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.
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Stop Motion Animation Artist (Volunteer)
PromiseStories | Creative Media & Visual Storytelling
Organization Mentor A Promise (MAP)
Location Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed
Type Volunteer
Reports To Chief of Content & Storytelling / Creative Director
About Mentor A Promise
Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. Storytelling is central to our mission—helping young people see themselves reflected in narratives of dignity, imagination, and possibility.
About PromiseStories | Creative Media
PromiseStories produces mission-driven storytelling across film, animation, publishing, podcasting, and digital media. We create content that restores voice, honors lived experience, and communicates MAP’s values through art.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Stop Motion Animation Artist to help bring MAP stories to life through tactile, handcrafted animation. This role will contribute to short films, educational content, children’s stories, and campaign pieces that support youth empowerment and social impact storytelling.
The ideal candidate enjoys experimentation, patience, and creative problem-solving, and understands how visual storytelling can amplify dignity-centered narratives.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop stop motion animation concepts aligned with MAP’s mission
• Create short animated pieces for educational, storytelling, or campaign use
• Collaborate with writers, illustrators, and content teams
• Assist in storyboard development and visual planning
• Ensure animations are accessible, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive
• Contribute to creative brainstorming sessions
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace
  

Qualifications

• Experience with stop motion animation (claymation, paper cut-out, object animation, etc.)
• Basic understanding of animation tools and production workflows
• Strong visual storytelling skills
• Ability to collaborate across creative teams
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values
  

Preferred Skills

• Portfolio demonstrating stop motion work
• Experience with children’s content or educational media
• Familiarity with basic editing software
• Interest in social impact storytelling
  

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration
  

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience creating mission-driven animation
• Collaboration with writers, educators, and filmmakers
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to shape stories that empower youth
• A meaningful role in advancing equity-centered storytelling
  

How To Apply
Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant animation experience and interest in MAP’s mission
• Portfolio or sample work (required)
  

Help animate stories that restore imagination and possibility—so young people can see themselves as creators of their own future.
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 programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.