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.
,
Children’s Book Illustrator (Volunteer)
Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location Remote (with potential NYC-based collaboration)
Type Volunteer
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a youth-centered nonprofit dedicated to supporting students ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression, we create safe, consistent, and empowering spaces for young people to grow, thrive, and succeed. We believe every child deserves a promise kept — and we work every day to make that promise real.
Role Overview
We are seeking Volunteer Children’s Book Illustrators to collaborate with MAP’s Children’s Book Writers and creative team in bringing youth-centered stories to life. Your illustrations will help create engaging, diverse, and empowering books that reflect MAP’s mission of mentorship, resilience, and hope. The ideal candidate is a creative visual storyteller with a passion for children’s literature and a commitment to uplifting underserved youth.
Key Responsibilities
- Illustrate children’s stories developed by MAP’s writers and creative team
- Create artwork that reflects diverse, inclusive, and empowering themes
- Collaborate with writers and program staff to align illustrations with story content
- Provide sketches, drafts, and final illustrations within agreed timelines
- Support the development of print and digital publications for MAP’s literacy initiatives
- Contribute to workshops, readings, or campaigns that showcase MAP’s children’s books
Requirements
- Proven experience in illustration, with a portfolio showcasing children’s artwork
- Ability to create age-appropriate and engaging visuals for children ages 5–12
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Familiarity with digital illustration tools (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, or similar)
- Commitment to MAP’s mission and values
Preferred Skills
- Experience illustrating published children’s books or educational materials
- Ability to design layouts for picture books or digital formats
- Familiarity with themes of mentorship, resilience, and equity
- Experience working with authors or in collaborative publishing environments
What You’ll Gain
- Opportunity to illustrate stories that inspire and empower children experiencing instability
- Collaboration with writers, educators, and a mission-driven creative team
- Hands-on experience contributing to nonprofit publishing and literacy projects
- A portfolio project that combines illustration with social impact
- Letters of recommendation and professional references for future opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.
For any additional questions or concerns, please email us directly at
[email protected]
Join us in creating children’s books that spark imagination, representation, and hope for NYC youth.
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.