Mentor A Promise
Children’s Story Writer (Age-Band Specific) (Volunteer)
Mentor A Promise, New York, New York, us, 10261
Children’s Story Writer (Age-Band Specific) (Volunteer)
Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Division: Storytelling and Media / PromisePress
Location: Remote via Google Meet and/or New York City (as needed)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
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 Please indicate which age band(s) you are applying for: 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 Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.
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 Please indicate which age band(s) you are applying for: 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 Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.