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Mentor A Promise

Children’s Story Writer (Age-Band Specific) (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Children’s Story Writer (Age-Band Specific) (Volunteer) Join to apply for the

Children’s Story Writer (Age-Band Specific) (Volunteer)

role at

Mentor A Promise .

About Mentor A Promise Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, literacy development, social‑emotional learning, creative expression, and storytelling, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where children can see themselves reflected with dignity and possibility.

MAP’s publishing and storytelling work under

PromisePress

centers age‑appropriate stories that support identity, empathy, resilience, and imagination—without exploitation or stereotypes.

About The Role We are seeking

Children’s Story Writers

to create original, age‑appropriate stories for MAP’s literacy, publishing, and educational initiatives. To ensure developmental alignment and quality, this role is divided into

age‑band–specific sub‑roles

rather than one generic writing position.

Writers will collaborate closely with educators, illustrators, and curriculum specialists to ensure stories meet literacy, developmental, and social‑emotional goals.

Available Sub‑Roles

Early Readers (Grades K–2)

Short, accessible stories focused on foundational literacy, emotional recognition, and safety.

Simple vocabulary, repetition, rhythm, and strong visual alignment.

Middle Grade (Grades 3–5)

Chapter‑style or longer‑form stories exploring friendship, courage, belonging, and problem‑solving.

Developmentally appropriate complexity, humor, and character growth.

Upper Grade / Young Adult (Grades 6–12)

More complex narratives addressing identity, transition, agency, and resilience.

Strong voice, emotional depth, and age‑appropriate realism.

Key Responsibilities

Write original, age‑appropriate children’s stories rooted in empathy, resilience, and identity.

Collaborate with educators and curriculum specialists to ensure developmental appropriateness.

Revise stories based on feedback from illustrators, editors, and education teams.

Align storytelling with literacy and social‑emotional learning goals.

Maintain organized drafts and version histories.

Participate in occasional story reviews or creative check‑ins.

Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.

Take responsibility for performance improvement by incorporating feedback and refining craft.

Qualifications

Experience in creative writing, children’s literature, education, or storytelling.

Strong understanding of child development and age‑appropriate language.

Ability to write with sensitivity, care, and cultural responsiveness.

Comfort collaborating with illustrators and educators.

Openness to revision and feedback.

Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and trauma‑informed storytelling.

Bonus (Not Required)

Experience writing for children experiencing adversity or transition.

Familiarity with literacy instruction or SEL frameworks.

Experience with publishing or editorial processes.

Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred).

Commitment

Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week.

Minimum 6‑month commitment preferred.

Remote collaboration via Google Meet, with optional NYC‑based participation.

MAP prioritizes sustainability, clarity, and respect for creative labor.

What You’ll Gain

Portfolio‑ready children’s writing with real‑world impact.

Collaboration with educators, illustrators, and creative teams.

Professional references and letters of recommendation.

The opportunity to help shape stories that support literacy, identity, and hope.

How to Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at

hr@mentorapromise.org .

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