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- Rachel Choy
Rachel Choy (she/her) is working towards a career in brand marketing. She joined Our Time To Act in April 2021 as the Graphic Designer and became the Assistant Director of Communications in July 2022. Throughout her time at Our Time To Act, she has seen the implications of and needs for visual communications to create impactful changes. Some of her work includes leading social media and website content projects, collaborating with departments for marketing campaigns, and rebranding the organization. Outside of Our Time To Act, Rachel is studying for a major in Marketing and a double minor in Graphic Design and Retail Studies at Santa Clara University (SCU). Rachel is also Co-Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Union at SCU. Here, she fosters community by providing spaces, resources, and events for API students. Furthermore, Rachel is currently a Marketing Intern for Noble Health where she researches social media strategies and designs promotional content revolving around mental health therapy. < Back Rachel Choy Vice President, Internal Affairs Rachel Choy (she/her) is working towards a career in brand marketing. She joined Our Time To Act in April 2021 as the Graphic Designer and became the Assistant Director of Communications in July 2022. Throughout her time at Our Time To Act, she has seen the implications of and needs for visual communications to create impactful changes. Some of her work includes leading social media and website content projects, collaborating with departments for marketing campaigns, and rebranding the organization. Outside of Our Time To Act, Rachel is studying for a major in Marketing and a double minor in Graphic Design and Retail Studies at Santa Clara University (SCU). Rachel is also Co-Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Union at SCU. Here, she fosters community by providing spaces, resources, and events for API students. Furthermore, Rachel is currently a Marketing Intern for Noble Health where she researches social media strategies and designs promotional content revolving around mental health therapy. rachel.choy@ourtimetoact.org
- Director of Programs
< Back to Open Positions Director of Programs Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Programs oversees the functions of Our Time to Act United's Local Leaders, Advisory Services, and Advocate Academy programs, ensuring high quality and impact for youth They supervise and expand Our Time to Act United's direct services by working face-to-face with youth at the local level. 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
- Our Time To Act | Building Youth Power
Our Time To Act is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Join the fight to eliminate exclusionary zoning in San Diego READ MORE 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 of 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, neighborhood segregation, the climate crisis and environmental injustice; inequality of outcomes perpetuating injustice by class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and more. Our mission is to build the power we need to make our dreams reality. 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: GOAT Model 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. GOAT IN ACTION VIEW THE TEAM Grassroots Organizing Building power by building capacity for the cause; relationships between ordinary people that inspire and facilitate transformative changemaking. SCHEDULE A 1:1 HOST A HOUSING CHAT VOLUNTEER WITH US RESEARCH ADVOCACY Advocacy and Research Advocacy is a policy-based change-making using a small, well-trained team of advocates. Research and public input are critical to effective advocacy. Trainings and Workshops Trainings help youth and our community claim our power by growing our network, skills, and resources to be impactful leaders. SCHEDULE A TRAINING 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. Join us for our Third Annual Gala! Our Time To Act proudly presents our Third Annual Gala: Envisioning Home. Come support our youth organizing and power building work! BUY TICKETS! 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!
- Youth & API Canvasser | Our Time To Act
< Back to Open Positions API & Youth Canvasser San Diego, CA Paid Rolling application. Priority given to applicants before April 30th, 2022. Apply Now (it's simple!) 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, Our Time To Act is dedicated to building youth power (aged 15-24) in areas predominantly occupied by adults to benefit the community as a whole. Application First Name Last Name Email Phone Number I consent to being contacted via phone for a short screening phone call or text conversation. I am legally authorized to work in the United States. Scheduling In the table below, please select which shifts you prefer. I understand a minimum of 7 hours per week is required and a maximum of 21 hours per week is allowed. How many hours would you like to work per week? TUESDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) MONDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) WEDNESDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) FRIDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) THURSDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) SUBMIT APPLICATION An error has occurred. Please make sure all fields are properly filled. Your application has been successfully submitted! Anchor 1
- Pro-Housing Petition | Our Time To Act
Traditionally, youth have been excluded from the decision-making process in the housing crisis. Sign this petition to volunteer with us in making our demands!
- 2024 Youth Summit Impact Recap | Our Time To Act
Check out our 2024 Youth Changemakers Summit! Download
- Housing Justice Team Member (OLD INACTIVE)
< Back to Open Positions Housing Justice Team Member (OLD INACTIVE) Volunteer Position On-Site (San Diego) APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before June 20th. ABOUT THE ROLE Contextual Note: Under Our Time To Act’s commitment to housing justice there are three teams: Eliminating Exclusionary Zoning, Enacting Social Housing, and Ending Youth Homelessness. Elimination of Exclusionary Zoning and Enacting Social Housing teams must utilize grassroots organizing to achieve their goals, and the staff on these teams will be primarily focused on building skills in organizing. Ending Youth Homelessness team members will primarily utilize skills in research and advocacy to achieve their goals, but may also be expected to learn a more diverse skill set to assist other teams. For more information about the responsibilities of each of the Housing Justice Teams, please see this chart. In your application, please rank the different projects in the final response box before your signature and submission. Through your application and interview process, you will be selected for one of these teams. Job Summary: Housing Justice Team Members will build and practice skills related to organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for housing justice at the grassroots level. This will be achieved with peer-to-peer learning and leadership opportunities. Housing Justice Team Members will participate in the general workload and strategizing of executing their housing project area. This work will involve educational and organizing campaigns, participating in and mobilizing for direct actions, and informing our consulting, advocacy, and research efforts. Job Details: Attend weekly working and check-in meetings with the Team Director and other Housing Justice Team Members on your project team. Attend monthly full-team meetings with all Housing Justice Team Members. Attend all additional meetings and events determined mandatory by your project team. Attend all relevant meetings and events for Our Time To Act as determined by your director and/or the Office of the Executive Director. Be prepared to research and become familiar with topics related to housing, transportation, and land-use policy. Be prepared to learn, grow, and practice skills of grassroots organizing. Strategize for and co-create educational materials, campaigns, direct actions, etc. Participate in planning, preparation, and execution of community events, tabling, and other direct actions. Practice successful active communication with colleagues and supervisors and timely completion of assigned tasks and expectations. Provide other assistance as needed. Bring your full self and your passion to your work, and actively contribute to the Housing Justice and Our Time To Act team with authentic leadership. Hours Per Week: Approximately 10 hours per week. 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. Pay Rate: No Pay Rate, Volunteer Position Benefits: This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no monetary compensation for this position at this time. Our Time To Act 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 Informal and formal training and mentorship Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers Desired Start Date: As soon as possible. Priority is given to applicants who can start before July 1st, 2024. REQUIREMENTS Required Qualifications: Youth, 15 - 24 years old Existing knowledge of how to use Google Drive applications (Gmail, Docs, Forms, Calendar, Slides, Sheets, etc.). Google Drive applications are used frequently. Basic knowledge of Slack, the communications platform. Attention to detail and deadlines. Ability to communicate well with others, including fellow team members and the public. Ability to work successfully with a team. Ability to be flexible and adaptable to evolving situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to attend in-person events when necessary, weekly meetings may be attended via Zoom if necessary but most work may be required on-site. Preferred Qualifications: Please note that these are not required, but would be helpful for this role. Grassroots organizing experience. Research experience. Lobbying and advocacy experience. Existing policy knowledge related to housing, transportation, and land use. Experience with coalition building and spaces. Experience giving public comments. Experience with different writing styles (i.e. press releases, opinion pieces, policy memos, FAQ’s, etc.) Experience communicating with the press. Experience working with volunteers. Experience with giving detailed feedback on proposals. Lived experience with housing insecurity. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION WORK MODALITY & LOCATION The work modality of this role is in-person, and occasionally hybrid. Events, actions, and meetings will occur throughout the San Diego area. Our Time To Act is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Our Time To Act 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
- Assistant Director of Policy and Action
< Back to Open Positions Assistant Director of Policy and Action Volunteer San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of Policy and Action works within the advocacy branch, with a focus on current legislative activity. They are responsible for coordination between Youth Advocates, Policy Analysts, and the Director of Advocacy, ensuring efficient analysis and action on legislation that affects youth. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to identify and pursue potential policy areas for action. 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
- A Glimpse into Our Impact | Our Time To Act
A Glimpse into Our Impact Here are the highlights of what we've been up to in the past few years. March 2022 - Redistricting Reform At City Council Rules Committee, we presented research and recommendations for redistricting reform in the City of San Diego. April 2022 - Get Out to Vote Campaign Kickoff We had our Get Out To Vote (GOTV) Campaing kickoff for an initiative to increase API voter engagement. April 2022 - Consulting Youth-Led Tennis Clinic Our Time To Act began consulting JAMMA Tennis Clinic, a youth-led non-for-profit, as they scaled up their programs and considered acquiring 501(c)(3) status. June 2022 - Our First Retreat Ever For the first time, Our Time To Act staff and board members gathered in the SF Bay Area for a retreat. July 2022 - Our Time To Act Marches in San Diego Pride Parade Our Time To Act took part in the 2022 San Diego Pride and Festival. Sept. 2022 - Community Planning Reform Alongside Circulate San Diego, we pushed for reform in San Diego’s community planning group (CPG) policies. Reforms were adopted on September 13th, 2022. Oct. 2022 - "Paws-itivitely Ready for the Polls" Event Our Youth Voter Engagement Project (YVEP) held several successful GOTV events by bringing dogs to campus. Our fluffy friends helped us reach thousands of US San Diego students. Oct. 2022 - Co-Hosting local Candidate Forum YVEP co-hosted a local forum for San Diego City Council DIstrict 6 and Office 35 of the San Diego County Superior Court. Over 80 UC San Diego Students attended. Nov. 2022 - 300+ Doors Knocked for the Asian and Pacific Islander Voter Survey Our API Voter Engagement Project (AVEP) knocked over 300 doors in Mira Mesa, San Diego, to survey unregistered voters in our efforts to understand and close the API voter registration gap. Dec. 2022 - Annual Gala: A Sky Full of Stars To cap off the year, we hosted our first-ever annual gala. With the remarks and attendance of local elected officials, 11 co-hosts and three sponsors, and over 75 attendees, this event was an incredible success. Mar. 2023 - Pro-Housing Rally We shifted the narrative by hosting a pro-housing rally, garnering community members to collectively voice their opinions on the street. Mar. 2023 - Mini-Workshop with SEEN@SDHS Aidan Lin, the Executive Director of Our Time To Act, hosted a workshop to Students 4 Education Equity Now. April. 2023 - National Walkout Against Gun Violence Although Gun Violence Prevention is not an official subject Our Time To Act covers, Our Time To Act members passionately march in support. May. 2023 - Housing Listening Session We sat down with community members, discussed our ideas and feelings in regard to the housing situation in San Diego, and created art. June. 2023 - Finding Hope In Housing One month later, we regrouped again, this time with lego pieces. June. 2023 - Radical Candor Workshop We hosted a Radical Candor Workshop, a concept we value and often share with others. June. 2023 - Our First Ever Coffee Chat Members of Our Time To Act gathered together to sip on some coffee while listening to a presentation on how our brand was created. Aug. 2023 - Planning Committee We attended another planning committee to fight for affordable housing and transportation.
- 2023 Impact Recap | Our Time To Act
Over 1000 lives touched, 2000 hours... check out our impact on housing justice and youth organizing in our San Diego community! Check out our impact in 2023! Download
- Redistricting Reform in San Diego | OTTA United
REDISTRICTING REFORM "[The commission] simply [did] not reflect the diversity of San Diego , nor the experiences of most residents, and repeatedly proved themselves incapable of putting aside their own biases for the good of the city. No wonder the Commission has been incapable of handling the complex racial dynamics at the center of redistricting." AIDAN LIN Executive Director, OTTA United BACKGROUND Both API and youth suffer a lack of representation in the city politics of San Diego. Only three API city council members have been elected in the city's history: Tom Hom (elected 1963), Todd Gloria (elected 2008), and Chris Cate (elected 2014). Youth, on the other hand, face countless roadblocks to achieving legitimate stakeholder status in politics. GOALS REACH and ENGAGE API and youth citizens in University City. PROCESS From April to May , Our Time To Act will run a voter registration campaign in University City, targeting API and youth citizens. From May to June , and September to November , we will run two get-out-the-vote (GOTV) campaigns for the primary and general election, respectively. To contact voters, we will put boots on the ground with a trained team of approximately a dozen youth (age 18-24). This allows us to open new opportunities while building a team that best suits the University City community. In addition to door-knocking, Our Time To Act will plan a comprehensive community outreach campaign to complement our door-to-door efforts, including advertisements, community events, and business collaboration. TARGETS 15,871 Interactions with youth voters 9,384 Interactions with API voters 25,255 Interactions with target voters 29,951 Total visits to households $4.75 Cost of reaching one target voter
- OTTA United at San Diego Planning Commission for University City Plan Update | Our Time To Act
< 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







