Creative Writer (Volunteer)

Mentor A Promise is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth (ages 5–18) experiencing housing instability, grounded in the belief that every child is a Promise—full of potential, dignity, and possibility.

We deliver consistent, high-quality programming across mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning, and creative expression in shelters, schools, and community spaces, creating structured environments where students can grow, be seen, and build lasting skills.

Through signature experiences like The Imagination Studio, The Kitchen Table, The Sound Lab, and The Story Space, we nurture academic development, emotional well-being, and creative voice, all within a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessibility-centered framework.

Our work prioritizes dignity-protective storytelling, consent-driven engagement, and deep community partnership, ensuring that how we serve is as intentional as whom we serve. We are not only addressing immediate needs - we are building pathways to confidence, belonging, and long-term opportunity, so every child has the support and foundation to carry their promise forward.

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Creative Writer (Volunteer)

PromisePages | Creative Writing, Story Development & 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 Editor in Chief

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.

At MAP, we believe stories can build confidence, strengthen literacy, spark imagination, and help children see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.

Through books, storytelling, poetry, educational content, and creative expression, we strive to create a world where every child knows their voice matters and their story deserves to be told.

About PromisePages

PromisePages is MAP's literary arts, creative writing, publishing, authorship, storytelling, and intellectual property division.

The division develops original books, children's literature, poetry, educational resources, story worlds, characters, and literary experiences that inspire readers while advancing MAP's mission.

PromisePages serves as a creative home for writers, authors, poets, editors, illustrators, and storytellers committed to using literature as a force for learning, imagination, and social impact.

Role Overview

The Creative Writer serves as a creative contributor responsible for developing original stories, literary content, educational narratives, and creative works that support MAP's publishing and storytelling initiatives.

This role helps create books, children's stories, poetry, articles, character narratives, educational resources, story worlds, and other literary content designed to inspire, educate, and engage audiences.

Working closely with editors, illustrators, authors, and publishing leaders, the Creative Writer helps bring stories to life while contributing to MAP's growing literary ecosystem and intellectual property portfolio.

The ideal candidate is imaginative, thoughtful, and passionate about storytelling that creates positive impact.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Writing & Story Development

• Write original stories, literary works, and creative content
• Develop engaging narratives for children, families, and community audiences
• Create compelling characters, settings, and story concepts
• Support the development of books and publishing projects
• Contribute ideas for future literary initiatives

Children's Literature

• Develop age-appropriate stories for children and youth
• Support literacy-focused storytelling initiatives
• Create content that promotes imagination, empathy, resilience, and belonging
• Contribute to MAP's growing children's publishing portfolio
• Help develop educational and mission-centered narratives

Character & World Building

• Create original characters and story worlds
• Develop character backstories, story arcs, and narrative frameworks
• Support franchise and intellectual property development initiatives
• Strengthen continuity across literary projects
• Help expand MAP's creative storytelling universe

Literary Content Development

• Write fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and narrative content
• Contribute to anthologies, publications, and literary projects
• Support educational and enrichment content creation
• Adapt stories for different audiences and formats
• Collaborate on cross-platform storytelling initiatives

Collaboration & Editorial Excellence

• Work closely with editors, illustrators, and fellow writers
• Participate in brainstorming and story development sessions
• Revise content based on feedback and editorial guidance
• Maintain high standards of literary quality and creativity
• Support publishing timelines and project goals

Research & Creative Exploration

• Conduct research to support authentic storytelling
• Explore new storytelling techniques and literary approaches
• Stay informed on children's literature and publishing trends
• Continuously strengthen writing and creative development skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in creative writing, storytelling, publishing, literature, journalism, education, or related fields
• Strong writing portfolio or relevant writing samples
• Excellent written communication and storytelling abilities
• Ability to write for diverse audiences and age groups
• Strong imagination, creativity, and attention to detail
• Passion for literacy, literature, and youth development

Preferred Skills

• Children's literature experience
• Fiction or creative nonfiction writing experience
• Poetry writing experience
• Educational content development experience
• Character and world-building experience
• Publishing or editorial experience

Why This Role Matters

Stories help children discover who they are.

Books help children imagine who they can become.

Writers help create both.

The Creative Writer helps build literary experiences that inspire imagination, strengthen literacy, encourage self-expression, and remind young people that their voices, dreams, and stories matter.

Through storytelling, this role helps create lasting impact that extends far beyond the page.

Success Measures

• Quality and originality of written work
• Contribution to publishing and literary projects
• Development of compelling stories and characters
• Collaboration with editorial and creative teams
• Support of literacy and educational initiatives
• Growth of MAP's literary and publishing ecosystem

Volunteer Expectations

• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment
• Maintain timely and professional communication
• Collaborate through MAP systems and communication platforms
• Support MAP's safeguarding standards, mission, and organizational values
• Participate in editorial meetings and creative development sessions

What You'll Gain

• Experience contributing to a growing publishing and literary arts division
• Opportunity to develop stories that create meaningful social impact
• Collaboration with authors, editors, illustrators, educators, and creative leaders
• Portfolio-building publishing and writing experience
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Meaningful impact supporting literacy, imagination, and opportunity for children and families experiencing housing instability

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume, writing samples, portfolio, or links to previously published work.

Please highlight experience involving creative writing, storytelling, children's literature, fiction, poetry, publishing, journalism, education, or related literary disciplines.

Help create the stories that inspire children to read, imagine, create, and believe in their own potential.

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.