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< Back Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Monday, March 4, 2024 Our Time To Act On Sunday, March 3, 2024, we proudly announced our new name: Our Time To Act . Why the change? The name reflects an intentional strategic shift. For the past few years, we have focused on putting ourselves on the map, building a network, and fostering an incredible community of youth and youth allies. With these foundations in place, it’s our time to take the next step toward bold collective action . While unity is still important to us and our mission, it’s now time for our name to communicate our highest priority focus: organizing youth to take ambitious action on the housing crisis. Our new name also brings a breath of clarity—it’s shorter and easier to remember. Why the housing crisis? Housing is a human right. Having a home is fundamental to survival and is grounded in basic rights and social justice issues. Suburban sprawl and lack of affordable, available housing dramatically contribute to houselessness. Low-density, exclusionary housing and slow production of new units exacerbate poverty, enforce race- and class-based segregation, and further reliance on cars that contribute to unsustainable living. Youth are in a state of perpetual housing crisis, forced to answer the question: where are we going to live today, tomorrow, and in 30 years? Housing justice is how we will tackle building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all youth. How are we working toward housing justice? Thanks to our Director of Housing Justice, Nicole Lillie, and our dedicated Housing Justice Organizers Aarohan Hariharan, Arianna Alvarado, Diego Washington, and Masaki Mendoza, we’ve engaged hundreds of students and renters on housing justice, passing policies like Sustainable Development Areas in San Diego. Furthermore, we launched our Civic Youth Action Network (CYAN) . CYAN fosters youth-led grassroots organizing by providing a space for youth to co-create solutions to the housing crisis in our local communities. Since January, we’ve held seven meetings and engaged 30+ youth in community-building and organizing. What’s next? To announce and celebrate this new beginning, we invite you to re-engage with our cause. Signing up for our newsletter , becoming a member of CYAN , or making a donation are all great ways to join us for the ride. Now, more than ever, is our time to act. Next Previous

< Back to Open Positions Associate Executive Director (AED) Volunteer San Diego, CA, USA APPLY Rolling application ABOUT THE ROLE Position Summary: The Associate Executive Director (AED) will work closely with the Executive Director (ED) to co-lead and manage a team of directors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic initiatives. The AED is responsible for overseeing various projects, attending key meetings, and representing the organization at internal and external events. This role requires strong leadership, people management, and project management skills. Additionally, the AED will undergo a mentorship period with the ED to ensure a smooth transition into the role and provide ongoing development opportunities. You must be located in San Diego. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Management : Co-lead and manage the directors alongside the Executive Director, ensuring collaboration across departments and policy enforcement. Strategic Planning : Support the ED in developing and implementing organizational strategies to achieve long-term goals. Project Management : Oversee the successful execution of key organizational projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and budget. Meeting Attendance : Actively participate in Office of the Executive Director (OED) meetings, director-level meetings, and other sessions to ensure cross-departmental coordination. Event Participation : Represent the organization at relevant events, including networking and community partner events. Operational Oversight : Assist the ED in day-to-day operations, providing guidance and support to department heads. Mentorship Period: The AED will undergo a mentorship period with the previous AED and Executive Director, where they will receive tailored guidance and support to ensure they are well-prepared to lead effectively within the organization. This period will focus on developing leadership capabilities, organizational knowledge, and strategic management skills. Mentorship will include regular one-on-one meetings, shadowing the ED in high-level decision-making processes, and receiving feedback to foster personal and professional growth. This role is ideal for a leader who excels in a collaborative environment and is passionate about driving organizational success through strategic management and people leadership. This role is ideal for a leader who excels in a collaborative environment and is passionate about driving organizational success through strategic management and people leadership. REQUIREMENTS Leadership Experience : Proven track record of leading teams. People Management : Strong experience in managing and developing staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Project Management : Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and time management skills. Strategic Thinking : Ability to contribute to high-level strategic planning and decision-making processes. Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Problem-Solving : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to seek out problems, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances. 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 OTTA United nominated for the Midcoast Award at Circulate San Diego's Momentum Awards Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Our Time to Act United Next Previous

< Back Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Thursday, September 21, 2023 Our Time to Act United MEDIA CONTACT: Mariya Grabovska, Press Intern ( mariya.grabovska@ottaunited.org ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OTTA United has been honored by Circulate San Diego with the prestigious “Sustainable Growth” Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts in the San Diego region. "OTTA United has been side-by-side with Circulate San Diego in advocating for more housing and promoting denser, walkable, and more vibrant neighborhoods," says Masaki Mendoza, Housing Justice Organizer at OTTA United. The organization has been actively demonstrating its commitment to sustainable growth through its advocacy for policies that foster denser housing, particularly around public transit stations in San Diego. OTTA United firmly believes that denser housing addresses affordability concerns and contributes significantly to environmental preservation and climate action. By utilizing less land for accommodating the same or larger populations, OTTA United aims to combat urban sprawl which poses environmental challenges, transportation difficulties, and high land prices. Circulate San Diego has acknowledged the hard work being done by the very talented and passionate young individuals at our organization as well as what we have been able to accomplish in collaboration with their mission. The award ceremony took place at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The event aimed to acknowledge organizations, individuals, and projects that have significantly contributed to the mission of Circulate San Diego. Among the recognized individuals was California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who was lauded for his efforts in addressing the state’s housing crisis. OTTA United expresses gratitude for the recognition and remains dedicated to its mission of promoting sustainable growth; advocating for policies that create vibrant, walkable communities; and collaborating with organizations like Circulate San Diego to make a positive impact on urban development. In addition, receiving this recognition wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the Housing Team at OTTA. We thank the individuals behind the scenes and those on the frontline. Next Previous

Pashe crisp (she/her) is a high school student currently serving as OTTA’s co-director of Engagement. Aside from being a student, Pashe is involved in various youth and community-oriented organizations in the belief that youth own the future and hold the power to shape it, (?) presiding as the co-lead of Team Enough, co-chair of SDUSD’s Environmental Literacy Task Force, holding seat at the La Jolla Playhouse Teen Council, and of course Our Time To Act in the engagement team. Having ample experience in communications, social media management, organization, and outreach Pashe joined OTTA’s youth-centered mission in May 2024 and strives to engage and enrich communities alongside the engagement team. < Back Pashe Crisp Director of Engagement Pashe crisp (she/her) is a high school student currently serving as OTTA’s co-director of Engagement. Aside from being a student, Pashe is involved in various youth and community-oriented organizations in the belief that youth own the future and hold the power to shape it, (?) presiding as the co-lead of Team Enough, co-chair of SDUSD’s Environmental Literacy Task Force, holding seat at the La Jolla Playhouse Teen Council, and of course Our Time To Act in the engagement team. Having ample experience in communications, social media management, organization, and outreach Pashe joined OTTA’s youth-centered mission in May 2024 and strives to engage and enrich communities alongside the engagement team. pashe.crisp@ourtimetoact.org

< Back to Open Positions Senior Director of Programs Staff Director (Volunteer) San Diego, CA, USA APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before June 16th. ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Executive Director, the primary job of the Senior Director of Programs leads three direct reports: the Director of Organizing, the Director of Advocacy & Research, and the Director of Services. JOB DESCRIPTION The Senior Director of Programs plays an influential role in building strong, stable, and successful programs within the three areas they oversee: organizing, advocacy & research, and services. Job responsibilities include: Set goals REQUIREMENTS DREAM ROLE This is the dream role for someone with strong abilities to set great goals, operationalize success, and lead direct reports in a collaborative, empathetic way. Key skillsets may include: Community organizing Program design and leadership Ability to inspire, train, and empower youth sociopolitical awareness to achieve change and help others to do so Passion and commitment A “do-er” (strong implementation skills) EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Previous organizing experience is required, with preference given to individuals with experience organizing youth or for youth-related issues. A high school diploma is preferred, although not required if a candidate has exemplary youth organizing experience. WORK MODALITY & LOCATION OTTA United’s office is located in San Diego, California (3252 Holiday Court Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92037). CYAN will be launched in San Diego, so applicants must be in the San Diego region with the ability to travel around the City of San Diego and to the OTTA United office. The work modality is hybrid, with some required meetings at the OTTA United office. PAY & BENEFITS This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no compensation for this position at this time. OTTA United deeply values the potential for personal and career development and strives to uplift its team members to best position them for their bright futures. Non-monetary benefits include: Tailored work experience and growth to fit your desired career path Networking opportunities with community nonprofits, policymakers, elected officials, and companies Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers EXPECTED HOURS & FLEXIBILITY In a Senior Director position, expected hours fluctuate from 15-30 hours per week. Certain responsibilities, such as staff meetings, are fixed. Other obligations can be flexible around your schedule. Many staff members are also students, so our work environment is as flexible as possible. Approximately 80% of meetings will be conducted online, with some optional in-person attendance, and 20% will be conducted in person. 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 Empty Home Tax Proposal Coming to a Ballot Near You Wednesday, March 4, 2026 On Tuesday, March 3rd, San Diego City Council voted on the Empty Homes Tax- a proposal introduced by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera of District 9. This tax when first proposed applied to both empty second homes and tier 3 & 4 short-term vacation rentals. The number of homes in the City of San Diego that are entirely utilized for short-term rental usage or empty secondary/vacation homes total to nearly 11,000. This initial proposal would have put forward an annual tax of $8,000 per whole-house vacation rental or empty home (with an additional $4,000 for corporate-owned and repeat code violator units) for consideration on the ballot come June. This iteration had the potential to generate up to $90 million in revenue annually for city services. Unfortunately, the Empty Second Home and Vacation Rental tax did not pass the rules committee with the short-term rental element included. Despite the tax impacting less than 1% of San Diegans, on Wednesday, January 28th, Rule Committee Councilmembers Raul Campillo of District 7, Vivian Moreno of District 8, and Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee of District 6 all voted no, citing the inclusion of short-term rental units, with Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Council President Joe LaCava of District 1 voting yes. This disappointing outcome was helped along by the Chamber of Commerce and Airbnb’s efforts to kill the proposal. These efforts included misinformation text campaigns as well as paying and bussing people from LA to speak against the item. Undeterred, Councilmember Elo-Rivera brought the proposal back, clearly understanding the urgency of the housing crisis for San Diegans and the need for substantive action. Following the removal of the short-term rental element, the Empty Second Home Tax will levy an annual tax of $8,000 per whole-empty-home plus $4,000 for corporate-owned second homes beginning in 2027 (an amount that will increase based on inflation and be adjusted for CPI in 2029). This ballot measure passed unanimously through the Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 25th. This proposal also included several exemptions to ensure the tax would only apply to truly empty homes that sit unoccupied for more than 182 days of the year. Ahead of the proposal being considered by the full council, Councilmember Elo-Rivera, Council President Joe LaCava and Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, joined by organizers and activists from across the region, held a press conference on the item. Organizations represented included Our Time To Act, Youth Will, Viet Voices, UCSD Poverty Project, Alliance San Diego, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Association of Californians for Community Empowerment, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, San Diego Education Association, San Diego Housing Federation, PATH, and San Diego City Fire Fighters I.A.F.F. Local 145. At this press conference, speakers spoke to our concern that 1.6% of all homes in San Diego County are unoccupied rental vacation homes/secondary homes, with 5,140 in the City of San Diego alone. Keeping these homes unoccupied creates a negative impact on the housing market, creating false scarcity and avoidable rental increases. As it stands, owners of secondary homes pay no additional tax for their unoccupied homes and in fact profit, using their secondary homes as a tax write off, while rent and cost of living for working class San Diegans increases. This proposed tax will either encourage the sale or long-term rental of these units or potentially generate $30 million annually for critical city services in the face of devastating budget cuts. Either way, this tax is a crucial step towards treating housing as a human right rather than a tool for profit. After multiple rounds at committee, robust public comment, and councilmember commentary, the Empty Home Tax proposal passed through San Diego City Council 8 to 1, with only Councilmember Raul Campillo voting against following confounding comments about his legal concerns. Our Time To Act and our partners at Youth Will were in attendance at every step of this proposal’s journey, and we are sincerely encouraged to see it move forward. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera thanked youth for our attendance and persistent advocacy on this issue. He spoke to the importance of the community's advocacy on this item saying, “I also want to say thank you to the folks who came down here to share your story, I think you helped ground us in what is at stake today, and I could not help but notice how many young faces we saw here today. The desire to just have a damn chance to live in this city is so strong and we need to encourage that. We need to make folks know that we are trying to give them a . . . chance to live in the city that they love and that they work in. . . I so appreciate you all showing up here and telling your stories. And that's why homes shouldn't be sitting empty during a housing crisis.” The Empty Home Tax’s fate is now in the hands of the voters and will be appearing on the ballot this June 2nd, 2026. If you would like to read more on this measure, and find additional information about how homes are identified, eligibility and available exemptions, or other questions please see the staff reports from 3/3/26 , 2/25/26 , and 1/28/26 . If you should have any additional questions or concerns please contact our Executive Director, Nicole Lillie at nicole.lillie@ourtimetoact.org Next Previous

Scott Warren is an experienced practitioner and scholar in youth political engagement, and the new Youth Civic/Political Engagement and Leadership Specialist working at DDI in the ID Hub. He comes to USAID from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he started Democracy Moves, an international network of youth activists, organizations, and scholars pushing for democratic change in their own communities. As part of this work, he was the primary author of Walking the Walk, a report that details how young people are frustrated with traditional institutional politics, but engaging with democracy in new, creative ways. < Back Scott Warren Board Director Scott Warren is an experienced practitioner and scholar in youth political engagement, and the new Youth Civic/Political Engagement and Leadership Specialist working at DDI in the ID Hub. He comes to USAID from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he started Democracy Moves, an international network of youth activists, organizations, and scholars pushing for democratic change in their own communities. As part of this work, he was the primary author of Walking the Walk, a report that details how young people are frustrated with traditional institutional politics, but engaging with democracy in new, creative ways. scott.warren@ourtimetoact.org

Henna is a fourth year Business Psychology student at the University of California San Diego. Before joining Our Time To Act, Henna dedicated her time to a senior home where she served as the event coordinator for our events. Henna planned and executed thei monthly visits to the local senior home where they would put on fun games and did arts and crafts. Henna's hobbies include reading and cooking and outside of OTTA, Henna also work in retail. < Back Henna Malikyar Director of Operations and People Henna is a fourth year Business Psychology student at the University of California San Diego. Before joining Our Time To Act, Henna dedicated her time to a senior home where she served as the event coordinator for our events. Henna planned and executed thei monthly visits to the local senior home where they would put on fun games and did arts and crafts. Henna's hobbies include reading and cooking and outside of OTTA, Henna also work in retail. henna.malikyar@ourtimetoact.org

Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. < Back Nicholas Tappin Policy & Coalition Representative Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. nicholas.tappin@ourtimetoact.org

Oliver has lived in Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles but considers the Bay Area home. He is a Stanford and Harvard trained clinical psychologist and has returned to Stanford University to serve as Operations Director at Counseling and Psychological Services, teach courses in Asian American Studies, supervise the next generation of psychologists, and provide outreach workshops and trainings. Oliver is humbled to serve on the Board of Our Time To Act and truly inspired to see the youth make such a meaningful impact in their local communities. < Back Oliver Lin Treasurer Oliver has lived in Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles but considers the Bay Area home. He is a Stanford and Harvard trained clinical psychologist and has returned to Stanford University to serve as Operations Director at Counseling and Psychological Services, teach courses in Asian American Studies, supervise the next generation of psychologists, and provide outreach workshops and trainings. Oliver is humbled to serve on the Board of Our Time To Act and truly inspired to see the youth make such a meaningful impact in their local communities. oliver.lin@ourtimetoact.org

< Back to Open Positions Director of Advocacy Volunteer San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Advocacy is in charge of high-level plans, oversight, and execution of advocacy-related action, which is designed to further youth interests at all levels of our political system. They oversee the Assistant Director of Policy & Action and the Assistant Director of Research to guide Our Time to Act United's advocacy agenda and impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of youth across the state and nation. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience required. Demonstrates strong goal management, team building, and interpersonal skills. Exemplifies strong leadership qualities. High school student or beyond. 10-12 hours, 3-4 meetings a week. 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