Short Story Writer (Volunteer)

Short Story Writer (Volunteer)

PromisePages | Creative Writing, Storytelling & Literary Arts

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: PromisePages

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week

Type: Volunteer Creative Role

Minimum Commitment: 6-month commitment required

Reports To: Senior Director of Literary Arts & Publishing

About Mentor A Promise

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.

About PromisePages

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.

PromisePages exists to cultivate writers and storytellers whose work informs, inspires, and creates lasting impact.

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.

The ideal candidate enjoys crafting memorable characters, meaningful narratives, and emotionally engaging stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

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

Responsible for:

• Short stories
• Children's fiction
• Youth fiction
• Family storytelling

Literary Development

Responsible for:

• Character development
• Narrative structure
• Creative writing
• Story revision

Educational Storytelling

Responsible for:

• Literacy-focused stories
• Social-emotional learning narratives
• Mission-driven storytelling
• Inclusive literature

Creative Collaboration

Responsible for:

• Editorial collaboration
• Illustration support
• Literary workshops
• 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

The Short Story Writer is expected to:

• 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.

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.