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< Back Announcing a new chapter of leadership at Our Time To Act! Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Our Time To Act As a youth-led nonprofit, Our Time To Act grows as its people grow. We’ve accomplished more than we could have imagined since starting in 2018. We have met and organized thousands of youth, shaped policies and solutions, raised over $300,000, and been honored with recognition from our community. Now it’s time for even more powerful, youth-driven change. We are proud to announce that Our Time To Act has hired its first full-time employee and new Executive Director, Nicole Lillie ! In 2022, Nicole played a pivotal role in engaging thousands of youth to vote. She then served as Director of Housing Justice and worked at the forefront of our exponential growth in housing organizing. Nicole has been recognized by our organization with the 2022 Passionate Leader Award and 2023 Staff of the Year. She has the full confidence of our staff and board teams as we forge forward in this exciting chapter of service and impact. As a co-founder, Executive Director, and trailblazer, we are grateful for Aidan Lin-Tostado's thousands of hours of service to this cause. We are proud of Aidan as he embarks on a new journey working full-time with the international nonprofit, Nonviolent Peaceforce. We are also grateful to have his continued support as OTTA’s new President of the Board of Directors. He looks forward to supporting Nicole’s capable leadership. From Nicole Lillie: It is an honor to re-introduce myself to you as Our Time To Act’s new Executive Director and first full-time employee. When I first joined OTTA two years ago, I was hired as the Logistics Coordinator of the Youth Voter Engagement Project. I have long been known to tell anyone who will listen about the importance of civic engagement, especially in our local communities. It was OTTA that saw my passion, uplifted me to the role of Project Director, and invited me to find belonging in San Diego’s change-making community. I learned quickly that the issues that most drove my peers to the polls were their concerns around housing and transportation. These issues are key to our ability to survive and thrive in this place we call home. When I became Director of Housing Justice, I began a journey of engagement and learning that will never be complete. Housing justice intersects with every social justice movement we seek to progress, and, without housing solutions, we cannot forge a better future. As we enter into this new chapter at OTTA, our team will continue to organize powerful youth to achieve an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future in housing. We will continue to shape our future through collaborative and intergenerational action. The two years I have served Our Time To Act have allowed me to find, claim, and grow my power. I have learned to wield this power collectively to create the future I have always dreamed of. That future is not far away; it is Our Time To Act. I hope you will continue to join us. From Aidan Lin-Tostado: I was 15 when I co-founded OTTA. I’ve grown up alongside this organization for nearly six years, and I am so proud of what we have become. I had a recent conversation with Nicole reminiscing on our high school days. We shared stories about how we craved spaces and peers who cared about change-making in our community. We are so lucky to have such a wide range of ages and life experiences on the team at OTTA. By interacting with our high school-aged staff, I realized that OTTA has grown into exactly what I yearned for in high school. In high school, I wanted a physical space where our team could meet, plan, and make memories. Today, the OTTA office is filled with signs from our protests, pictures from our meetups, and a whiteboard where countless ideas were born. Today, we have youth leaders who are supported by you: an incredible network of community organizations and activists and donors. You are some of the fiercest advocates for our youth-led cause. Thank you for your true allyship. I promise we will work hard to earn your ongoing support. And we have visionary and trailblazing youth, like Nicole, who are eager to step up and organize for a better future. I have every confidence in Nicole’s ability to excel in the difficult role of Executive Director. A co-founder’s step back from day-to-day operations is always a challenging, important, and rewarding step to the organization’s continued success. I am so happy that we have reached this point so soon because I know it is not about me. It is about our mission. As we step into the next chapter, I will continue to support OTTA, its people, and its work. I believe that together we will transform San Diego and the world. My friends know that I carry a special card with me wherever I go. It lives in my computer sleeve. Whenever I pull out my computer to work, my hands brush against its pages. This card was given to me after our first gala and it is filled with heartfelt messages from each of our team members. It holds such personal significance because it is a reminder of the close friendships that OTTA has brought into my life. I truly believe these relationships are the key to our deep impact. As I transition from Executive Director to my first full-time job at Nonviolent Peaceforce, I will continue to carry this card in my computer sleeve and my heart. To the past, present, and future team members of OTTA, thank you for trusting me to build something together. You will always have a special place in my life story, and I hope I’ve made you proud. Next Previous

< Back Thank you to those who made it out to our API & Youth Voter Engagement Community Kickoff! Saturday, April 16, 2022 Sparky Mitra, Voter Engagement Project Manager Next Previous

< Back OTTA United at San Diego Planning Commission for University City Plan Update Thursday, September 29, 2022 Aidan Lin, Executive Director On Thursday, September 29th, 2022, the University City Plan Update was brought before the San Diego Planning Commission. This plan includes the major upzoning of large portions of North University City (UC). As demonstrated in a 2022 survey conducted by the planning department , a majority of UC residents, many of whom are students, support high-density and mixed-use development. Such growth would lower carbon emissions per capita, increase the available housing stock in San Diego, create walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and more. OTTA United and other advocacy groups showed up in support of these changes. Specifically, we sought to ensure the youth voice was a part of this discussion. "Students' legitimacy as a consistent voice in the community has been proven time and time again. Yet at every turn, we need to justify our presence in these conversations." Sparky Mitra , a Project Director at OTTA United, said. "I came to San Diego as a bioengineering student alone, but those who consistently push back against my authority as a student have forced me to become much more, including a housing justice and environmental justice advocate." During my public comment, I touched upon the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the process, referencing the work of the planning department. "The work of former city planner Katie Wetherspoon to include students, renters, and POC residents in the community planning process allowed for one of the most representative community surveys in University City. Over 50% of the community supported the highest-density options and an overwhelming majority supported adding considerable amount amounts of density in the area ... To stray away from high-density development would invalidate the input of the most underrepresented voices in this process: renters, students, and employees of University City." Leana Cortez , our Director of Advocacy, pressed strongly on the immediate need for dense, mixed-use housing. "We really cannot postpone density and mixed-use options anymore. It may seem feasible to those who are already established homeowners but it's not feasible for renters, students, and working professionals that struggle to build roots here in University City ... Let's ensure the future of University City by championing climate, housing, and job opportunities." OTTA United looks forward to our continued advocacy in support of a bright future for University City. Next Previous

< Back OTTA United Receives “Partner of the Year Award” from YIMBY Democrats of San Diego Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Our Time to Act United ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Next Previous

< Back OTTA United helps pass Community Planning Group Reform at San Diego City Council Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Aidan Lin, Executive Director On Tuesday, September 13th, 2022, the San Diego City Council passed instrumental community planning group (CPG) reform at the urging of OTTA United, Circulate San Diego, and other groups. Youth and student leaders from OTTA United played an influential part in providing firsthand testimony of the exclusionary structures and behaviors of CPGs in support of the much-needed reform. The 100-second video below concisely summarizes the situation and OTTA's role in the process: As we celebrate the passage of these inclusive policies, OTTA looks forward to the future of diverse representation and participation in local community planning processes in San Diego. Next Previous

< Back OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Saturday, June 10, 2023 Our Time to Act United MEDIA CONTACT: Mariya Grabovska, Press Intern ( mariya.grabovska@ottaunited.org ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OTTA United is proud to announce the successful completion of its Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. This two-part series, conducted in collaboration with the California Department of Social Services as part of the Stop the Hate grant, focused on addressing the challenges of "activating" and "motivating" youth in diverse settings. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties is a community of funders dedicated to investing in social change work. The Stop the Hate grant, a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, aims to support organizations facing difficulties in engaging and motivating youth across diverse contexts, including service, activism, and the workplace. The primary objective was to enhance understanding of the youth perspective, improve intergenerational workplace relations, and provide practical frameworks for incorporating youth into organizational activities. The first workshop, titled "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" was a tremendous success. It was facilitated by Nicole Lillie, Director of Housing Justice, who skillfully guided a diverse group of nonprofit leaders through a dynamic program. Participants were encouraged to examine their preconceptions and biases about both young and older individuals, inspiring rich discussions and insights. Key takeaways from Workshop 1 included valuable tips for optimizing youth outreach, all framed from the youth's perspective. The engaging format and thoughtful content left participants better equipped to bridge generational divides and activate youth engagement effectively. In Workshop 2, "Models for Motivation: Radical Candor in an Intergenerational Workplace" Aidan Lin, Executive Director, led attendees through an exploration of Radical Candor framework as a motivational tool. Radical Candor can be summarized by caring personally about the team, not shying away from being direct of giving feedback, and seeking feedback when necessary. This session emphasized the importance of vulnerability in the workplace and provided participants with a practical understanding of how to employ Radical Candor effectively. An interactive activity allowed participants to practice giving feedback using the Radical Candor model, enhancing their communication skills and fostering a culture of openness and constructive dialogue. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties extends its sincere gratitude to Aidan Lin, Nicole Lillie, and all participants who contributed to the success of these workshops. The organization remains committed to fostering generational understanding and empowerment. Next Previous

Mario is a Junior transfer at UC Berkeley studying political science. He brings non-profit experience from the Prison Library Project, and works to empower the community around him. Living in the Inland Empire, Mario has seen how a lack of resources that foster a sustainable future can have an effect on our youth. He one day hopes to be a Professor of Political Science and pay forward the mentorship he received in community college, so that the next generation has to tools to succeed. < Back Mario Varo Board Director Mario is a Junior transfer at UC Berkeley studying political science. He brings non-profit experience from the Prison Library Project, and works to empower the community around him. Living in the Inland Empire, Mario has seen how a lack of resources that foster a sustainable future can have an effect on our youth. He one day hopes to be a Professor of Political Science and pay forward the mentorship he received in community college, so that the next generation has to tools to succeed. mario.varo@ourtimetoact.org

< Back OTTA United and community partners host a local candidate forum at UC San Diego Monday, October 24, 2022 Our Time to Act United On Monday, October 24th, OTTA United was pleased to welcome candidates for City Council District 6 and candidates for Office 35 of the San Diego County Superior Court to the Triton's Choice Candidate Forum. Although City Council District 6 candidates Kent Lee and Tommy Hough and Office 35 of the San Diego County Superior Court candidates Rebecca Kanter and Mike Murphy were all invited and confirmed to attend the Triton's Choice Candidate Forum, Tommy Hough and Mike Murphy were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. After all of OTTA United’s hard work and dedication, over 80 tritons were able to come and speak to local San Diego candidates, representing a resounding victory for student engagement in local politics. Leaders from the Youth Voter Engagement Project (YVEP), one of OTTA United’s project initiatives, worked tirelessly to bring this successful UC San Diego candidate forum to fruition. Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, the Project Director and Assistant Project Director of YVEP, provided a space for dialogue between candidates and UC San Diego students so as to encourage mutual interaction and mitigate voter roll-off. According to William K. Hall of Bradley University, voter roll-off refers to “voters who cast ballots in the major partisan race such as president, governor, or U.S. Senator, but who do not cast their votes in [down-ballot elections such as] the judicial election.” Through the space that was provided, elected officials were able to speak about the importance of the city council and superior court races and why students should pay attention to these particular elections, with the intention of bridging any potential gaps in understanding about local candidates and forging confident young voters. Hosted at UC San Diego by OTTA United and our partner student organizations at UC San Diego, we called upon candidates to listen to students’ voices, and local San Diego candidates stepped up to the plate. As we celebrate the success of the Triton’s Choice candidate forum, OTTA will continue to champion student voices and listen to youth needs. Thank you to our collaborators for making this event possible, including: Associated Students of UC San Diego, Office of Local Affairs Graduate & Professional Student Association Seventh College Student Council Eleanor Roosevelt College Student Council Thurgood Marshall College Student Council Next Previous

< Back OTTA United & students play a major role in successful push for more housing in San Diego Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Our Time to Act United Yesterday, February 14th, 2023, Our Time to Act (OTTA) United and students successfully pushed San Diego City Council to adopt Sustainable Development Areas (SDAs). This new policy, replacing Transit Priority Areas, would open 5,224 acres of land to the potential for higher-density development programs. This change is essential to ensuring the future of housing, affordability, and sustainability for youth and students in San Diego. OTTA United tabled on UC San Diego’s campus, speaking to nearly 100 students and having meaningful conversations about how the housing crisis has impacted students’ lives. From these valuable conversations, OTTA United collected over a dozen personal testimonials and comments which were submitted to the City. At noon on February 14th, 2023, students met together at the UC San Diego Central Campus Station and embarked on the 30-minute trip via the Blue Line Trolley to deliver their thoughts to our City Council in person. In addition to written and in-person testimony, OTTA United was the only pro-housing group to deliver a planned presentation. Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director, and Aidan Lin, Executive Director, detailed specific student-related arguments in favor of SDAs and dismantled opposing arguments. The presentation concluded with slides highlighting some of the comments from students who could not share their concerns in person. OTTA United – Sustainable Development Areas (final) .pdf Download PDF • 17.16MB Before voting on the motion, students received special recognition from Councilmember Kent Lee (District 6): “I do want to take a moment to applaud the diverse young speakers for taking time out of their busy school and work schedules to help us understand why this might matter. These decisions will take many years to meaningfully change the city, and we need to plan and build for San Diego both for today, and for the generations of San Diegans to come. My fight has been and always will be to ensure that all San Diegans, now and into the future, have the opportunity to live, work, and play in San Diego.” Students were also highlighted by Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, “We are planning not for the city that we have today, or the city that we wish we had 20 years ago, but the city that we want—which is a city, as Councilmember Lee put it, where everyone has an opportunity to live here. Not just folks that live here today, but [also] the young people that are growing up here, the students who spoke so passionately today—we have to create housing opportunities for them. Those folks exist today, and they matter today, and we have to do something to ensure they will have an opportunity to live here and thrive here.” For OTTA United’s efforts, students were featured in local news coverage of the adoption of this policy. This case shows how students and youth have the power to make a difference on issues that matter. It is absolutely necessary for students to get involved with the issue of housing—because of the long-term nature of solutions—and OTTA United looks forward to continuing to engage students as decision-makers to forge a brighter future. To take action or learn more, please contact Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director, at nicole.lillie@ottaunited.org . Next Previous

< Back Aidan Lin, Executive Director, awarded "2022 Community Service Award" from SD Pride Thursday, June 30, 2022 Our Time to Act United Our Time to Act United is pleased to announce that our Executive Director, Aidan Lin, has been awarded the 2022 Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award from San Diego Pride. Aidan has been honored for his work with OTTA United in the City of San Diego's 2020-21 redistricting process where he sought to uplift the many diverse groups of San Diego—including the LGBTQIA+ community. Aidan shares his sentiment of Pride: 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. Join Aidan Lin, OTTA United, and the San Diego community in marching in the Pride Parade on June 16th at 9am! Sign up to march with OTTA's contingent here . sdpride.org Community Service Award Community Service: An individual who is recognized as an up-and-coming leader within the LGBTQ community or whose contribution to the community in the past year was of particular significance. Next Previous

< Back OP-ED: Students are making waves in redistricting. San Diego should listen Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Aidan Lin, Executive Director Students are the future of San Diego. So why does redistricting overlook them? Everyone has heard of the phrase "youth are the future," and it is frequently accompanied by the sentiment that leaders should hold the interests of youth at heart when making decisions. But, as I write in my opinion piece with the San Diego Union-Tribune , when students began to get involved with the City of San Diego's 2020-21 redistricting process, students were not treated as such: At the recent redistricting hearing, Commissioner Fred Kosmo said , “I’m impressed with the college students and their enthusiasm, but a lot of people who have families and jobs — they came out, too. ... You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.” This tone-deaf statement implies that students are not employed or do not have families to support — and that affordable housing is not a basic need. Instead, the commission has demonstrated a preference for wealthy, single-family homeowners. Yet [student] voices have been drowned out at redistricting commission hearings. After dozens of students spoke out in special hearings for Districts 1 and 6, organized political insiders in La Jolla, including former council President Sherri Lightner, responded to our concerns by rallying to preserve the status quo exactly as it stands ... To date, the majority of commissioners have demonstrated far more concern for the feelings of these La Jollans than any other community. It is clear that students are not being treated as the stakeholders of the future––or even as community members––that they are often ascribed to be. San Diego Redistricting Commission, take note: students are far from done fighting. www.sandiegouniontribune.com Opinion: The redistricting process is ignoring the needs of UC San Diego students I have seen how my UC San Diego peers are ignored and viewed condescendingly. Next Previous

< Back New year, new faces. Meet some of the new leaders of our organization Saturday, January 9, 2021 Our Time to Act United Happy New Year and Welcome to 2021! Our Time To Act United is very much looking forward to another year of youth empowerment and working together to positively impact our communities. As we usher in a new year, we are also ushering in a new team. First we’d like to welcome our newest members of the Board, starting with Iris Leung as President and Ria Maheshwari as Vice President. Ms. Leung and Ms. Maheshwari did an extraordinary job last year leading the staff through a myriad of successes as Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director, respectively. Our Time To Act United is incredibly honored to welcome them to the board, and we have full confidence they will make 2021 an outstanding year for this organization. We’d also like to give a warm welcome to Anna Pierce, who will be a wonderful addition to the Strategy and Risk Committee. Congratulations to our new committee chairs: Allison Park as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Development Committee and Janice Park as Chair of the Strategy and Risk Committee. Thank you to all other board members as they continue to diligently serve Our Time To Act United. With the new year, we also have the pleasure of welcoming our new staff. Our Executive Director, Aidan Lin, is leading the staff this year. Mr. Lin has previously served as President of Our Time To Act United, and he is more than qualified for the job with the hard work and dedication he has shown throughout his years working with us. Another addition to the team is our Associate Executive Director, Ken Fesler. We know he’ll do a phenomenal job assisting Mr. Lin and leading the team. Our staff team currently consists of three members; Andrew Park, Apurv Gupta, and Suniska Patel will be working with us in 2021. Thank you for your continued support of Our Time To Act United. We look forward to the coming year! Next Previous