This is a content holder for the one-button emergency notification system.

Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

A Catalyst for Social Justice

The mission of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice is to build knowledge about social justice, to develop skills for advancing social justice through individual and collective action, and to serve as a catalyst for actualizing Bridgewater State University’s commitment to social justice.

At BSU, we believe that social justice requires individual and collective action to ensure fairness in pursuit of opportunities, freedom from oppression and the equitable distribution of resources. Fairness, freedom from oppression and equitable distribution of resources are all grounded in the same basic principle: that all human beings have equal dignity and worth.

The Institute for Social Justice was established in 2011 and renamed in honor of Martin Richard in 2015. Eight year old Martin was one of three people killed, while hundreds of others were injured, by bombs at the Boston Marathon in 2013. Martin’s parents, Bill and Denise Richard, are BSU alumni.

Upcoming Events

Featured Opportunities

Registration is now open for BSU's annual MLK Day of Service! Sign up now to volunteer with us on January 24th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dedication to service, community and civic engagement. 

This year we are excited to offer two service projects - one on-campus project that is open to all who are interested and an off-campus project for BSU students only. Advanced registration is required and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration will close at 3pm on Wednesday, January 21st. If you would like to register after this time, please email mrisj@bridgew.edu.

2026 Alternative Break applications are still being accepted for our Selma, AL experience!

Alternative Break is a transformative group experience that gets undergraduate students involved in social justice through direct service, civic engagement and critical reflection over the week of spring break. 

Applications will be accepted until all spaces are filled so don't wait! Click to learn more and apply!

Our Programs

The Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice encourages members of the Bridgewater State University community to become life-long engaged citizens in our local, regional, national and global communities through serving their community.

MRISJ offers a variety of paid roles for undergraduate students including Alternative Break team leaders, justice fellows, marketing assistants, MRISJ ambassadors and VCAAs. These student experiences help fulfill our mission while allowing students to gain professional experience and develop important skills.

Virtual Tour Stop — Martin Richard Statue

Launch Martin Richard’s Legacy

Student & Faculty Resources

General Community Resources

We have compiled a variety of useful resources available to anyone looking for help.

See all additional resources »

Featured News

Featured News

More Social Justice News »
Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice
A group of people put together boxes of food
Beyond September 11th

Students commemorate 9/11 through volunteering

Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice
A man wearing a red shirt sits looking at his computer screen and smiles
Conversation Starters

Unify Challenge pairs students with peers from across the country

Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice
A group of people stand at a table working together in front of a MLK sign
A Day to Serve

MLK Day of Service brings out the best in students, members of campus community

Contact Us

Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

161 Summer Street
Bridgewater, MA 02325
United States