Talk Series Speaker / Storytelling Volunteer (Volunteer)

Description

Talk Series Speaker / Storytelling Volunteer (Volunteer)

Public Storytelling & Ideas Program

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based events as needed

Type: Volunteer (Public Speaking & Thought Leadership Role)

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, creative expression, and community-based initiatives.

MAP believes that ideas change systems—and that ethical, human-centered storytelling can shift public understanding, policy conversations, and community action when done with care, consent, and dignity.

About the Talk Series

MAP hosts a TED-style talk series featuring short, powerful talks centered on lived experience, research, creativity, education, housing justice, public service, and social impact. These talks are designed to inform, inspire, and build public understanding—while protecting the dignity and safety of children and families.

This program emphasizes thoughtful ideas, not performance or spectacle.

Role Overview

The Talk Series Speaker / Storytelling Volunteer delivers short, prepared talks (typically 8–15 minutes) for MAP’s public programs, events, recordings, or digital platforms. Speakers may share ideas, research, professional insight, or lived experience aligned with MAP’s mission.

All talks are developed collaboratively with MAP’s editorial and public engagement teams to ensure ethical framing, trauma-informed language, and mission alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver a clear, compelling short talk aligned with MAP’s mission

Collaborate with MAP staff to shape content, framing, and messaging

Participate in preparation, coaching, or rehearsal sessions as needed

Respect consent, privacy, and safeguarding standards in all storytelling

Support MAP’s public education and community engagement goals

Participate in live events, recorded sessions, or virtual programming

Qualifications

Comfort with public speaking or storytelling

Ability to communicate ideas clearly and thoughtfully

Willingness to collaborate on content development and ethical review

Respect for trauma-informed, child-centered storytelling practices

Alignment with MAP’s values of dignity, equity, and care

You do not need to be a professional speaker. Researchers, educators, artists, advocates, practitioners, and community members are welcome.

Preferred Backgrounds

Education, housing, youth development, public service, research, or advocacy

Lived experience connected to MAP’s mission (shared voluntarily and ethically)

Creative, academic, or professional expertise with a strong point of view

Experience with talks, panels, lectures, or workshops

Commitment

Volunteer role (project- or event-based)

Time commitment varies by talk and preparation schedule

Flexible, short-term or recurring opportunities

Remote participation available; NYC-based events may be offered

What You’ll Gain

A platform to share ideas that matter

Coaching and editorial support in shaping your talk

Professional video or recording (when applicable)

Connection to a mission-driven community of speakers and leaders

The opportunity to contribute to public understanding and change

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist: add resume and cover letter.

Share ideas that build understanding, shift narratives, and move communities toward dignity and possibility.

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.