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< 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

< 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 Manu Agni, OTTA Board Director, participates in Voice of San Diego's Politifest as a panelist Saturday, October 8, 2022 Aidan Lin, Executive Director On Saturday, October 8th, one of the largest local government forums in San Diego, the Voice of San Diego's Politifest , commenced at the University of San Diego. OTTA United was proud to be represented by Manu Agni, Board Director, in the Fast Bus! panel. The Fast Bus! report authored by Circulate San Diego describes relatively quick and low-cost initiatives to improve bus speed, frequency, and dwell time. Manu is known for his work in transit. As an Urban Studies Planning student, he has worked for transportation consultants, partaken in advocacy work, and led projects at UC San Diego to expand access to transit for students and youth. Manu contributed a valuable youth perspective—armed with extensive knowledge and firsthand experience—to the discussion. OTTA United's work and mission were well-represented by his voice. We look forward to relentlessly championing youth involvement in all spaces, including transit, and thank Circulate San Diego for the invitation to join the panel and Voice of San Diego for hosting the event. Next Previous

Become a Changemaker. Ever wonder why our systems never seem to change? How we go about pushing for change is just as important as why. Community organizing is one of the only ways to build enough power to challenge — and win — against the status quo. And we have a severe need for youth organizing in our local communities. CYAN Interest Form First Meeting Slides No events at the moment Save the Date! Mark your calendar 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, community partners, and sponsors will be announced soon. Definitions from Oxford Languages COM•MU•NI•TY OR•GAN•IZ•ING noun NORTH AMERICAN the coordination of cooperative efforts and campaigning carried out by local residents to promote the interests of their community. "San Diego's youth citizens are now empowered to transform the housing situation through community organizing" We need more youth activists and leaders. Most adult-led youth programs have small cohorts, focus on specific skills, or fail to address the systems that disadvantage us in the first place. At the same time, many youth-led groups, at no fault of their own, lack the resources and networks to harness the power of collective action. We want to transform the field of youth-led organizing. We want to eradicate the disillusionment, disengagement, and disempowerment we experience as youth. For that, we need you. C IVIC Y OUTH A CTION N ETWORK The CIVIC YOUTH ACTION NETWORK is a program that recruits, trains, and empowers grassroots youth organizers for systems change and a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. LEARN CYAN members gain access to trainings and workshops that teach you how to organize, mobilize, network, give public comment, analyze policy, fundraise, network, and so much more. The overwhelming majority of learning is youth-to-youth — we promise we’ll learn just as much from you as you from us. CREATE CHANGE Member-led collective action campaigns open opportunities in activism and leadership for youth to apply learned skills to better our future. Housing, transportation, social and racial justice, climate action, and inclusive governance are examples of issues CYAN members can advance solutions for. FIND COMMUNITY Perhaps the most cherished part of CYAN is the close community it fosters. There’s something unparalleled about fighting for change together, and it forges strong relationships that are fun, unique, and powerful. " Youth can breach the political realm — they just need knowledge and community." – Ken Fesler, Associate Executive Director of Our Time To Act A GLIMPSE OF OUR ORGANIZING EFFORTS Here are two examples of past organizing projects to give you an insight into what our work is like and how we make an impact. MIDWAY PROJECT In April 2020, we advocated for housing to be the top priority in the Midway development. Through organizing efforts and voicing our opinions in public comments, we were able to create a new map for the redistricting process that better represents the population of San Diego. LEARN MORE HOUSING In September of 2022, we organized youth in University City to fill out the 2022 University City Plan Update Survey to fight for their future within the context of supporting high-density and mixed-use development. ​ We spoke up and mobilized support in front of the San Diego Planning Commission on September 29th, 2022, leading to the reform passing in a 6-1 vote. LEARN MORE IT'S OUR TIME TO ACT UNITED. OUR MISSION THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT ALL ELLIE WANG CYAN Advisor GRAYSON SCIACQUA CYAN Advisor JASMINE TRUONG CYAN Advisor VEDANT PATEL CYAN Advisor STAY IN TOUCH subscribe to newsletter @ottaunited @our time to act united

YOU OTTA BE YOU. CELEBRATING YOU “Love wins.” You’ve all heard it. Well, we want to make it happen. OTTA United is committed to empowering youth, and it would be an injustice to not advocate for the historically disadvantaged queer youth community. Our organization employs people of all genders and sexualities, but our desire for inclusivity extends beyond the workplace. This year, OTTA United is participating in San Diego Pride on July 16th and 17th to join our community in celebrating our identities. You too can be a part of this! Sign up to march below, and always remember: You OTTA be you. JOIN US AT SAN DIEGO PRIDE San Diego Pride is a celebration of the queer community and the influential roles held by queer activists and leaders. ​ As proud members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, OTTA United is excited to participate in this year's parade. We encourage our community to sign up and march with us to show your support. ​ When: July 16th at 9 AM Where: Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave & Normal St Goodies: OTTA Shirt, Poster, & Sticker (see right) SIGN UP Pride is a celebration, but it is also a powerful demonstration of collective power and collective action. It is a demonstration of a world where love always prevails over hate, where pain is soothed by community, and where diversity is our strength . That is why Pride means so much to me, and why I am honored to receive the 2022 Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award from San Diego Pride. Please join me, Our Time to Act United, and our wonderful community in marching in the Pride Parade on July 16th . ​ — Aidan Lin, Executive Director CHECK OUT OUR INSTAGRAM! WE'RE PROUD OF OUR NEWSLETTER! SUBSCRIBE JOIN OUR LIST! Please enter your email and name. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter!

Help us organize the future in the present WHY GIVE? BECOME A MEMBER OTHER WAYS TO GIVE MAKE A ONE-TIME DONATION BECOME A MEMBER Why become a member? Without you, we can't tap into the passion, creativity, and out-of-the-box perspective that youth bring to the table. Last year, we recruited hundreds of youth to make a brighter future possible. We need your help in order to continue this work. Why monthly or yearly? We ask for a recurring donation because our work is an ongoing effort — day to day, month to month, and year to year. We need consistent resources to deliver sustained results, and we want to foster a robust relationship with you to take meaningful strides toward achieving our mission. Membership levels BECOME A MEMBER PEEP Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" $5/mo $60/yr FRIEND Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 50% off of our Annual Gala Ticket ($50 value) $15/mo $180/yr SUPPORTER Invitation to quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 1 Annual Gala Ticket ($100 value) Public recognition on our website (Optional) $25/mo $300/yr ADVOCATE Invitation to our quarterly members-only "Coffee Chats!" 2 Annual Gala Tickets and special recognition as Gala Co-Host ($350 value) Public recognition on our website (Optional) Invitation to quarterly "Roundtable Discussions" with Staff & Board Leadership $50/mo $600/yr Membership Goals In order to provide stability for our nonprofit, we set membership goals every month. Become a member today to help us reach our goals and fund our cause! New members (out of 50) Raised (out of $10,000)

< 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

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

Our Board JOB DESCRIPTION BOARD APPLICATION Purpose The board of directors is an incredibly important supportive, advisory, and oversight body at Our Time to Act. It is composed of up to 20 volunteers and meets quarterly. As described in our bylaws, the specific responsibilities of our board are to: ​ Direct our vision, mission statement, long-term objectives, and strategies. Conduct oversight on staff, programs, and progress. Appropriate funds in our annual budget. Create and maintain organizational policy. Execute the duties of each standing committee, including the finance & development, strategy & risk, and ethics & policy, and any ad hoc committees. What role do board members play? Board directors have diverse roles in our organization. Some are experts in certain areas, lending their prowess in a subject area to improve operations or guide in times of uncertainty. Others can speak directly on their lived experiences as youth and individuals impacted by our focus areas — or, perhaps, they are a mixture of both. Each voice carries a unique perspective that relates to the Our Time To Act mission. So, we encourage you to come as you are and help us foster a constructive atmosphere for positive growth and transformative impact. What do we look for in board members? Our Time To Act prides itself on being authentic and passionate. As a result, these two values are the bedrock of our organization and team. We have also found that individuals who are curious, bold, and respectful flourish on the board. A sense of curiosity — and the ability to ask good questions — helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses as an organization. Being bold allows board directors to speak their minds, challenging the unspoken consensus in the room and widening our collective perspective. Being respectful builds crucial relationships and trust within the board and between the board and staff. What's the commitment? We know your time is valuable, and we appreciate every ounce of volunteer time our board directors can devote. We strive to keep our board commitments light and flexible while offering opportunities to get involved with projects that matter to you. Currently, board directors are required to attend four virtual quarterly meetings (~2 hours per quarter) and serve on one standing committee (~4 hours per quarter). Here are the three standing committees and their functions: Finance & Development Manage the annual budget and necessary revisions, and review important financial decisions that require board approval. ​ Strategy & Risk Manage organization strategy related to operations, advertising, financial management, access risk, and prepare for internal and external audits. Ethics & Policy Manage the organization’s ethics policies, resolve violations of policy, and support the cultivation of a respectful and mission-focused environment. Community Connections Manage sustainable networking and fundraising, nurture relationships with partners and donors, and connect with the community through outreach. The board may also, at its pleasure, form ad hoc committees to advise/oversee certain subjects or support staff projects that are of particular interest to directors. What's the excitement ? When you join Our Time To Act, you become a part of our journey. In 2019, as a group of high school students, we raised $7,033. Now, in the first six months of 2022, we have raised over $120,000. That’s impressive growth for a young nonprofit led by young people. But funding is only one side of the story. Perhaps the more salient point is our impact on the youth community. In 2020, we engaged over 120 high school students in supporting their community during COVID-19. In 2021, we influenced San Diego city politics and made a name for youth in the local community. In the spring of 2022, we knocked on 3000+ doors and brought 500+ people to the polls. ​ Everyone has their reason to get involved with Our Time To Act, but at the end of the day, we are united by the vision we have for our community: that the inheritors of the future hold a stake in the present. Youth should be stakeholders in key decisions that are being made today. When you join Our Time To Act, you come along for the ride that helps us grow as individuals and you become a part of a team of visionaries and doers who are shaping the future. Board Member Job Description Application Period Rolling application. This role is not eligible for monetary compensation. About the role Working within the Board of Directors and reporting directly to the President of the Board, board members perform more than administrative tasks; they are the governing body of the organization that establishes and oversees our mission, priorities, business operations, long-term development, and finance goals. Skills and Qualifications Familiarity with Our Time To Act mission, vision, values, and goals Excellent written and verbal communication skills Organization and interpersonal skills Strong information analysis skills Goal and future-oriented decision-making skills Ability to understand and analyze financial reports Ability to evaluate executive performances Ability to participate in the execution of strategic plans Ability to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities Experience & Education Previous experience in aforementioned skills preferred. Time Commitment Average six hours per quarter. Subject to change depending on number of ad hoc committee assignments (volunteer-based work). About the Organization As a 501(c)(3) youth organizing 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. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for open positions without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Our Time To Act is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of harassment and discrimination for all. jobdescription BOARD APPLICATION To submit your application, please email a completed version of this form in PDF format to adhocnomcmte@ottaunited.org , as well as an updated resumé (1 page maximum). A cover letter is optional. For more information or questions email adhocnomcmte@ottaunited.org .

Crossword Puzzle Answers The Liberated Peep Issue 001 Across 1. HOOKE 6. SPF 9. UNLOCK 11. TAR 12. BEDROOM 14. ICED 16. LLB 17. RESOLUTIONS 22. HOUSING 23. EMERGENCIES 27. BAN 28. ACNE 29. BREATHE 34. ADE 35. CRISIS 36. LSD 37. SLATE Down 1. HUB 2. ONE 3. OLD 4. KOR 5. ECOLOGICAL 6. STIR 7. PACE 8. FRESHENERS 10. KOLN 13. MBS 15. DOOR 18. LUG 19. USE 20. TIN 21. INCA 23. EBB 24. MARC 25. ENDS 26. SEED 30. AIL 31. TSA 32. HIT 33. ESE

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YOU ARE INVITED: This was a monumental year for Our Time to Act United. From advocating for equitable representation of districts during redistricting, to joining our community for San Diego Pride, to enhancing youth and API civic engagement, we have had the privilege of serving our community and seeing our impact firsthand uplift youth. And now it is time to celebrate! We extend a humble invitation to attend our 2022 First Annual Gala: A Sky Full of Stars . We hope you can join us for a night full of excitement, including food from local businesses, a project showcase highlighting this year's efforts, and keynote speakers Aidan Lin, OTTA United's Executive Director, and San Diego's Mayor, Todd Gloria. When: December 11th | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Where: Multi Purpose Room, in the Student Services Center, at UC San Diego SEE TICKET PRICES BUY YOUR TICKET BUY YOUR TICKET Ticket Price WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!