Poetry & Spoken-Word Writer (Volunteer)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability. Through mentorship, literacy development, social-emotional learning, creative expression, and storytelling, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people are seen, respected, and valued. MAP's storytelling work under PromisePress embraces multiple forms of expression—including poetry and spoken word—to honor voice, culture, rhythm, and emotional truth.

Purpose of the Role

The Poetry & Spoken-Word Writer adds lyrical and emotional depth to MAP's storytelling ecosystem. This role creates poems and spoken-word pieces for books, audio, video, and performance, supporting youth-facing expressive writing projects that center voice, identity, and feeling. Drawing from music, rhythm, and diverse cultural forms, this writer helps stories move beyond narrative into sound, movement, and emotional resonance.

Key Responsibilities

• Write original poems and spoken-word pieces for books, audio, video, and live or recorded performance
• Integrate rhythm, musicality, and emotional pacing into written work
• Support youth-facing expressive writing and storytelling initiatives
• Collaborate with educators, audio producers, performers, and creative teams
• Adapt poetry for multiple formats, including print, audio, and video
• Ensure work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and age-appropriate
• Participate in creative reviews, readings, and revision cycles as needed
• Maintain clear documentation and version control of written pieces
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for continuous improvement by incorporating feedback

Qualifications

• Experience in poetry, spoken word, lyrical writing, or performance-based storytelling
• Strong command of rhythm, imagery, and emotional expression
• Ability to write for both page and voice
• Sensitivity to trauma-informed and culturally responsive creative practices
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and mission-driven storytelling

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience performing spoken word or poetry publicly
• Familiarity with youth-centered or community-based writing programs
• Background in music, songwriting, or oral storytelling traditions
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)

Commitment

• Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote collaboration via Google Meet, with optional NYC-based participation
• MAP prioritizes consistency, care, and respect for creative labor

What You'll Gain

• Meaningful creative work with direct youth and community impact
• Portfolio-ready poems and spoken-word pieces
• Collaboration with educators, performers, and multidisciplinary creative teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help young people express themselves through rhythm, voice, and story

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist. For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org.