MRISJ Justice Fellow

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

For additional information about this position or for a status update of your application, please contact:
Debbie Drago
ddrago

Title

Title MRISJ Justice Fellow

Position Description

About the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice
The mission of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice ( MRISJ ) 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.

Justice Fellow Program Description

The MRISJ is seeking undergraduate students to work as Justice Fellows for the  academic year. Justice Fellows are placed at a MRISJ partner organization (host site) for the academic year. Both off-campus and on-campus placements are available. In this placement, Justice Fellows engage in project-based work to advance the mission of the host site and develop skills and knowledge of different strategies of positive social change.

Justice Fellow Social Justice Themes

Projects and topics are based on host site goals. Past placements have focused on areas such as affordable housing, youth development, educational equity, disability rights and inclusion, and voter engagement.

Justice Fellow responsibilities are shared between the Host Site and the MRISJ.

As a MRISJ Justice Fellows, you will:

• Be placed with a Host Site (a campus or community-based organization) for the academic year.
• Spend 10 hours a week at the Host Site doing project-based work that helps the Host Site to meet their mission.
• Follow the pre-approved individual workplan that outlines the Justice Fellow project for the assigned host site placement.
• Meet regularly and communicate consistently with Host Site supervisor for guidance and supervision.

• Attend occasional MRISJ Student Employee meetings on Thursday evenings (students will have the dates in advance).
• Commit 2 hours per week of training and reflection with Justice Fellow cohort at BSU.
• Meet regularly and communicate consistently with MRISJ staff advisor for guidance and supervision.
• Attend and actively participate in all scheduled Justice Fellow cohort trainings, workshops and meetings.
• Maintain up to date and accurate documentation of timesheets, journals, and workplan updates.
• Create a poster and take part in BSU’s Student Arts & Research Symposium (StARS) in April that showcases their experience and learning.
• Fellows may be invited to represent the MRISJ in various capacities across campus to provide a student’s perspective of the work of the MRISJ, including but not limited to, staffing informational tables or events, presenting to classes or student clubs, and sharing about their experience with small or large groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

• To succeed in this role, you will need:

• Previous experience with volunteer work, internship(s), job(s) and/or other community involvement.
• Desire to gain hands on experience at a host site (either on or off campus).
• Interest in working with peers in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated interest in social justice and civic engagement along with a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and other students.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to convey ideas and information with students, staff, and community organizations.
• Strong time management skills and ability to self-motivate and work independently once provided instruction.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits at Bridgewater State University in good standing for both fall 2026 and spring 2027.
• Positions may be contingent upon additional background checks as requested by community organizations to adhere to each organization’s protocols.
• Students are responsible for organizing their own reliable transportation to and from off-campus sites. Arrangements for mileage…