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< 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQhbpYtf20U 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 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

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

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

< 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

< 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECQsNV_p0Tg 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 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Our Time to Act United MEDIA CONTACT: Mariya Grabovska, Press Intern ( mariya.grabovska@ottaunited.org ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: In a transformative Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Workshop held on August 22, 2023, OTTA United unveiled a powerful model that explores the dynamics of leadership and connection, led by Aidan Lin, Executive Director, and Yvania Rubio, a former director at OTTA United. The workshop, hosted by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, brought together a diverse group of individuals eager to enhance their leadership skills and create meaningful connections. At the workshop's core was the innovative Activation model, dissected into two essential components: "Motivation" and "Foundation." From Motivation stems the crucial elements of holding accountability and inspiring action, while Foundation provides the building blocks of building rapport and showing vulnerability. This unique model demonstrates the inherent capacity of "Activation" to foster genuine connections. The event witnessed a remarkable crowd overlap between the two workshop days, indicating that participants not only found value in the initial session but were compelled to return for a deeper dive into the model's principles. We were very excited to see some familiar faces and meet more individuals interested in what OTTA offers. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Catalyst of San Diego, the organizers of this event, for recognizing and supporting the strength of our youth organization," said Aidan Lin. Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties commitment to empowering youth aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we applaud them for championing the cause. The first workshop, held on June 10, 2023, set the stage for the August event, and OTTA is thrilled to see the continued interest and enthusiasm from the community. Looking towards the future, OTTA is excited about delivering more training programs that serve and empower youth and youth organizations. While expressing gratitude to Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, OTTA United looks forward to collaborating with various partners to expand its impact and reach. "OTTA United is committed to creating a lasting impact on the lives of youth, and we hope to replicate the success of this workshop in the near future," added Aidan Lin. Next Previous

Irene Wu (she/her/hers) is a senior at San Marcos High School and fascinated with the intersection of youth activism and social media. She is active in API youth activism as the SD API Youth Network Co-Chair and is excited to be furthering Our Time To Act’s goals for empowered and passionate youth. Outside of OTTA, Irene adores reading and art, and is always looking for new book/movie/podcast recommendations. < Back Irene Wu Social Media Coordinator Irene Wu (she/her/hers) is a senior at San Marcos High School and fascinated with the intersection of youth activism and social media. She is active in API youth activism as the SD API Youth Network Co-Chair and is excited to be furthering Our Time To Act’s goals for empowered and passionate youth. Outside of OTTA, Irene adores reading and art, and is always looking for new book/movie/podcast recommendations. irene.wu@ourtimetoact.org

Jasmine Truong is a San Diego native and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from UC San Diego. She is a field organizer for Congressman Scott Peters' re-election campaign and volunteers her time as a board member of the AAPI Democrats of San Diego. As CYAN Community Building chair, she's excited to help youth and youth allies build connections through their collective work and organizing. < Back Jasmine Truong CYAN Advisor Jasmine Truong is a San Diego native and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from UC San Diego. She is a field organizer for Congressman Scott Peters' re-election campaign and volunteers her time as a board member of the AAPI Democrats of San Diego. As CYAN Community Building chair, she's excited to help youth and youth allies build connections through their collective work and organizing. jasmine.troung@ourtimetoact.org