Volunteer Philosopher (Volunteer)

Volunteer Philosopher (Volunteer)

PromiseLearning | Ethics, Reflection & Human Development

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Director of SEL & Youth Development

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. Our work is grounded in dignity, equity, reflection, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to imagine and build their future.

About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Philosopher to help integrate ethical reflection, meaning-making, and big-question thinking into MAP’s programs and training. This role supports the organization in grounding its work in thoughtful ethics, youth-centered philosophy, and reflective practice.

The Volunteer Philosopher collaborates with the SEL, Curriculum, Mentor Training, and Public Trust teams to help ensure MAP programming encourages curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and identity development.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute ethical and philosophical perspectives to youth programming and curriculum
• Support development of reflection-based activities for mentors and students
• Advise on dignity-centered, youth-centered program design and language
• Help develop discussion guides around identity, purpose, belonging, and resilience
• Provide insight on ethical decision-making and values-based program practices
• Collaborate with curriculum, storytelling, and SEL teams on content development
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Background in philosophy, ethics, humanities, or a related field
• Strong writing, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Interest in youth development, education, and social impact
• Comfort collaborating across interdisciplinary teams
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience in education, writing, curriculum, or youth programming
• Interest in applied ethics, philosophy for children (P4C), or public philosophy
• Experience facilitating discussions or creating reflective learning content
• Passion for equity, social justice, and human-centered learning

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to apply philosophy in real-world social impact work
• Collaboration with educators, psychologists, writers, and program leaders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role supporting youth reflection, identity, and belonging

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant academic or professional background and interest in MAP’s mission

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. 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.