Short Story Writer (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit organization serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social‑emotional learning, educational enrichment, workforce development, creative opportunity, advocacy, housing innovation, and community‑centered support.
Stories help us imagine new possibilities. They inspire hope, nurture empathy, and create connections that transcend circumstance. At MAP, we believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for helping children discover their voices and see themselves reflected in the world around them.
PromisePages is MAP's creative writing and literary arts division. The division develops original fiction, poetry, essays, children's literature, educational stories, and creative writing experiences that inspire imagination, strengthen literacy, and celebrate the diverse voices of the communities we serve.
Role Overview

The Short Story Writer creates original fiction that entertains, inspires, and sparks imagination while reflecting MAP's commitment to empathy, resilience, belonging, and hope. Working closely with editors, illustrators, educators, and fellow writers, this role develops engaging short stories for children, families, educational programs, digital publications, anthologies, and other creative storytelling initiatives.
Key Responsibilities

Creative Writing

Write original short stories for children, youth, and family audiences
Develop engaging characters, settings, and storylines
Explore themes of resilience, friendship, belonging, kindness, courage, and hope
Produce stories aligned with MAP's mission and creative vision
Revise manuscripts based on editorial feedback
Story Development

Brainstorm new story concepts and literary projects
Develop story outlines, drafts, and completed manuscripts
Collaborate with editors to strengthen narrative quality
Maintain consistency in voice, tone, and storytelling
Contribute to collaborative writing initiatives
Literary Collaboration

Work with illustrators to support visual storytelling
Collaborate with editors throughout the publishing process
Participate in creative workshops and editorial discussions
Support cross‑functional literary projects
Contribute ideas for collections, anthologies, and themed publications
Educational & Mission Alignment

Create stories that support literacy, imagination, and social‑emotional learning
Ensure content is age‑appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive
Promote positive values through storytelling
Support MAP's educational and creative programming
Uphold ethical and respectful storytelling practices
Cross‑Divisional Collaboration

Partner with PromiseLearning to develop educational storytelling resources
Collaborate with PromiseStudios on adaptations for animation, film, podcasts, or multimedia projects
Support PromiseVoice through creative storytelling initiatives
Work with PromiseBrands on publications and literary campaigns
Align creative work with MAP's mission and organizational priorities
Creative Responsibilities

The Short Story Writer contributes to original fiction, children's fiction, youth fiction, family storytelling, character development, narrative structure, creative writing, story revision, literacy‑focused stories, social‑emotional learning narratives, mission‑driven storytelling, inclusive literature, editorial collaboration, illustration support, literary workshops, and story development.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in creative writing, fiction, children's literature, or storytelling
Strong command of narrative structure, dialogue, and character development
Excellent writing, editing, and revision skills
Ability to write for diverse age groups and audiences
Passion for literacy, storytelling, and creative expression
Interest in mission‑driven publishing and education
Why This Role Matters

Stories shape imagination. Imagination shapes possibility. Possibility shapes the future. The Short Story Writer helps create stories that encourage children to dream, families to connect, and readers to see hope where it may have once seemed out of reach. Through storytelling, this role helps build empathy, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.
Success Measures

Quality and originality of completed stories
Contribution to literary publications and creative projects
Editorial excellence and storytelling quality
Reader engagement and educational impact
Collaboration across creative teams
Advancement of MAP's literary mission
Leadership Participation

Attend relevant PromisePages creative meetings
Participate in regular check‑ins with the Senior Director of Literary Arts & Publishing
Collaborate with writers, editors, illustrators, and educators
Support organizational literary and storytelling initiatives
Volunteer Expectations

Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Minimum 6‑month commitment required
Maintain timely and professional communication
Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
Foster creativity, integrity, innovation, compassion, and empowerment
What You'll Gain

Opportunity to publish original stories through a growing literary division
Collaboration with writers, editors, illustrators, and creative professionals
Portfolio‑building experience through mission‑driven storytelling
Professional references and letters of recommendation
Meaningful impact inspiring children and families through the power of literature
How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, cover letter, and one or more writing samples demonstrating creative fiction or storytelling. Please highlight experience involving fiction writing, children's literature, creative writing, literary arts, storytelling, or related disciplines. Help create stories that inspire imagination, strengthen literacy, and remind every child that their story matters through Mentor A Promise.
At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data‑privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.

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