Children's Creative Storytelling Internship Remote - Atlanta - Voice Up Publishing Incorporated

Description

# Children's Creative Storytelling Student Board of Directors
### Voice Up

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN**
6-month or 12-month commitment options 8-12 hours/week

Three Internship Options:
*Compensation based on available funding*1.
Academic Credit Track - Earn course credit through your university
2.
Volunteer Track - Pure service learning and professional development
3.
Stipend Track - Potential monthly compensation up to $800 based on available funding

## The Mission We're Championing

Children's imaginations are being stifled by screen addiction and standardized education systems that prioritize testing over creativity.

Research demonstrates that creative storytelling enhances cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and social skills while building confidence and self-expression (Bouwer et al., 2024; Ramamurthy et al., Yet many children, especially in underserved communities, lack access to quality creative writing programs and storytelling opportunities (Spencer & Slocum, 2023).

Voice Up's Children's Creative Storytelling Initiative empowers young minds through the transformative power of narrative, helping children discover their unique voices while developing critical thinking, empathy, and communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

## The Evidence-Based Impact

Recent studies consistently demonstrate significant developmental improvements in children engaged in creative storytelling programs.

Bouwer et al found that children participating in the Individual-Group-Individual storytelling framework showed marked improvements in creative thinking and composition creativity over a 14-week period.

Research by Petersen et al documented enhanced reading comprehension and vocabulary development among children in narrative-focused interventions.

Neurobiological research using near-infrared spectroscopy reveals that storytelling maintains sustained brain activation in bilateral prefrontal areas compared to picture-book reading, suggesting storytelling requires more active imagination and cognitive engagement (Takeuchi et al., Enhanced emotional regulation occurs through character exploration and conflict resolution processes, with recent systematic reviews showing storytelling linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems in children (Ramamurthy et al., 2024).

Contemporary research demonstrates increased empathy development as children explore diverse perspectives through narrative creation (Spencer & Slocum, Children develop stronger cultural identity when encouraged to share family stories and traditions, with digital storytelling approaches showing particular promise for multicultural engagement (Suwarno, Academic performance improvements across subjects result from enhanced communication skills developed through storytelling practice, with narrative coherence strongly linked to social-emotional development (Soto-Icaza et al., 2024).

Our approach combines traditional storytelling wisdom with evidence-based pedagogical techniques, creating safe spaces where children's creativity can flourish without judgment while building essential life skills documented in current developmental research.

## Voice Up's Creative Storytelling Principles

Every aspect of our children's programs is guided by five core principles that board members must champion:


Imagination First - Prioritizing creative expression over perfect grammar or conventional structure, allowing children's natural storytelling instincts to flourish.


Cultural Celebration - Honoring diverse storytelling traditions and encouraging children to share stories from their heritage while learning from others.


Safe Expression - Creating judgment-free environments where children feel confident sharing their thoughts, feelings, and creative ideas without fear of criticism.


Collaborative Creation - Fostering peer-to-peer learning through group storytelling, character development workshops, and shared narrative projects.


Purpose-Driven Narratives - Helping children discover how their stories can inspire others, address community issues, and create positive change in the world.

## Core Responsibilities


1. Program Development & Implementation
Design age-appropriate storytelling curricula for different developmental stages, from early elementary through middle school. You'll create engaging workshops, storytelling circles, and creative writing programs that spark imagination while building foundational literacy skills. This includes developing themed programs around topics like family heritage, community heroes, environmental stewardship, and personal growth.


2. Community Outreach & Partnerships
Build relationships with schools, libraries, community centers, and youth organizations to expand program reach.

You'll identify underserved communities lacking creative arts programming and develop partnerships that bring storytelling opportunities directly to children who need them most.

This involves collaborating with educators, librarians, and community leaders to integrate storytelling into existing programs.


3. Digital Platform & Content Creation
Develop online resources, interactive storytelling tools, and digital libraries that make creative writing accessible to children worldwide.

You'll oversee the creation of multimedia storytelling platforms, virtual workshops, and digital archives that preserve and celebrate children's stories while connecting young storytellers globally.

## Regional Focus Areas


Minimum 8 board members across 4 regions, each addressing specific cultural storytelling traditions and community needs:


North America: Focus on integrating Indigenous storytelling traditions, supporting English language learners through bilingual storytelling, and addressing educational inequality in creative arts programming.


Latin America: Emphasis on preserving oral storytelling traditions, supporting Spanish-English bilingual programs, and empowering children to share stories about their family immigration experiences and cultural heritage.


Europe: Developing multilingual storytelling programs, supporting refugee and immigrant children in finding their voices, and creating cross-cultural exchange programs between European schools.


Africa & Global South: Preserving traditional oral storytelling while integrating modern literacy techniques, supporting children in rural areas with limited educational resources, and empowering young storytellers to address community challenges through narrative.

## Comprehensive Training & Leadership Development


4-Week Intensive Training Program:
*Week 1: Child Development & Storytelling Pedagogy*- Understanding how children develop narratively at different ages

• Research on creativity, literacy, and emotional development through storytelling
• Cultural competency in working with diverse children and families
• Child safety protocols and traumainformed storytelling approaches

*Week 2: Program Design & Facilitation Skills*- Creating age-appropriate storytelling curricula and workshop formats

• Facilitation techniques for engaging children in creative expression
• Digital storytelling tools and multimedia platform development
• Assessment methods that celebrate creativity while tracking skill development

*Week 3: Community Partnership & Outreach*- Building relationships with schools, libraries, and community organizations

• Grant writing and fundraising for children's creative programs
• Volunteer recruitment and training for storytelling mentors
• Marketing and communication strategies for family engagement

*Week 4: Global Implementation & Sustainability*- Cross-cultural program adaptation and cultural sensitivity training

• Impact measurement and storytelling outcome evaluation
• Longterm sustainability planning for communitybased programs
• Creating networks of young storytelling ambassadors and peer mentors

Ongoing Professional Development:

• Monthly creative writing and storytelling workshops led by published children's authors
• Quarterly training sessions on child psychology, literacy development, and arts education
• Annual children's literature conference attendance with workshops on storytelling innovation
• Continuous learning opportunities in educational technology, child development, and creative arts therapy

3 Support Internship Positions:
-
Program Coordinator hours/week): Organize workshops, coordinate with schools, manage volunteer schedules
-
Digital Content Manager hours/week): Develop online resources, manage storytelling platforms, create multimedia content
-
Community Outreach Specialist hours/week): Build partnerships, conduct needs assessments, coordinate family engagement events

## Benefits by Track


Academic Credit Track:

• University course credit in education, creative writing, child development, or related fields
• Academic mentor assignment with faculty specializing in children's literature or education
• Research project opportunities studying storytelling's impact on child development
• Thesis or capstone project development showcasing program outcomes

Volunteer Track:

• Professional development in children's programming and creative arts education
• Certification in storytelling facilitation and child engagement techniques
• Network access to children's authors, educators, and youth development professionals
• Mentorship from experienced children's program directors and published authors

Stipend Track:
-
Compensation: Up to $800/month based on available funding and program impact
-
Performance bonuses: Additional rewards for successful program launches and community partnerships
-
Professional development fund: Annual budget for conferences, workshops, and creative writing courses
-
Publication opportunities: Support for publishing program curricula and impact studies


All Tracks Include:

• 4week intensive training in child development and storytelling pedagogy
• Monthly creative workshops with professional children's authors and illustrators
• Access to digital storytelling platforms and educational technology tools
• Alumni network of children's literature and education professionals
• Recommendation letters for graduate programs in education, creative writing, or child development

## Qualifications


Essential Requirements:

• Current student status (undergraduate, graduate, or recent alumni within 2 years)
• Genuine passion for working with children and supporting their creative development
• Strong writing and communication skills with ability to adapt content for different age groups
• Experience working with children through tutoring, mentoring, coaching, or volunteer work
• Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with diverse families and communities
• Reliable access to technology for virtual program delivery and digital content creation
• Background check clearance for working with minors

Preferred Qualifications:

• Academic background in education, creative writing, child development, psychology, or related fields
• Experience in creative writing, storytelling, theater, or other performing arts
• Fluency in additional languages beyond English for multilingual program development
• Previous experience designing or facilitating children's programs or educational workshops
• Understanding of child trauma and experience with traumainformed educational approaches
• Familiarity with digital storytelling tools, educational technology, or multimedia content creation
• Grant writing or fundraising experience for educational or children's programs

Personal Characteristics We Value:

• Authentic enthusiasm for children's creativity and natural storytelling abilities
• Patience and emotional intelligence when working with diverse groups of children
• Flexibility and adaptability in program delivery across different cultural contexts
• Collaborative spirit for working with educators, parents, and community partners
• Innovation and creativity in developing engaging, ageappropriate programming
• Strong ethical commitment to child safety, privacy, and emotional wellbeing

## Application Process

Ready to empower the next generation of storytellers and creative thinkers?

Send your application materials to
with subject line "Children's Storytelling Board Application" including:
1.
Resume highlighting experience working with children, creative writing background, and relevant education
2.
Personal Statement describing your passion for children's creative development and vision for empowering young storytellers
3.
Three References including at least one professional reference from someone who has observed you working with children


Selection Process:

• Application review for childfocused experience and creative writing ability
• Video interview including demonstration of child engagement techniques
• Creative exercise developing a sample storytelling workshop or activity
• Reference verification with emphasis on child safety and professionalism
• Background check completion for child protection compliance

Timeline: Rolling admissions with semester-based cohort selections for both 6-month and 12-month commitment options. Applications reviewed monthly with interviews scheduled within 2 weeks of submission.


Voice Up is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, identity, or experience level. We especially encourage applications from students representing diverse communities and those with lived experience in the populations we serve.

We prioritize candidates who authentically believe in every child's creative potential and are committed to creating inclusive, culturally responsive storytelling environments where all young voices can flourish.

This is more than youth programming it's nurturing the next generation of confident communicators, creative thinkers, and empathetic leaders through the timeless power of story.
## References

Bouwer, R., Lesterhuis, M., Millenet, S.

, & De Smedt, F Creating my own story:
Improving children's creative thinking and composition creativity through a three-staged individual-group-individual story writing framework. *Cognitive Development*, 71, Article

Petersen, D. B., Spencer, T. D., & Slocum, T. A A narrative language intervention for school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. *Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools*, 53(1),

Ramamurthy, S., Appleton, E., Kyaw, B. M.

, & Car, J The impact of storytelling on building resilience in children:
A systematic review. *Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing*, 31(6),

Soto-Icaza, P., Vargas, L., Aboitiz, F., & Billeke, P Narrative coherence and mentalizing complexity are associated in fictive storytelling and autobiographical memories in typically developing children and adolescents.

*Cognitive Development*, 71, Article

Spencer, T. D., & Slocum, T.


A Classroom based oral storytelling:
Reading, writing, and social benefits. *The Reading Teacher*, 76(4),

Suwarno, S Storytelling in early childhood education: Time to go digital. *International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy*, 15(1), Article 5.

Takeuchi, H., Taki, Y., Hashizume, H., Asano, K., Asano, M., Sassa, Y., Yokota, S., Kotozaki, Y., Nouchi, R.

, & Kawashima, R Effects of storytelling on the childhood brain:
Near-infrared spectroscopic comparison with the effects of picture-book