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< 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. 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 Press Conference and Rally: The University Community is Pro-Housing Saturday, March 11, 2023 Our Time to Act United Media Contact: Aidan Lin, Our Time to Act United aidan.lin@ottaunited.org On March 11, nonprofit Our Time To Act United (OTTA United) hosted a rally and press conference to support more housing in the University Community Plan Update. San Diego is in a housing and climate crisis. We need more mixed-use, multi-family, high-density housing, paired with employment and transit, to tackle both issues at once. “The housing crisis is an intersectional issue that affects our entire community. Solving the housing crisis means changing the way we develop our land to encourage high-density development that realistically plans for our future,” said Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director at Our Time to Act United. “Housing is a human right, it's time we start enacting policies and pursuing strategies that will actually achieve providing it." "The vibrancy of the University area will be destroyed if people of all stages of life can't afford to live here,” said Rachel Graham, Housing and Transit Advocate. “Lack of housing means that young adults can't stay in the neighborhood where they grew up. A lack of housing means that seniors must choose between downsizing and remaining in their community. No one should have to leave an area because they can't afford it." "We must take a holistic approach to solving the ongoing climate and housing crises concurrently,” said Mikey Knab, Policy Director at Climate Action Campaign. “I hope we can all agree that at the bare minimum everyone deserves affordable housing in close proximity to safe, reliable public transportation, good schools, family sustaining jobs, grocery stores, and green open spaces." "As young people advocating for housing, we are aware that we may not reap the benefits of our efforts soon, but we aren't working and organizing for ourselves, we are planning for our future community members that wish to have an affordable home as they serve San Diego as powerful community leaders and trailblazers," said Yvania Rubio, Student at UC San Diego. Rally attendees called upon the local community planning group, planning commission, and city council to support a Plan Update that allows for the most density in accordance with the Planning Department's smart growth principles. They also asked the broader San Diego community to come support housing across the city. The University Community is not the only one that needs more housing—we need it across all highest resource areas in San Diego. Next Previous

< Back OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Monday, February 6, 2023 Our Time to Act United Our Time to Act (OTTA) United's new Housing Projects Director is making waves. On February 6th, 2023, Nicole Lillie's Op-Ed titled " More Housing, For Us and Our Climate " was published in the UC San Diego Guardian newspaper. In her piece, Housing Projects Director Lillie advocates for more "high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing" to address both the housing and climate crisis. Housing Crisis Ms. Lillie uses historical data to identify the root cause of housing unaffordability in San Diego and in Southern California. "The ultimate origin of San Diego’s housing crisis is that San Diego has failed to build enough homes overall ... '[b]y one simple measure, San Diego’s lack of homebuilding since 2010 has resulted in 59,000 fewer units than what’s needed to match the population growth in that time.' In order to address the root cause of housing unaffordability and homelessness, we need to build more homes." The status quo in California and across the country holds up single family homes as the solution. But this is a dangerous trend. In fact, single family homes are "rooted in exclusionary housing practices like redlining and racial steering" and are still widely inaccessible to non-white families today. San Diego needs the most effective and economical option: high-density, multi-family, mixed-use housing. Climate Crisis This type of housing also helps us address and combat the climate crisis. Ms. Lillie explains, " 50% of local emissions in the City of San Diego come from transportation. When you build high-density housing near transit, it enables more people to take public transportation instead of personal vehicles. Mixed-use development is also key. This is when you put housing next to commercial buildings. On UC San Diego’s campus, you can study, work, and live — all within a walkable or bikeable distance." In contrast to single family homes, which have higher per capita carbon emissions and reinforce car dependency, high-density and mixed-use are clearly a cleaner choice. OTTA United is proud to be a leader in the housing organizing space in the City of San Diego. Last year, OTTA United helped pass city-wide Community Planning Group reform and pushed high-density housing in University City at a Planning Commission hearing. Housing Projects Director Lillie will continue to trailblaze youth involvement in housing policy and direction in 2023. Read the full Op-Ed here: ucsdguardian.org More Housing, For Us and Our Climate - UCSD Guardian Nicole Lillie is the Housing Projects Director at Our Time to Act United and a second year TMC student studying political science at Next Previous

< 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 Andrew Park Core Staff andrew.park@ourtimetoact.org

Support our cause by making a charitable donation. Contributions of any size help us continue doing our work and advancing our mission. Help us organize the future in the present WHY GIVE? BECOME A MEMBER OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Our work is life-changing and transformational Building youth power has the ability to transform communities and make the world a better place. Take, for instance, our recent wins in the past year in San Diego increasing youth and diverse representation in the community planning process and opening thousands of acres of land to more housing development to create more housing opportunities for youth and students . Where your money goes It's important to know what your donation goes towards. Here are our three main categories for use of funds: ORGANIZING YOUTH POWER We organize youth and build youth power by performing outreach, recruitment, programming, training, mentorship, mobilizing, and leadership development to support youth on causes that matter to them. HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS We run various youth-led, high-impact projects that drive change in specific focus areas. Last year, we supported youth and AAPI voter engagement, redistricting reform, and housing and transit advocacy. TEAM CAPACITY BUILDING When you donate, you empower our young team to organize and advocate for youth across California. Our capacity is also dependent on training, insurance, critical software, and office space. At Our Time To Act, this is our power. Check out this short video showcasing some of our amazing team and work we do here. Give today BECOME A MEMBER OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

< Back to Open Positions Social Media Manager Volunteer South Bay Area, San Diego, and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before September 30th. ABOUT THE ROLE The Social Media Manager is responsible for keeping our social media accounts engaged with supporters, organizations, and youth. They will be tasked with creating and executing an upload schedule and work closely with the graphic designer to bring design concepts into reality. REQUIREMENTS Prior experience preferred. Must be demonstrate ability to engage others through social media. Strong and memorable personality in social media (to stand out from the other social media accounts!). 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 For Our Time to Act United, 2021 was a year of incredible action and growth Monday, January 3, 2022 Aidan Lin, Executive Director Next Previous

< Back to Open Positions Administrative Interns (Quarter 3, Jul-Sep) Intern (Volunteer) San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Applications are due on June 16th. ABOUT THE ROLE The main role of the Administrative Intern is to learn and improve how work is completed efficiently and effectively at OTTA United. Administrative Interns are encouraged to adopt both a system-wide and individual approach to problem-solving and are assigned to a specific Director to support their work. We seek applicants who are passionate, solutions-oriented, and excited to dive into specific areas of work at OTTA United. TERM & PROCESS Q3 Administrative Interns are accepted for work between July 1st and September 30th. Administrative Interns may apply for multiple repeating terms. In July, Administrative Interns are introduced to OTTA United, staff members, and their fellow intern cohort. Interns are assigned to shadow and assist a specific Director depending on need and intern preference. By the end of July, interns will begin to formulate an Individual Impact Project (IIP) that serves as a guide for applied learning throughout the course of the term. At the beginning of August, interns will pitch their IIPs and begin work. They will meet weekly with their assigned Director and occasionally with the entire intern cohort. Along the way, interns will assist Directors with administrative tasks that provide experience and insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit. This will continue until mid-September when IIPs come to a close. Interns will give concluding presentations on their work and reflect on what they learned. Interns may also apply for an extension to continue their IIPs into the next term. INDIVIDUAL IMPACT PROJECT (IIP) GUIDELINES IIPs aim to improve the management of the nonprofit in order to maximize operational efficiency, program efficacy (impact), team cohesion, or the general advancement of OTTA United's mission. Interns are encouraged to design IIPs to improve the specific skills that best support their personal or professional development. One component of IIPs is a 1:1 conversation with a relevant subject field expert, which offers valuable growth opportunities for interns. Interns are encouraged to be creative and ambitious with their IIPs! OTTA United will support you in your quest for knowledge and growth. REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE All youth (15-24) are encouraged to apply, regardless of education and experience level. WORK MODALITY & LOCATION The work modality of this role is either hybrid or remote. Work is welcome in person at OTTA United’s office is 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 compensation for this position at this time. OTTA United deeply values the potential for personal and career development and strives to uplift its team members to best position them for their bright futures. Non-monetary benefits include: Tailored work experience and growth to fit your desired career path Networking opportunities with community nonprofits, policymakers, elected officials, and companies Letters of recommendation Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers An emphasis on connecting you to future jobs, either at OTTA United or within the community EXPECTED HOURS & FLEXIBILITY Interns are required to work at least 5 hours per week but are not expected or required to work more than 10 hours per week. Interns are allowed to work more if they so choose. Many staff members and interns are also students, so our work environment is as flexible as possible. Certain responsibilities, such as staff meetings, are fixed. Other obligations can be flexible around your schedule. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION OTTA United is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission. Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Here are some things to keep in mind: Our team values flexibility and 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

Faith is an Accountant at Our Time To Act and a student at UC Davis. She is a junior majoring in Managerial Economics and minoring in Accounting. In addition to her position at Our Time To Act, she works an on-campus job at UC Davis and is the Professional Relations Director of the Davis Accounting Society (DAS). On her free time, Faith enjoys watching YouTube and playing video games with her friends. Some of her favorite games are Valorant, Phasmophobia, Cave Crawlers, and Minecraft. < Back Faith Xiong Accountant Faith is an Accountant at Our Time To Act and a student at UC Davis. She is a junior majoring in Managerial Economics and minoring in Accounting. In addition to her position at Our Time To Act, she works an on-campus job at UC Davis and is the Professional Relations Director of the Davis Accounting Society (DAS). On her free time, Faith enjoys watching YouTube and playing video games with her friends. Some of her favorite games are Valorant, Phasmophobia, Cave Crawlers, and Minecraft. faith.xiong@ourtimetoact.org

Aarohan (he/him/his) is a Housing Justice Director of Enacting Social Housing at Our Time To Act. He is a sophomore at University of California, San Diego, and is majoring in Political Science. He has been involved in the legal field and community service projects. He is looking forward to helping his community and pushing Our Time To Act towards its goals. He is enthusiastic about soccer and is a cinephile. He is considering minoring in theatre and still has not made a decision. < Back Aarohan Hariharan Housing Justice Director Aarohan (he/him/his) is a Housing Justice Director of Enacting Social Housing at Our Time To Act. He is a sophomore at University of California, San Diego, and is majoring in Political Science. He has been involved in the legal field and community service projects. He is looking forward to helping his community and pushing Our Time To Act towards its goals. He is enthusiastic about soccer and is a cinephile. He is considering minoring in theatre and still has not made a decision. aarohan.hariharan@ourtimetoact.org