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

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

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: Storytelling & 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