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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

Calling all BSU student! Kick off the year volunteering with MRISJ on Saturday, September 13th at our annual Bears Fighting Hunger service project. 

In honor of 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, volunteers will pack 13,000 meals with End Hunger New England for people experiencing food insecurity in southeastern MA. 

Students can sign up now on EngageBSU!

Are you a current BSU student with an interest in social justice? MRISJ is now hiring student employees for the 2025-2026 academic year!

With multiple openings for Justice Fellows, Alternative Break Team Leaders, Marketing Assistants and Voting & Civic Action Ambassadors there are many ways to get involved and explore your social justice passion. Learn more and apply today!

*Work study and non-work study opportunities available

 

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 Justice Fellows are undergraduate students, hired as BSU student employees, and work 10-14 hours per week throughout the academic year. Fellows are paired with a nonprofit organization or campus-based initiative. 

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
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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