Journalist (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.

About the role

The Journalist supports PromiseReport by researching, reporting, and writing stories that illuminate the realities facing children, families, and communities served by MAP. This role contributes to long-form articles, investigative pieces, features, and data-informed reporting aligned with MAP’s editorial standards and public trust commitments. The Journalist works closely with the Editor-in-Chief, Content & Storytelling leadership, and Data & Research teams to ensure reporting is accurate, ethical, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, and write journalism aligned with PromiseReport’s editorial mission
• Conduct interviews using trauma-informed, consent-based practices
• Verify facts, sources, and data to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Collaborate with editors to refine structure, clarity, and narrative integrity
• Work with Data & Research teams to incorporate evidence and context
• Uphold child-safety, privacy, and dignity standards in all reporting
• Participate in editorial planning meetings and story development discussions
• Respond professionally and in a timely manner via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Experience in journalism, reporting, writing, or investigative research
• Strong writing, interviewing, and research skills
• Understanding of ethical journalism practices and source protection
• Ability to report on sensitive topics with care and responsibility
• Comfort working collaboratively with editors and cross-functional teams
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Experience reporting on housing, education, social services, or public policy
• Familiarity with trauma-informed journalism practices
• Experience working with data, public records, or investigative methods
• Background in nonprofit, community-based, or solutions-oriented journalism
• Experience reporting on issues affecting children or families

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week (varies by story)
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based reporting collaboration

Benefits

• Hands-on experience producing ethical, public-interest journalism
• Collaboration with editors, researchers, and storytellers
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Opportunities to publish impactful reporting with real-world relevance
• The chance to contribute to journalism that centers dignity and accountability

Volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements.