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 Advisory Services Event Coordinator Volunteer South Bay Area and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE Event Coordinators for Advisory Services run informational workshops designed to enhance the organizational and leadership skills of youth, offering them new methods and ideas for their own groups and organizations. Specific work includes creating an event plan, calculating event expenses, communicating with event personnel, and facilitating event execution and wrap up. REQUIREMENTS No prior experience required. Demonstrates proficient forethought and planning skills. High school student or beyond. 6-8 hours, 1-2 meetings a week. Our scheduling is highly flexible. Values cooperation, creativity, growth-mindset. Exhibits organization, diligence, and dedication. Passion for youth empowerment. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION While pursuing our mission of youth empowerment, Our Time to Act United understands the importance of fostering a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for all. As such, the actions we take align with our values as an organization and as individuals. We value meaningful impact. We always seek to genuinely support those that we serve and the people within our organization. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs. Our team and organization is growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve! Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow for us to be a cooperative, productive, and effective team. We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you in order to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding our organization, values, workplace environment, or the application process. APPLY

Learn about our mission, values, and strategy as a youth-founded, youth-led nonprofit. About Us WHY WE'RE HERE Mission and Strategy "To organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future." Simply put, we strive to build and exercise youth power. We are often called the leaders of tomorrow but youth are the leaders of today. At Our Time To Act we organize alongside our peers to shape our future collectively. When youth are able to get involved, the entire community benefits. According to our research , youth engagement within decision-making creates more effective representation, fosters pluralistic leadership, and strengthens democratic institutions. Socially, youth experience greater self-awareness, positive identity development and social bonding, and a sense of purpose. It’s a win-win for everyone! We constantly are practicing the future we want to create in the present. Our team is defined by our commitment to authenticity and passion for justice and our communities. Each member of our team has their own unique experience that has brought them into this work and we all come together to share, grow, and shape a brighter future. We are creative, resilient, and determined. Issues that disproportionately affect young people have been predominately controlled by adults. We exercise our collective power to create new pathways for youth voice and perspectives to be heard and valued in our sociopolitical systems. Youth own the future, we're shaping it now. WHAT WE'RE MADE OF Our Philosophy 1. Authentic & Passionate We value authenticity and passion in the work we do. By acting with integrity and remaining impact-driven, we constantly put these values into practice. 2. Mentors & Coalition-builders We play the role of mentors and coalition-builders in our communities. We can achieve the most by collaborating, openly sharing resources, and fostering robust networks. 3. Justice-seeking & people-centered Justice-seeking and people-centered perspectives are the lenses through which we perceive the world. They help us keep our highest priorities in clear view. YOUTH FOUNDED. YOUTH LED. THE FACES Meet the Team Our team is the heartbeat of our organization, and our passion and drive are at the core of our success. Connect with and get to know the individuals who work tirelessly to create a better future for all. VIEW THE TEAM OPEN POSITIONS OUR TEAM IN ACTION This video was put together for and played at our second annual gala. It told our staff stories through photos and videos of our work incorporated with interview of our team. Our March Pro-Housing rally. Featured in ABC10, CBS8, NBC7, and the Times of San Diego, we surged to the stage bringing diverse voices into the community planning process. OUR BRAND Inside Scoop We are professional and youthful . Our brand demonstrates that youth are capable and powerful while maintaining their playful and imaginative nature. At Our Time To Act, this powerful combination generates unique innovation. Professionalism Our presence is a statement, and we have the experience, skills, and drive to back it up. We strategically shape the future ahead of us. In our communities, we are trailblazers for youth in spaces where they are not welcomed or considered. Youthfulness Bold Determined Capable Creative Playful Imaginative We inspire others and ourselves. Our creativity leads to our passion and ideas. We embody our youthfulness, using our energy and enthusiasm to collaborate with community members and challenge the unjust. OUR WORK AND NEWS More About What We Do View our Advocacy and News pages for a deeper understanding of our mission and the impactful work we undertake. Here, we invite you to explore the intricate web of initiatives, projects, and causes that define us. OUR WORK NEWS JOIN OUR EFFORTS Get Involved We're more than just a collective of individuals; we're a vibrant, passionate community committed to making a change. We invite you to take an active role in shaping our shared future. BECOME A MEMBER DONATE JOIN OUR TEAM

Ken (he/him/his) is an Economics and Political Science student at the University of California, Davis. He officially joined Our Time To Act in June 2020 and became Associate Executive Director in January 2021. As Associate Executive Director, Ken takes the lead on systems management and employee development, including interdepartmental policies, employee one-on-ones, and performance reviews. Prior to joining OTTA and while still in high school, Ken was a Shift Lead at a local tea shop, the most senior staff member on site trusted with running the store efficiently and without waste. Throughout this, he maintains his driven dedication to scholastic success - he was a high school valedictorian and is now a Regent Scholar and university honors student. After graduating, Ken seeks to find further employment close to his loving family in the San Francisco Bay Area. < Back Ken Fesler Secretary Ken (he/him/his) is an Economics and Political Science student at the University of California, Davis. He officially joined Our Time To Act in June 2020 and became Associate Executive Director in January 2021. As Associate Executive Director, Ken takes the lead on systems management and employee development, including interdepartmental policies, employee one-on-ones, and performance reviews. Prior to joining OTTA and while still in high school, Ken was a Shift Lead at a local tea shop, the most senior staff member on site trusted with running the store efficiently and without waste. Throughout this, he maintains his driven dedication to scholastic success - he was a high school valedictorian and is now a Regent Scholar and university honors student. After graduating, Ken seeks to find further employment close to his loving family in the San Francisco Bay Area. ken.fesler@ourtimetoact.org

Masaki (he/him/his) is a student at the University of California, San Diego majoring in Joint Mathematics-Economics, and Urban Studies and Planning. He has been passionate about issues in American cities and communities since learning about the field in October 2021 right after arriving at UCSD. In the summer of 2022, he led a group of 15 young people to advocate for housing and transit at City Council and Planning Commission meetings in his hometown of Jurupa Valley, CA, garnering recognition from elected and appointed officials. He hopes to continue this work in his hometown and San Diego. Outside of Our Time To Act as a Housing Justice Director of Eliminating Exclusionary Zoning, Masaki is also interested in learning about issues regarding transportation, particularly public transit. He is currently working with his city to study the current status of transit in the community, surveying the population about their perceptions of it and what could be done to improve it. After graduation, he hopes to work as an urban planner in Southern California to continue advocating for better public transit and housing policies to benefit everyone in the region. < Back Masaki Mendoza Housing Justice Director Masaki (he/him/his) is a student at the University of California, San Diego majoring in Joint Mathematics-Economics, and Urban Studies and Planning. He has been passionate about issues in American cities and communities since learning about the field in October 2021 right after arriving at UCSD. In the summer of 2022, he led a group of 15 young people to advocate for housing and transit at City Council and Planning Commission meetings in his hometown of Jurupa Valley, CA, garnering recognition from elected and appointed officials. He hopes to continue this work in his hometown and San Diego. Outside of Our Time To Act as a Housing Justice Director of Eliminating Exclusionary Zoning, Masaki is also interested in learning about issues regarding transportation, particularly public transit. He is currently working with his city to study the current status of transit in the community, surveying the population about their perceptions of it and what could be done to improve it. After graduation, he hopes to work as an urban planner in Southern California to continue advocating for better public transit and housing policies to benefit everyone in the region. masaki.mendoza@ourtimetoact.org

Noah (he/him/his) is a recent graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. degree in Psychology in which he earned prior to joining Our Time To Act. He has been involved in the North Park Planning Committee and regularly attends their meetings. Growing up in a streetcar suburb he realized the importance of walkability and alternatives to driving but it wasn’t until moving to a car dependent area and back to the streetcar suburb where that importance was made obvious. In addition to being an advocate to traveling alternatives, Noah also believes in environmental sustainability as well as densifying housing in order to accommodate the growing population of San Diego and her surrounding areas.Noah has officially joined our time to act in 2024 and is looking forward to helping San Diego’s population have an environmentally sustainable future with further mixed use environments and more housing. < Back Noah Gonzalez Housing Justice Organizer Noah (he/him/his) is a recent graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. degree in Psychology in which he earned prior to joining Our Time To Act. He has been involved in the North Park Planning Committee and regularly attends their meetings. Growing up in a streetcar suburb he realized the importance of walkability and alternatives to driving but it wasn’t until moving to a car dependent area and back to the streetcar suburb where that importance was made obvious. In addition to being an advocate to traveling alternatives, Noah also believes in environmental sustainability as well as densifying housing in order to accommodate the growing population of San Diego and her surrounding areas.Noah has officially joined our time to act in 2024 and is looking forward to helping San Diego’s population have an environmentally sustainable future with further mixed use environments and more housing. noah.gonzalez@ourtimetoact.org

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

< Back Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Our Time to Act United On January 11th, 2023, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria held his first in-person and third ever State of the City Address. The Mayor declared the city to be ‘rising’ to meet prevalent challenges and that “our best days lie ahead.” His address focused on infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, and housing. It was during his segment on housing where Mayor Gloria spotlighted the work of Aidan Lin, Executive Director of Our Time to Act United, with youth and students in housing solutions. “Aidan is a 20-year-old student at UC San Diego. He currently has a 3.9 GPA, and while in high school, he founded a non-profit known as ‘ Our Time to Act United ,’ which works to empower young people.” The Mayor continued, “He’s already deeply involved in the civic life of our city – advocating for the Asian Pacific Islander community, shaping City Council Districts, and enthusiastically pushing for more housing and transit options.” Last year, OTTA United took on several advocacy projects — specifically focusing on the area surrounding UC San Diego — to promote increased housing stock, transit options, and building density to combat the worsening housing and climate crises. Students mobilized by OTTA United showed up in support of much-needed community planning group reform and density in the University Community Plan Update . Shortly after highlighting Mr. Lin, Mayor Gloria outlined the actions the city has taken to build more homes. This includes signing an executive order that directs all city staff to complete reviews and approvals of 100-percent affordable housing projects within 30 days, a process that currently takes up to six months. OTTA United looks forward to continuing its housing organizing and advocacy efforts in 2023 and greatly appreciates the acknowledgment of youth and youth leaders in the struggle for affordable housing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKLiZtqN7bA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyslaH1kgGU Next Previous

< Back to Open Positions CYAN Lead Organizer Volunteer San Diego, CA, USA APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before March 31st, 2024. ABOUT THE ROLE THE ROLE We are looking for a CYAN Lead Organizer (0.75 FTE). The Lead Organizer reports to the Executive Director and works in close partnership with the Director of Housing Justice, the Housing Justice Team, and the Engagement Team. The Lead Organizer will develop our flagship program—the Civic Youth Action Network (CYAN)—by working with the CYAN leadership team to accomplish CYAN-related membership and organizing objectives. This position will also support the housing justice organizing and research work led by the Housing Justice Team. JOB DESCRIPTION Key responsibilities include to: This role is empowered to plan, launch, and execute organizing events that draw youth and youth allies into our youth organizing (CYAN) and housing work Build people power by building relationships with youth, including individuals, youth-led organizations, and youth-serving organizations and institutions Manage volunteers that are essential to building capacity for organizing and direct action Develop the leadership capacity of CYAN leaders and members, aiding the planning and execution of the CYAN Conference and monthly events Assist in research-related projects, including the Youth Housing Safety Net which identifies how youth fall into homelessness and are failed by the system and the history & impacts of exclusionary single-family zoning Become a clear and powerful voice for organizing and the principles thereof inside and outside of the organization This is the dream job for someone passionate about organizing people to disrupt the status quo; lifting up marginalized voices, including youth; working directly with individuals and groups with diverse identities, lived experiences, and perspectives; and engaging youth and the community to build long-lasting power and a brighter future. We are looking for someone who: Has strong organizational and time management skills Has the ability to work both independently and as part of a team Has a desire to learn organizing skills and expand youth power in San Diego Is passionate about our mission REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Previous organizing experience or related work experience is preferred, with priority 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. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION WORK MODALITY & LOCATION The work modality of this role is either hybrid or remote. Work is welcome in person at OTTA United’s office, located in San Diego, California (3252 Holiday Court Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92037), but it is not required. PAY & BENEFITS This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no monetary 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 Hands-on experience with Quickbooks and resources to foster exploration Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers 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

Rhianen is majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Ethnic Studies at UCSD. Their current passions are queer and disability justice as well as being open about their journey with PTSD. Rhianen's two modes are productive working at a local cafe or playing on their Switch, curled up on their couch. They consider themselves to be the part-time cool uncle of Isaac's yorkie. < Back Rhianen Callahan Community Coordinator Rhianen is majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Ethnic Studies at UCSD. Their current passions are queer and disability justice as well as being open about their journey with PTSD. Rhianen's two modes are productive working at a local cafe or playing on their Switch, curled up on their couch. They consider themselves to be the part-time cool uncle of Isaac's yorkie. rhianen.callahan@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

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