Search Results

Mario is a Junior transfer at UC Berkeley studying political science. He brings non-profit experience from the Prison Library Project, and works to empower the community around him. Living in the Inland Empire, Mario has seen how a lack of resources that foster a sustainable future can have an effect on our youth. He one day hopes to be a Professor of Political Science and pay forward the mentorship he received in community college, so that the next generation has to tools to succeed. < Back Mario Varo Board Director Mario is a Junior transfer at UC Berkeley studying political science. He brings non-profit experience from the Prison Library Project, and works to empower the community around him. Living in the Inland Empire, Mario has seen how a lack of resources that foster a sustainable future can have an effect on our youth. He one day hopes to be a Professor of Political Science and pay forward the mentorship he received in community college, so that the next generation has to tools to succeed. mario.varo@ourtimetoact.org

WORKSHOPS Our workshops are an excellent way to enhance your team's skills and knowledge. We offer a structured, engaging, and collaborative learning environment for niche topics that most interest you. How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Improving your youth outreach framed from the youth perspective. Book How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Organizing: Regional Student Diversity Summit Workshop Authentically empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, so they can reach their full potential. Book How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Models for Motivation: Radical Candor in Intergenerational Workplaces Motivating your colleagues through a trusted model for honesty and clarity. Book How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Organizing: "The Growth WIthin" Becoming a leader in local politics, and using youth power to do so. Book How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Activate Youth to Serve Your Mission and Social Change Engaging with youth changemakers and a better understanding of their motivations. Book How Youth See Themselves , and How the World Sees them Pride Power Summit Training your volunteers effectively while preparing them for success. Book EVENT DETAILS ADD SECTION at top specific for the SD workshop (upcoming events) 3 total workshops in one day, location, rsvp form SCHEDULE A TIME One Hour Two Hours Other Groups 1-15 Offers: Book Now Groups 15+ $340 Book Now Groups 1-12 With lemons, ginger & mint Book Now Groups 12+ With lemons, ginger & mint Book Now Not finding what you're looking for? Contact Us Let's schedule a meeting to discuss how we can best accompany your needs. VIRTUAL Book us over Zoom for the convenience of everyone in the group. Read More > IN PERSON Need us to attend in person? No worries, we'll work it out with you. Gas prices on us and all. Read More > CONTACT US Shoot us a quick email if you have any questions, conerns, or feedback! Read More >

Ray brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in Finance, Operations, and HR. He possesses a broad business background having worked for startups, Fortune 500 companies, as well as non-profits. Mr. Lin is currently a sr. executive at an early-stage AI startup leading strategic and operational efforts. He is passionate about serving, mentoring, and empowering youth through Our Time To Act. < Back Ray Lin Board Director Ray brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in Finance, Operations, and HR. He possesses a broad business background having worked for startups, Fortune 500 companies, as well as non-profits. Mr. Lin is currently a sr. executive at an early-stage AI startup leading strategic and operational efforts. He is passionate about serving, mentoring, and empowering youth through Our Time To Act. ray.lin@ourtimetoact.org

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: Projects 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. Join us for our Third Annual Gala! Our Time To Act proudly presents our Third Annual Gala: Envisioning Home. Come support our youth organizing and power building work! BUY TICKETS! View our Past Events Our past events stand as milestones in our mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Each event was a unique chapter in our journey, bringing together passionate individuals, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments. VIEW MORE Events STAY CONNECTED Make a Change The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to raise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. Supprort Us Become a Member Join our community as a paying member to enjoy exclusive benefits, network with like-minded individuals, and be a driving force behind our work. Join Today Volunteer Roll up your sleeves and get involved directly in our initiatives. Your time and skills are invaluable in creating a tangible impact on the ground. Sign Up Donate Your contributions fuel our efforts and drive our projects forward. Your financial support ensures we can continue working toward a better future. Donate Today WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS Stay Updated By staying updated, you become an integral part of our mission. Your awareness and engagement contribute to positive change in the world. Here, you'll also discover the incredible impact our community and supporters are making as well as a behind-the-scenes look at our projects, initiatives, and events. Our Newsletter Our newsletter is your gateway to an exclusive world of updates, insights, and inspiring stories. Join our ever-growing community of newsletter subscribers and keep your finger on the pulse of all things happening at Our Time To Act! SUBSCRIBE Press Releases COMMUNITY FEEDBACK We Value Your Opinion We believe that the most valuable insights come directly from our community. Whether you have a question, a brilliant idea, or constructive criticism, we're eager to hear it all. Feedback Form SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!

CYAN Conference: Youth Changemakers Summit Our Time To Act presents our CYAN Conference on September 28th and 29th! Join us to organize, empower, and unify youth and youth allies and offer an opportunity for the broader community to support youth-led work. CYAN members will engage in collaborative learning, foster community, and select leadership to maximize the long-term potential of youth organizing work in San Diego. Join the community, make friends, and create change! RSVP SCHEDULE LOCATION San Diego City College, Mathematics and Social Sciences Building, 16th St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA WORKSHOPS Youth and youth allies can engage in collaborative learning workshops held during workshop sessions. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. price PRESENTING PARTNERS COMMUNITY PARTNERS SPONSORS QUOTES FROM OUR BOARD “The gala in three words: inspiring, impressive, and community—there were so many great people we were able to connect with.” “If anyone has the ability to support, empower, or champion youth and have the passion for it, this is for them – it’s so meaningful to invest in the next generation” “I’m grateful to be a part of something bigger than myself, to be involved in youth empowerment and see the impact in communities” Anna Pierce Oliver Lin Gabrielle Darisme

Ellie (she/her/hers) is the CYAN Lead Organizer at Our Time To Act. As CYAN Lead Organizer, Ellie works to build people power by building relationships with youth, including individuals, youth-led organizations, and youth-serving organizations and institutions. With a background in psychology from the University of California, San Diego, she is an incoming doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. Ellie is driven to create positive alterations in mental health accessibility through systemic changes. Outside of work, Ellie loves to spend quality time with people she loves, cooking, painting, being out in nature, and playing basketball. < Back Ellie Wang CYAN Advisor Ellie (she/her/hers) is the CYAN Lead Organizer at Our Time To Act. As CYAN Lead Organizer, Ellie works to build people power by building relationships with youth, including individuals, youth-led organizations, and youth-serving organizations and institutions. With a background in psychology from the University of California, San Diego, she is an incoming doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. Ellie is driven to create positive alterations in mental health accessibility through systemic changes. Outside of work, Ellie loves to spend quality time with people she loves, cooking, painting, being out in nature, and playing basketball. ellie.wang@ourtimetoact.org

Aathmika Radhachandran (she/her) is a marketing intern at Our Time To Act and a rising senior at Scripps Ranch High School. Her interests lie in the fields of business, marketing, and graphic design. Current events and activism intrigue her, and she is excited to explore how her passions can intersect in this position. She also enjoys spending her time coaching middle schoolers for Science Olympiad, learning piano, and playing tennis. < Back Aathmika Radhachandran Marketing & Event Specialist Aathmika Radhachandran (she/her) is a marketing intern at Our Time To Act and a rising senior at Scripps Ranch High School. Her interests lie in the fields of business, marketing, and graphic design. Current events and activism intrigue her, and she is excited to explore how her passions can intersect in this position. She also enjoys spending her time coaching middle schoolers for Science Olympiad, learning piano, and playing tennis. aathmika.radhachandran@ourtimetoact.org

HOUSING ACTION PACKAGE 2.0 WHAT IS THE HOUSING ACTION PACKAGE 2.0? San Diego’s Housing Action Package 2.0 (HAP 2.0) is a package of actions and policies that, if adopted, will boost the production of housing, especially affordable housing, in the city . Some of these policies include density bonuses, incentivizing the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in more areas of the city, and incentivizing more off-campus student housing to be built. Most HAP 2.0 policies are geared towards allowing more housing in “transit-rich areas,” such as near trolley stops and bus stations with high-frequency buses. Encouraging more housing near transit allows us to fight the housing crisis while simultaneously promoting a more environmentally sustainable city. WHAT WAS HAP 1.0? HAP 1.0 was a similar package of housing policies passed in February 2022 . It laid the groundwork for much of HAP 2.0, and also had to do with the implementation of actions and policies meant to combat the systemic effects of the housing and environmental crisis. For example, HAP 1.0’s implementation of Senate Bill 9 to allow for ADUs on single-family plots of land was a major step forward in pro-housing action for San Diego. WHY DO WE NEED HAP 2.0? Though HAP 1.0 was a vital first step for San Diego in addressing its housing crisis, there is certainly more work to be done. Currently, San Diego County is estimated to need more than 21,000 new homes per year just to keep up with demand. However, in 2021, only 9,642 were constructed , demonstrating the need for further policy implementation to solve the housing crisis. Policies such as those included in HAP 2.0 would bring us closer to meeting our housing targets. WHY IS MEETING THESE GOALS SO IMPORTANT? San Diego is a desirable city to live in. We must build enough housing to accommodate current and prospective residents. Every day, more people are competing for increasingly scarce housing, which drives up the cost for everybody. Economic research shows cities and communities that allow more housing see lower increases in their housing costs compared to cities that do not allow enough housing to be constructed. The city of Auckland, New Zealand for example enacted similar policies as HAP 2.0 in 2016. Relative to other cities with restrictive housing policies, their rents are up to 35% lower for family housing. WHAT'S THE CURRENT STATUS OF THIS LEGISLATION? HAP 2.0 is tentatively set to go to the San Diego City Council for a vote sometime in November of this year. However, on August 3, 2023, the Planning Commission removed SB 10 from the package largely due to the large quantity of negative testimony organized by anti-housing groups. Pro-housing advocates would have benefitted from greater numbers in pro-SB 10, pro-HAP 2.0 testimony both in-person and through email public comments to show the Commission the true support of the community for SB 10’s implementation within HAP 2.0. The Land Use and Housing Committee of the City Council formally removed the piece from HAP 2.0 on September 21, 2023. The rest of HAP 2.0 is intact though, and will be going up to a vote soon. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR HAP 2.0? Despite the benefits of this policy package, there are several anti-housing groups working towards blocking many of the most important aspects of this package. Their reasons for blocking systemic solutions to the housing crisis include fears of increased traffic, reduced property values, and lack of sunlight. Their loud efforts at City Council and Planning Commission meetings have already resulted in Senate Bill 10 being removed from HAP 2.0. WHAT IS SENATE BILL 10? Senate Bill 10 is a piece of state legislation that authorizes cities like San Diego to upzone single-family zoned land, through splitting lots, and other incentives, without having to cut through red-tape that usually delays the development of desperately needed housing. This legislation also provides the capacity to create San Diego’s missing middle-income housing and combat the effects of historically exclusive and biased land-use policy. Check out this webpage for more information on this bill specifically. WHY WAS SENATE BILL 10 REMOVED? A major reason there was so much attention paid to removing SB 10, is likely because it was one of the most important parts of this package. One of the more frequently cited arguments against its inclusion was due to its “irreversibility.” This provision of SB 10 refers to the fact that once a parcel of land has been upzoned using the legislation, it cannot subsequently be “downzoned,” or its allowed density cannot be reduced. The “irreversibility” characteristic is key to the impact SB 10 can create because the alternative is allowing the opportunity for downzoning. For example, in Los Angeles, downzoning efforts led the city’s zoned capacity to drop from 10 million before the 1960s down to around 4 million . Los Angeles’s 3.9 million and growing population is quickly reaching this unnecessary and avoidable capacity limit. SB 10’s prohibition on downzoning is what earned it such negative efforts from anti-housing advocates, but is what gives this policy such potential to have meaningful and positive impacts on the housing crisis if implemented. WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT SENATE BILL 10 DESPITE IT'S REMOVAL FROM HAP 2.0? Though SB 10 has been tabled at the moment from being implemented within HAP 2.0, Our Time To Act (OTTA) alongside our community partners and neighbors, will still be advocating for its implementation. By showing continued support for SB 10, despite its removal from this policy package, we will demonstrate to the City Council that the majority of San Diego is serious about taking action that will treat housing as a human right. Sustained support will make our efforts to implement SB 10 in the future stronger. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? The passage of this policy package is essential to solving the housing crisis. Although the housing crisis has a multitude of causes and potential solutions, fundamentally we must build more housing. It’s like we’re currently playing a game of musical chairs; if there are 10 chairs and 15 people, ultimately 5 people will be chair-less no matter how you redistribute it. The solution is to allow 5 more chairs to be added, with plans in place to add more chairs as more people join the game. HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PASSING THESE POLICIES? You can get involved with Our Time To Act and lend your support through public comment when HAP 2.0 goes up for a vote. We would love to have you join us in person, through Zoom, or by making an online comment voicing your support. As the meeting date for HAP 2.0 has not yet been released, you can show your support now through making a comment here , and we will submit it for you as soon as the date is announced. HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? Ask away! We are more than happy to provide more information. Send an email to Nicole Lillie, our Housing Project Director. nicole.lillie@ottaunited.org

Ending Youth Homelessness In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the San Diego region was selected for a second round of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). As San Diego's convener of youth, Our Time To Act is honored to be in authentic and intergenerational partnership with with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) and the YMCA of San Diego County for this program. Together we will create youth-forward, lived-experience informed solutions to end homelessness in San Diego. All About Me This is your About page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Call 123-456-7890 Email info@mysite.com Follow

< Back to Open Positions Marketing Intern Intern (Volunteer) San Diego and/or Remote APPLY Rolling application. Priority given to applications submitted before May 31st. ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic Marketing intern to join our Communications team. This is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands on experience and mentorship. Position responsibilities include to: Collaborate with the Communication’s team to develop and execute campaigns and strategies Conduct market research and analyze data to support marketing initiatives, contribute to the creation of marketing materials such as fliers, emails, and social media contents Help manage social media accounts and website Assist with strategizing event programing and outreach efforts Assist with Search Engine Marketing using Google Keyword Ads Attend Communication and staff meetings Further duties as assigned REQUIREMENTS Enrolled in a marketing, communications, or related field of study Strong writing and communication skills Familiarity with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines Able to work both independently and as part of a team Basic knowledge of graphic design software, such as Canva, is a plus 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 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 API & Youth Canvasser San Diego, CA Paid Rolling application. Priority given to applicants before April 30th, 2022. Apply Now (it's simple!) About the Role Despite making up 40% of the voting age population in North University City, only a fraction of API (Asian Pacific Islander) residents vote in both national and local elections. The same is true for youth residents. There are over 9,200 residents between the ages of 20 and 24 living in the area; only a third are registered/eligible to vote in local elections. Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) canvassers will engage API and youth voters living in North University City to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Requirements Position Responsibilities: Door-to-door canvas in North University City/UC San Diego campus Voter registration (April - May) GOTV primary election (May - June) GOTV general election (September - November) Coordinate with Assistant Director of Outreach in planning community outreach events Collaborate with Associated Students of UC San Diego to engage student voters Additional duties as assigned. Experience & Education: Current UC San Diego undergraduate students preferred. University City residents preferred. Hourly Commitment: 7 hours per week minimum Compensation $15 per hour + $5 per voter registered (no cap) About the Organization About the Organization As a 501(c)(3) youth empowerment nonprofit, Our Time To Act is dedicated to building youth power (aged 15-24) in areas predominantly occupied by adults to benefit the community as a whole. Application First Name Last Name Email Phone Number I consent to being contacted via phone for a short screening phone call or text conversation. I am legally authorized to work in the United States. Scheduling In the table below, please select which shifts you prefer. I understand a minimum of 7 hours per week is required and a maximum of 21 hours per week is allowed. How many hours would you like to work per week? TUESDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) MONDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) WEDNESDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) FRIDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) THURSDAYS TABLING SHIFT: 11AM - 3PM (4 hrs) CANVASSING SHIFT: 4PM - 7PM (3 hrs) SUBMIT APPLICATION An error has occurred. Please make sure all fields are properly filled. Your application has been successfully submitted! Anchor 1

2nd Annual Winter Gala: Dawn In The Mountains Our Time To Act proudly presents our 2nd annual gala on January 13th! Join us for our midday celebration of our collective accomplishments. There’ll be delicious food, featured speakers, and project showcases. We can’t wait to see you there. TICKET PRICES BUY TICKETS DATE Saturday, January 13th, 2024 TIME 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT LOCATION The Great Hall at UCSD (9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093) ADMISSION PRICES $100 $25 $250 INFO Co-hosts have the option for a full table for $600. Along with all co-host benefits, you will receive 7 extra tickets for you to bring 7 guests to our gala! (full table typically costs $800) BUY TICKETS price SPONSOR THE EVENT By sponsoring us, you’ll be a large part of our Gala. Even after, you’ll play an active role in supporting Our Time To Act by funding our future events and projects. BECOME A SPONSOR VIEW SPONSOR PACKET CO-HOSTS Martin Campos Judy Ki Kevin Shin Abbey Reuter Tama Becker-Varano Indroneal Banerjee Josh Kavanagh YMCA of San Diego County Leif Gensert SPONSORS San Diego Youth Homelessness Consortium San Diego Youth Marina Tostado & Oliver Lin QUOTES FROM OUR BOARD “The gala in three words: inspiring, impressive, and community—there were so many great people we were able to connect with.” “If anyone has the ability to support, empower, or champion youth and have the passion for it, this is for them – it’s so meaningful to invest in the next generation” “I’m grateful to be a part of something bigger than myself, to be involved in youth empowerment and see the impact in communities” Anna Pierce Oliver Lin Gabrielle Darisme A Glimpse into Last Year's Gala 2022's Winter Gala: A Sky Full of Stars celebrated our accomplishments, which could not have been possible without our community. After all, it's only when together that we shine brightly, dazzling the dark night with shimmering stars. View our collection of photos, videos, and blog below. READ MORE