What are the responsibilities and job description for the Talk Series Speaker / Storytelling Volunteer (Volunteer) position at Mentor A Promise?
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.
,
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.
For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org
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.
,
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.
For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org
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.