Search Results

< Back to Open Positions Community Organizer (Midway/Clairemont) Paid San Diego APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before March 1st, 2022. ABOUT THE ROLE As a member of the advocacy team, the community organizer for Midway/Clairemont will be responsible for mobilizing youth (15-24) to advocate for affordable housing and accessible transportation in San Diego. REQUIREMENTS Position Responsibilities: Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy to coordinate grassroots housing advocacy Potential responsibilities include: Mobilizing youth through social media/outreach campaigns Formulating outreach strategies with the outreach team Fostering relationships and networks with student organizations in the Midway/Clairemont area Attend staff meetings Additional duties as assigned. Experience & Education: High school diploma required. Current undergraduate students are preferred. Previous experience in advocacy work preferred. Hourly Commitment: Average 8 hours per week Compensation $17.30 per hour 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. 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. APPLY

Our Time To Act is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Learn about our solidarity letter on student's rights and safety. 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 for 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, and neighborhood segregation; inequality of outcomes perpetuating injustice by class, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and more; and the climate crisis and environmental injustice. 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 Grassroots organizing is collective action powered by community based leaders and volunteers. HOUSING AVEP YVEP REDISTRICTING MIDWAY PROJECT Advocacy and Research Advocacy is a policy-based change-making using a small, well-trained team of advocates. Trainings and Workshops Trainings empower youth with the experience, network, skills, and resources to be impactful leaders. "Activating Youth" Workshop "Introduction to Advocacy, Mobilizing, and Organizing" Worskhop "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" Workshop 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. July 20-21, 2024: San Diego Pride Festival It's OUR TIME to be OUT and PROUD! March with us at this year's Pride Festival or join us as a volunteer. LEARN MORE 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!

Save the date! Mark your calendars for the Youth Changemakers Summit on September 28-29 . Join us for workshops, engaged discussions, and community booths focused on youth power and housing solutions. Thanks to our sponsors, attendance is free! The venue location, community partners, and sponsors will be announced soon. LEARN MORE ABOUT CYAN

Aishwarya (Sparky) Mitra (she/her) is a Bioengineering student at the University of California San Diego. Hailing from Texas, she currently resides in California, where in her free time she serves as the University of California San Diego College Democrats’ President and the California College Democrats’ Vice President. Sparky has organized public comments and rallies in San Diego with the help of unexpected allies in unexpected places, gathering 200+ students and community members at each rally. Additionally, she has worked in many capacities with organizations such as March for Our Lives Texas as a translator, Our Time To Act as their API Voter Empowerment Project Director, her university newspaper, the UCSD Guardian, as their Opinion Editor/Section Lead with articles garnering upwards of 40,000 interactions, her student government, and various professional bioengineering societies such as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering serving as an Executive Board member. Her primary focuses include advocating for housing justice, common-sense gun reform, reproductive rights, voting rights and access to education through equity-centered direct actions, and legislation. < Back Sparky Mitra Senior Director of Special Projects Aishwarya (Sparky) Mitra (she/her) is a Bioengineering student at the University of California San Diego. Hailing from Texas, she currently resides in California, where in her free time she serves as the University of California San Diego College Democrats’ President and the California College Democrats’ Vice President. Sparky has organized public comments and rallies in San Diego with the help of unexpected allies in unexpected places, gathering 200+ students and community members at each rally. Additionally, she has worked in many capacities with organizations such as March for Our Lives Texas as a translator, Our Time To Act as their API Voter Empowerment Project Director, her university newspaper, the UCSD Guardian, as their Opinion Editor/Section Lead with articles garnering upwards of 40,000 interactions, her student government, and various professional bioengineering societies such as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering serving as an Executive Board member. Her primary focuses include advocating for housing justice, common-sense gun reform, reproductive rights, voting rights and access to education through equity-centered direct actions, and legislation. sparky.mitra@ourtimetoact.org

< 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

< Back to Open Positions Youth Advocate Volunteer San Diego, South Bay Area, and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE Youth Advocates are tasked with organizing, lobbying, and protesting to further the legislative agenda of our organization. They are the voice of youth who will stand up and fight for us, taking our voice to the chambers of politics to represent the future. REQUIREMENTS No prior experience required. Demonstrates ability to make strong arguments, convey opinions, and speak to authority figures. 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 to Open Positions Logistics Event Coordinator Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE Event Coordinators for Logistics aid the Assistant Director of Logistics in smoothly running events. When an operational or program event is commissioned, they help by creating an event plan, calculating event expenses, communicating with event personnel, and facilitating event execution and wrap up. REQUIREMENTS No prior experience required. 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 OP-ED: Students are making waves in redistricting. San Diego should listen Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Aidan Lin, Executive Director Students are the future of San Diego. So why does redistricting overlook them? Everyone has heard of the phrase "youth are the future," and it is frequently accompanied by the sentiment that leaders should hold the interests of youth at heart when making decisions. But, as I write in my opinion piece with the San Diego Union-Tribune , when students began to get involved with the City of San Diego's 2020-21 redistricting process, students were not treated as such: At the recent redistricting hearing, Commissioner Fred Kosmo said , “I’m impressed with the college students and their enthusiasm, but a lot of people who have families and jobs — they came out, too. ... You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need.” This tone-deaf statement implies that students are not employed or do not have families to support — and that affordable housing is not a basic need. Instead, the commission has demonstrated a preference for wealthy, single-family homeowners. Yet [student] voices have been drowned out at redistricting commission hearings. After dozens of students spoke out in special hearings for Districts 1 and 6, organized political insiders in La Jolla, including former council President Sherri Lightner, responded to our concerns by rallying to preserve the status quo exactly as it stands ... To date, the majority of commissioners have demonstrated far more concern for the feelings of these La Jollans than any other community. It is clear that students are not being treated as the stakeholders of the future––or even as community members––that they are often ascribed to be. San Diego Redistricting Commission, take note: students are far from done fighting. www.sandiegouniontribune.com Opinion: The redistricting process is ignoring the needs of UC San Diego students I have seen how my UC San Diego peers are ignored and viewed condescendingly. Next Previous

< Back Two young leaders, Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, take new leadership roles on staff team Tuesday, January 17, 2023 Aidan Lin, Executive Director In the new year, we at Our Time to Act (OTTA) United are proud to announce two brand new positions in our staff team: Housing Projects Director and Director of Organizing . These positions represent the trailblazing work we are doing to advance housing solutions for youth and the broader San Diego community and the intentional focus on organizing youth that our mission calls for. Joining us in these new roles are renowned youth leaders and previous OTTA United staff members Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, respectively. Nicole Lillie (she/her) served as the Project Director for OTTA United’s Youth Voter Engagement Project in the 2022 election. As a high school student, Ms. Lillie got her start in advocacy and voter engagement by organizing multiple voter registration drives at her high school. She also built up her school’s Rotary Interact Club as President for three years. She has demonstrated remarkable leadership capability both within and outside of OTTA United, engaging with thousands of youth and championing the cause of youth participation in politics. In her new role as Housing Projects Director, Ms. Lillie will work to organize and engage youth in local housing solutions, with a specific emphasis on Community Planning Groups and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in San Diego. Yvania Rubio (she/her/élla) worked alongside Ms. Lillie in OTTA United’s Youth Voter Engagement Project. She currently serves as a Youth Commissioner for the City of San Diego, and recently completed internships with Youth Will and the Live Well Youth Sector at the County of San Diego. During her time at OTTA United and in our community, Ms. Rubio demonstrated an incredible talent for building relationships with youth and policymakers, sharing her own lived experiences as a source of empowerment, and being a strong advocate for her own communities and those around her. As Director of Organizing, Ms. Rubio will drive bold change in local and regional communities that places more power in the hands of youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. She will lead OTTA United’s organizing strategy, support new and capable youth leaders, and deepen our relationships with the broader communities we serve. We have immense confidence in these two young leaders, and we look forward to working with them in their new roles to expand OTTA United’s reach, impact, and advancement of our mission. Next Previous

Arianna (she/her) is one of the Housing Justice Organizers of Our Time To Act, she's currently a junior attending Lincoln High School. She is ASB Class of 2025 president, and founded the "ASB Class of 2025 Fundraising Committee" with the help of her fellow officers, which is a club that allows students to have the opportunity to be included in ASB other than just the elected officers. Arianna is also a student athlete who plays basketball, softball, and was JV Captain during her sophomore season. Arianna is in the Aaron Price Fellowship program, which exposed her to opportunities such as being the moderator of the youth panel at the 2022 Politifest which highlighted the importance in youth being politically involved, co-hosting at a County event about gun violence, being a youth intern at Project AWARE, which is a program that focuses on developing a advocating for troubled youth, and being Region 12 CASC's committee director. < Back Arianna Alvarado Housing Justice Organizer Arianna (she/her) is one of the Housing Justice Organizers of Our Time To Act, she's currently a junior attending Lincoln High School. She is ASB Class of 2025 president, and founded the "ASB Class of 2025 Fundraising Committee" with the help of her fellow officers, which is a club that allows students to have the opportunity to be included in ASB other than just the elected officers. Arianna is also a student athlete who plays basketball, softball, and was JV Captain during her sophomore season. Arianna is in the Aaron Price Fellowship program, which exposed her to opportunities such as being the moderator of the youth panel at the 2022 Politifest which highlighted the importance in youth being politically involved, co-hosting at a County event about gun violence, being a youth intern at Project AWARE, which is a program that focuses on developing a advocating for troubled youth, and being Region 12 CASC's committee director. arianna.alvarado@ourtimetoact.org

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

< Back to Open Positions Assistant Direct of the Advocate Academy Volunteer South Bay Area APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Assistant Director of the Advocate Academy heads the Advocate Academy program, created to inspire youth advocacy. They aid youth in finding their voice and influence within politics, as well as creating a network through the Advocate Academy to represent the best interests of youth. REQUIREMENTS Prior relevant experience preferred. Demonstrates ability to develop a curriculum and guide the development of a target audience. 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