team, and founder of the Culinary Club. He is looking forward to contributing to OTTA and his community in the future. howard.truei@ottaunited.org

  • Open Positions

    Our team is crucial to the work we do. Scroll down to see where you can join in. Open Positions Open Positons San Diego, CA, USA CYAN Lead Organizer Volunteer View Position San Diego and/or Remote Co-Director of Engagement Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Director of Operations & People Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Director of Finance & Budgeting Staff Director (Volunteer) View Position San Diego and/or Remote Graphic Design Intern Intern (Volunteer) View Position California | Remote Board Director Volunteer View Position 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

  • Press Releases

    Press Releases Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Mar 4, 2024 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Sep 21, 2023 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop Aug 22, 2023 OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Jun 10, 2023 OTTA United Celebrates Positivity and Community in Pro-Housing Listening Session May 6, 2023 Press Conference and Rally: The University Community is Pro-Housing Mar 11, 2023 OTTA United & students play a major role in successful push for more housing in San Diego Feb 15, 2023 OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Feb 6, 2023 Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission Jan 18, 2023 Two young leaders, Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, take new leadership roles on staff team Jan 17, 2023 Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Jan 11, 2023 OTTA United hosts first-ever gala in December 2022 with awards, food, and celebration Dec 11, 2022 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

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