Puppeteer (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division)

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. , Puppeteer (Volunteer – Storytelling & Media Division) Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP) Division Storytelling & Media Location Remote and/or New York City (depending on recording or performance 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, literacy development, academic enrichment, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive. The Storytelling & Media Division produces MAP’s creative and narrative-driven content, including digital storytelling, social media, YouTube segments, and multimedia projects such as Threads of Voices and The Bells I Hear. This division exists to amplify the voices of young people and highlight stories of resilience, identity, and hope. About The Role We are seeking Puppeteers to bring stories to life through movement, voice, and visual performance. Puppeteers will participate in the creation of short media segments, storytelling videos, youth-centered educational content, and social media pieces that engage and inspire audiences. This role is ideal for someone who loves storytelling, performance, and using art to spark imagination. Key Responsibilities Perform puppetry for storytelling videos, media projects, and digital content across MAP platforms (social media, YouTube, etc.).Develop character voices, gestures, and emotional expressions through puppetry.Collaborate with the Storytelling & Media team to bring scripts, themes, and narratives to life.Participate in rehearsals, script reads, and creative development meetings.Assist in care, handling, and organization of puppets and props.Check and respond to emails daily, responding within 48 hours.Take responsibility for performance improvement by integrating feedback during rehearsals and recordings. Qualifications Passion for puppetry, performance, acting, or storytelling.Ability to give characters personality through voice, movement, and timing.Comfortable performing on camera and collaborating with creative teams.Strong communication and willingness to take direction. Bonus Skills (not Required) Experience creating or repairing puppets.Script reading, voice acting, or video content experience.Ability to record short videos or participate in remote puppetry filming. Commitment Volunteer role requiring approximately 5–10 hours per week.Minimum 6-month commitment preferred.Remote, with possible optional in-person filming opportunities in NYC. What You’ll Gain Portfolio-building video content and performance experience.Creative collaboration with videographers, writers, and media producers.Professional references and letters of recommendation.The fulfillment of using creativity to uplift and inspire youth experiencing homelessness. Application Process Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist. For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at hr@mentorapromise.org Perform with purpose — bring voice, expression, and imagination to stories that help children feel seen, valued, and empowered. 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.