Local News Reporter/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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Local News Reporter/Writer (Volunteer)

Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location Remote and/or New York City (depending on program needs)

Type Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, literacy development, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Volunteer Local News Reporter/Writer to cover and share stories about MAP’s programs, community partnerships, and the lived experiences of families we serve. This role will focus on creating compelling, human-centered narratives that highlight both challenges and resilience in communities impacted by housing instability. The Reporter/Writer will work closely with MAP’s communications and program teams to ensure stories are accurate, timely, and aligned with our mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and write articles highlighting MAP’s programs, events, and student/mentor stories
• Cover local news and issues connected to housing, education, and youth development
• Conduct interviews with students, families, staff, and community partners
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure alignment with MAP’s messaging
• Develop culturally sensitive and ethically responsible content
• Pitch story ideas that elevate the voices of underserved communities
• Support MAP’s storytelling initiatives across newsletters, blogs, and social media
  
  

Qualifications

• Background in journalism, communications, writing, or related field
• Strong reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
• Knowledge of housing, education, or community issues in New York City a plus
• Ability to write clear, compelling, and accurate content under deadlines
• Commitment to ethical journalism and cultural sensitivity
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or others) a plus
  
  

Commitment

• Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote and/or in-person (depending on program needs)
  
  

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on reporting experience in nonprofit and community-based journalism
• Opportunities to publish meaningful stories with real impact
• Collaboration with a passionate, mission-driven team of mentors and educators
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The chance to amplify the voices of children, youth, and families navigating housing instability
  
  

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org

Help us document stories of resilience and change—shine a light on voices that matter.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, our volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals who are based in the United States. This limitation is due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements associated with our work. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.