Disability Justice & Social Impact 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. , Disability Justice & Social Impact Writer (Volunteer) PromisePublic & PromiseVoice | Disability Rights, Accessibility Advocacy & Impact Storytelling Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP) Divisions PromisePublic & PromiseVoice Teams Disability Justice & Accessibility; Blogs & Editorial Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed Type Volunteer Writing, Research & Advocacy Role Commitment Approximately 5–10 hours per week Minimum Commitment 6-month Commitment Required Reports To Disability Justice & Accessibility Team Leadership and Blogs & Editorial Leadership Works Closely With Disability Justice & Accessibility Team, Blogs & Editorial Team, Policy & Advocacy Teams, Communications, and other MAP divisions 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 expression, advocacy, and community-centered support. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, participate, and belong, regardless of their circumstances, abilities, or access needs. At MAP, accessibility is not an afterthought. It is an essential part of building inclusive programs, equitable opportunities, and communities where everyone can participate meaningfully. Through education, advocacy, research, and storytelling, we work to increase awareness, challenge systemic barriers, and promote dignity, accessibility, and inclusion. About PromisePublic & PromiseVoice PromisePublic leads MAP's public affairs, policy, advocacy, disability justice, accessibility, and community-engagement initiatives. Its Disability Justice & Accessibility Team promotes inclusive practices, equitable participation, disability rights awareness, and greater understanding of the barriers affecting disabled individuals and communities. PromiseVoice leads MAP's communications, editorial content, blogs, newsletters, media, and organizational storytelling. Together, these divisions transform research, policy, lived experiences, and advocacy into accessible, engaging content that informs communities, encourages dialogue, and inspires meaningful action. Role Overview MAP is seeking a passionate, thoughtful, and research-driven Disability Justice & Social Impact Writer to help amplify important conversations surrounding disability rights, accessibility, educational equity, and housing instability. This role offers an opportunity to use writing as a tool for education, advocacy, and social change. The Writer will research emerging issues, examine systemic barriers, explore disability rights frameworks, and develop compelling articles that make complex topics accessible to diverse audiences. Content may explore the intersection of disability justice with education, housing, public policy, technology, employment, community accessibility, and the experiences of children and families navigating housing instability. The Writer will contribute approximately 1–2 original articles per month, collaborating with MAP's disability justice and editorial teams throughout the research, writing, review, and publication process. We are looking for someone who believes that powerful writing does more than share information. It helps people understand issues, question assumptions, recognize inequities, and imagine more inclusive possibilities. Key Responsibilities Disability Justice Research & Advocacy Research disability rights, accessibility, inclusion, and systemic equity issuesExplore the intersection of disability, housing instability, education, and economic opportunityMonitor relevant disability rights developments, policy changes, research, and advocacy initiativesExamine barriers affecting disabled children, youth, families, and communitiesIdentify emerging topics that deserve greater public attentionTranslate complex research and policy developments into clear, informative contentSupport public education through accurate, balanced, and research-informed writing Social Impact Writing & Storytelling Develop approximately 1–2 original articles per monthCreate compelling, informative, and engaging content for MAP's digital platformsDevelop article concepts, headlines, outlines, and research plansWrite stories that connect disability justice issues to broader social challengesContribute to blogs, newsletters, digital publications, and special editorial initiatives as appropriateExplore human-centered approaches to complex social issuesCollaborate with editors to strengthen clarity, structure, and impactMaintain consistent writing quality and editorial deadlines Disability Rights & Policy Education Research and develop content exploring topics such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Section 504 of the Rehabilitation ActFair Housing ActIndividualized Education Programs (IEPs)Educational accommodations and accessibilityUniversal Design for LearningDisability justice frameworksInclusive educationHousing accessibilityDisability representationDigital accessibilityEmployment and economic inclusionCommunity accessibilityEmerging disability rights developments Help readers understand how policies, institutional practices, and systemic barriers affect opportunities for disabled individuals and families. Accessible & Inclusive Communication Apply accessibility principles to written contentUse clear, respectful, and inclusive languageStructure articles with meaningful headings and logical organizationSupport accessible formatting and image descriptionsDevelop content appropriate for audiences with diverse communication and accessibility needsAvoid stereotypes, stigmatizing language, and harmful assumptionsRespect individual preferences regarding disability-related terminologyIncorporate Universal Design principles where appropriateHelp make complex topics understandable without sacrificing accuracy or depth Ethical Storytelling & Editorial Integrity Uphold MAP's dignity-centered approach to storytellingRepresent disability-related experiences with accuracy, sensitivity, and respectAvoid sensationalizing disability, poverty, housing instability, or personal hardshipProtect confidential and identifying informationRespect consent, privacy, and individual autonomyVerify factual claims and use credible sourcesDistinguish research findings, legal requirements, interpretations, and opinionsFollow MAP's safeguarding, editorial, and organizational standardsEnsure advocacy-related content receives appropriate review before publication Editorial Collaboration & Content Development Collaborate with the Blogs & Editorial Team on content planningParticipate in editorial discussions and brainstormingSubmit drafts for review and incorporate feedbackCoordinate with Disability Justice & Accessibility leadership on subject-matter accuracyMaintain organized research notes, references, and draft materialsSupport publication schedules and editorial prioritiesContribute ideas for recurring article series and special featuresHelp strengthen MAP's disability justice editorial presence Cross-Divisional Collaboration Partner with PromisePublic on disability justice, accessibility, and policy-related topicsCollaborate with PromiseVoice on editorial development, publishing, and audience engagementWork with PromiseLearning on inclusive education and educational accessibility topicsCoordinate with PromisePrograms when exploring youth-serving initiativesConsult PromiseGovernance or PromiseTrust when governance or legal review is appropriateSupport broader organizational communications and awareness initiatives Core Areas of Responsibility Research & Analysis Responsible for Disability justice researchAccessibility researchPolicy analysisSource verificationEmerging issue identification Writing & Storytelling Responsible for Original article developmentSocial impact storytellingEditorial researchArticle revisionsPublication-ready content Accessibility & Inclusion Responsible for Inclusive languageAccessible writingUniversal Design considerationsRespectful representationReadability and clarity Advocacy & Public Education Responsible for Disability rights awarenessPolicy educationSystemic barrier analysisCommunity-focused storytellingInformative public engagement Editorial Accountability Responsible for Meeting writing deadlinesParticipating in editorial reviewsMaintaining research accuracyIncorporating feedbackFollowing publication standards Preferred Qualifications Strong writing, research, and storytelling abilitiesDemonstrated interest in disability justice, accessibility, advocacy, or social equityAbility to communicate complex issues clearly and engaginglyStrong critical-thinking and analytical skillsExcellent written communication and attention to detailFamiliarity with disability rights, inclusive education, accessibility, or public policyExperience writing articles, blogs, research summaries, newsletters, or other editorial contentAbility to work collaboratively with editors and subject-matter expertsStrong organizational and time-management skillsCommitment to ethical storytelling, confidentiality, and responsible communicationPassion for MAP's mission and the communities we serve Experience in disability advocacy, journalism, nonprofit communications, public policy, education, disability studies, accessibility, or related fields is especially valuable. Applicants with lived disability experience are encouraged to apply. Disclosure of personal disability or medical information is not required. Why This Role Matters Stories shape understanding. Understanding shapes attitudes. Attitudes influence the systems, policies, and opportunities available to people. Disability justice is not simply about recognizing that barriers exist. It is about understanding how those barriers are created, who they affect, and what meaningful inclusion requires. For children and families experiencing housing instability, disability-related challenges may intersect with educational access, housing systems, public services, and economic inequality. These issues deserve thoughtful examination and accessible public discussion. The Disability Justice & Social Impact Writer helps bring these conversations forward through research, education, and responsible storytelling. Every article is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, expand awareness, and contribute to a more informed and inclusive community. Success Measures Publication of approximately 1–2 well-researched articles per monthQuality, accuracy, and credibility of written contentConsistent application of accessibility and editorial standardsEffective collaboration with disability justice and editorial teamsTimely completion of drafts and revisionsCoverage of relevant disability justice and accessibility issuesDevelopment of informative and engaging social impact contentContribution to MAP's public education and awareness initiativesGrowth in the depth and diversity of disability justice topics explored Team Participation The Disability Justice & Social Impact Writer is expected to Participate in weekly Disability Justice & Accessibility Team check-insParticipate in weekly Blogs & Editorial Team check-insCollaborate on article planning and editorial calendarsCommunicate progress, research needs, and challengesIncorporate editorial feedback professionallyMaintain reliable deadlines and follow-throughContribute to respectful and inclusive team discussionsSupport collaboration across PromisePublic and PromiseVoice Volunteer Expectations Approximately 5–10 hours per weekMinimum 6-month commitment requiredProduce approximately 1–2 original articles per monthMaintain timely and professional communicationFollow MAP's editorial, accessibility, and safeguarding standardsParticipate in required team meetingsRespect confidentiality, privacy, and consent requirementsCollaborate through MAP systems and communication platformsSupport MAP's mission and organizational valuesProvide at least two weeks' notice when ending volunteer service whenever possible What You'll Gain Meaningful writing and research experience focused on disability justice and social impactOpportunities to develop published work and strengthen a professional writing portfolioExperience translating complex research and policy issues into accessible public-facing contentCollaboration with disability justice advocates, editors, communications professionals, and nonprofit leadersGreater understanding of disability rights, inclusive education, accessibility, and systemic equityOpportunities to contribute to newsletters, special editorial features, and broader public education initiativesProfessional references and letters of recommendationMeaningful experience supporting a nonprofit dedicated to children and families experiencing housing instability How To Apply Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist and include their resume and cover letter. Writing samples, published articles, research pieces, or other relevant examples of written work are welcomed. Please highlight experience or interests involving disability justice, accessibility, advocacy, journalism, social impact writing, public policy, research, education, or related disciplines. We welcome candidates from diverse professional and educational backgrounds who demonstrate strong writing ability, intellectual curiosity, reliability, and a commitment to ethical, accessible storytelling. Your words can inform. Your research can challenge assumptions. Your stories can help people see issues from perspectives they may never have considered. Help Mentor A Promise bring disability justice, accessibility, and inclusion into meaningful public conversations—and use the power of writing to advance understanding, dignity, and social impact. 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 nonprofit regulatory requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.