OUR STORY

Who We Are

A student-led chapter of the national Indivisible movement — organizing at UCSB and Isla Vista for democracy, equity, and a livable future.

HOW IT STARTED

From a Google Doc
to the Streets

Indivisible Isla Vista was founded in early 2026 by a small group of UCSB students who refused to watch democracy erode from the sidelines. Armed with the national Indivisible Guide and a lot of group chat energy, we organized our first meeting in a campus study room — and 40 people showed up.

We’ve been growing ever since. We’re not a party organization. We’re not waiting for permission. We’re a chapter of everyday people who believe that constituent power — organized, persistent, and loud — is the most effective force in democracy.

We meet weekly, we show up at town halls, we register voters, and we hold our representatives accountable. That’s the whole playbook.

THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Part of Something Much Bigger

Indivisible is a nationwide progressive advocacy organization with over 3,300 local chapters across all 50 states. It was founded after the 2016 election by former congressional staffers who wrote the original Indivisible Guide — a tactical playbook for constituent organizing.

The core insight: members of Congress respond to organized, local constituent pressure. Showing up, calling in, and making noise in their own districts is what actually moves them. We’ve seen it work.

OUR LOCAL CHAPTER

Indivisible Isla Vista

We’re the UCSB student chapter — hyper-local, student-powered, and focused on the issues that affect our community most directly: student debt, housing costs, climate action, voting rights, and reproductive freedom.

We partner with the national Indivisible organization for strategy and resources, but our priorities, our leadership, and our energy come entirely from here in IV.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Meet Our Team

Tallula Borman

Chair & Co-founder

I am a second year student at UCSB, majoring in both political science and philosophy. I draw inspiration from my passions for politics and social justice, as well as my love for my fellow people. As we opened this new chapter here in Isla Vista, we aim to give a voice to the young people within our community and demonstrate the younger generation’s dedication to the preservation of human rights, equality, and democracy.

Kira Valles-Knoll

Vice President & Co-founder

I am a second-year student at UCSB. As a co-founder of the group, I am very passionate about helping all people use their rights and their voice to speak up for themselves and their communities. I believe deeply in community-based work and ideas, where everyone can have a say in the events we plan. When I’m not out organizing, I love hiking and backpacking, watching live music, and reading through American classics. I’m from Santa Cruz, California — and I take inspiration from my hometown in terms of political ideology and peace-and-love-inspired protest.

Juju Johnson

Secretary

I am a 2nd year political science and philosophy double major hoping to pursue a career in international politics. I am extremely passionate about education and human rights advocacy, especially pertaining to the Isla Vista and Santa Barbara community. As Secretary, I work with the rest of the board to coordinate fundraisers, educational endeavours, and events. Outside of Indivisible I work with the National Model United Nations Association to host educational conferences teaching students from all over the world about global issues and diplomacy.

Shai

Executive Member — Design

I am a second year psychological and brain sciences major at UCSB. I am an executive member of Indivisible, with a focus on creating flyers and posters for our events. I joined Indivisible because I felt like my voice wasn’t loud enough to be heard and I wanted to actively make a difference. I am very passionate about helping the people in my community, and making sure that everyone has access to basic human rights.

Ben Kelman

Strategy & Board Advisor

I’m a first year History of Public Policy, Law, and Governance and English double major. I was introduced to Indivisible through an Ice Out protest in downtown Santa Barbara and was inspired by the community organizing they were demonstrating. I’m excited to bring these practices to Isla Vista and do work that benefits the community we all belong to immediately. Indivisible IV has provided me with some hope — and I hope it can do the same for you.

Jayla Jessie

Executive Board — Events

I’m a second year at UCSB majoring in Political Science and History of Art and Architecture. I want to make an impact in the political field once I have all of my education, but Indivisible has also given me the opportunity to make positive change now. My role in the organization is to assist with event planning and logistics — basically just helping out where I can! I also love embroidering, and I contribute my creations to our fundraising events.

Finn

Executive Member

I’m a third-year communication major with a minor in applied psychology. I got involved with Indivisible because I was frustrated at the subjugation and prosecution faced by my fellow immigrants, and change begins with the people. I want to use any platform available to me to strive for a better world for everyone, regardless of immigration status.