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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.

Featured Opportunities

The struggle for Black political rights has shaped the U.S. in fundamental ways. For centuries, Black people in the U.S. have resisted the social constraints and legal frameworks that have attempted to bar their political engagement.

Dr. Keisha Blain joins us on 2/26 via Zoom to discuss icons of the long struggle for Black political rights and the many ways Black people took action to ensure that they would have full rights as citizens of the U.S.

This event is free to attend and is open and accessible to all members of the BSU community. Registration is required. MRISJ thanks Santander Bank for their generous support of our Civic Speaker Series.

Did you know that MRISJ offers hands-on service opportunities with local community organizations? 

In addition to annual days of service, MRISJ coordinates smaller local service projects throughout the year where students can learn about advocacy, community organizing, food justice, housing instability and more! 

Students can check out upcoming service projects on EngageBSU!

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 hands-on professional experience.

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