Social Justice

Meet Newest Newman Fellow

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:27:40 +0000

Meet Newest Newman Fellow BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 05/23/2023 - 08:27

Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24, seeks to help immigrant families like her own

May 23, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Growing up in a low-income, immigrant household, Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24, and her family relied on the help of their community to meet their basic needs.

Now a social work major at 51�Թ��, Mitzy wants to provide that same support for other immigrant families. And she sees participation in a national fellowship as a key step.

“I think it will help me learn more how to be a better advocate for others,” she said of being named a recipient of a Newman Civic Fellowship. “It will help me develop a lot of skills I will need in the future as a community organizer.”

Mitzy, whose family has Mexican roots, is among about 150 students nationwide who are participating in the fellowship during the 2023-2024 academic year. The program, run by the nonprofit Campus Compact, helps students develop strategies for making social change and builds leadership skills. Mitzy will become part of a network of students ready to support one another.

“I’m excited for what I’m going to get out of it and excited to meet a lot of new people who are involved in their communities,” she said.

Taking a leadership role is nothing new for Mitzy, a transfer student from Nashua, New Hampshire, who is minoring in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Before coming to BSU, Mitzy co-founded and co-led a student organization that provided an inclusive space for students of color.

As a Bear, Mitzy helps run an organization for first-generation students like herself. She is also a justice fellow at the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice. Those responsibilities include serving with Brockton Interfaith Community, where she has helped distribute food, provide prom dresses and tuxedos to high school students, and organize a candidate forum.

“We speak a lot about advocacy in my classes and that’s what I’m doing – advocating for individuals having issues meeting their basic needs,” said Mitzy, who visited the Statehouse during spring break to fight for causes important to her and her BSU peers. “I like how it all connects.”

Mitzy already has the makings of a Newman fellow who will take full advantage of the opportunity, said her mentor, Laura Mulvey, G’18, community programs manager at the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice.

“Mitzy presented as a strong self-starter who was proactive in seeking opportunities,” Mulvey said. “That focus of her work and interest in using her voice to really advocate for others and her proven success was really inspiring to see in an applicant.”

Mitzy credits BSU with strengthening her commitment to social justice, which she sees as a platform for rooting out inequalities and supporting immigrant families.

“I’ve learned a lot about what social justice really means and how important it is to be involved in my community,” she said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We speak a lot about advocacy in my classes and that’s what I’m doing – advocating for individuals having issues meeting their basic needs. I like how it all connects.

Mitzy Duarte Chavarin, ’24

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Social Justice

First Gen

No Break from Social Justice

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 19:48:54 +0000

No Break from Social Justice BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 03/13/2023 - 15:48

Students learn advocacy skills during Alternative Spring Break

March 14, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

As a high school student, Maggie Kalkstein, ’24, faced depression and anxiety that led her to temporarily leave school. While she had access to treatment and support, Maggie knows that’s not the case for everyone.

“So many people don’t get that opportunity,” the social work major and psychology minor said. “It’s really important to me that (mental health) resources are broadened.”

That’s the message Maggie brought to lawmakers during a recent Statehouse visit as part of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice’s Alternative Spring Break program. Throughout the week, almost a dozen 51�Թ�� students learned how to advocate for causes important to them while working with the Coalition for Social Justice, a grassroots organization that supports economic opportunity for those facing poverty.

Through training and reflection, as well as service in Taunton and Attleboro, students explored social justice topics, such as free public higher education, and discovered how to positively impact their communities. They conducted door-to-door canvassing to discuss policy issues with residents and distribute brochures with information about community resources and services.

“I’m hoping they’ll feel empowered to have that sense of ‘I can make a difference in my backyard,’” said Jen Thibodeau, the institute’s director of programs. “This is something that’s going to give them some additional skills.”

This year marked the return of BSU’s alternative break programming, which was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Student leaders Isaiah Roig, ’24, and Summa Slater, ’25, began planning the week in November. They created a camp-like atmosphere, including a tie-dying activity using colors that corresponded with students’ individual leadership traits.

“It was very much a challenge I was willing to take on – being able to help others be the change they want to see in the world,” said Isaiah, a theater arts major and dance minor.

Joyce Lopez, ’24, was surprised by how receptive the people she met while canvassing were to the idea of free public higher education.

“I would probably do this again in the future,” said Joyce, who is majoring in health science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. “It gave me the push that I needed.”

Joyce is not alone in looking to continue the momentum built during spring break.

“I think the impact we had will extend much further than Taunton and Attleboro and this week because now we have a skillset we can use to advocate for things,” Maggie said. “We now are a group of active citizens whereas before I don’t think many of us were.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I think the impact we had will extend much further than Taunton and Attleboro and this week because now we have a skillset we can use to advocate for things. We now are a group of active citizens whereas before I don’t think many of us were.

Maggie Kalkstein, ’24

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Social Justice

Honoring MLK

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:48:24 +0000

Honoring MLK HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Thu, 01/12/2023 - 08:48

Campus to host service projects to commemorate MLK holiday

January 16, 2023

Heather Harris Michonski

Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is intended to be a day of volunteerism to honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights icon.

At 51�Թ��, the third Monday in January is always a very busy day.

“MLK day is a National Day of Service, it’s the only federal holiday known for being a ‘day on’ not a ‘day off,’ and encourages citizens to make a positive impact,” said Jennifer Thibodeau, director of programs at BSU’s Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ).

MRISJ is offering three different opportunities to celebrate MLK day this year, including a campus service project planned for Saturday, January 21. The move to the weekend is geared to encourage more students to participate this year, Thibodeau said.

“We are really trying to make it as easy as possible for folks to get involved and be part of the day,” she said.

Each year, MLK Day chooses a theme; this year’s is, “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset.”

With that theme in mind, on Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. multiple service projects are planned that benefit MRISJ’s ongoing efforts to support local non-profits such as Meals on Wheels and the Old Colony Y.

The events will take place in the Rondileau Student Union large ballroom. Those interested can register here.

Stations will be set up for volunteers to pack school supplies for students experiencing homelessness, write postcards to local seniors receiving meals on wheels, pack bagged lunches to support people facing food insecurity, assemble DIY crafts for youths living in transitional housing, and create blank activity books for youngsters in the pediatric unit of Brockton Hospital.

The lunches will be distributed to Father’s Bills and MainSpring in Brockton, the school supplies will benefit Schools on Wheels.

“When we look at developing the service projects, we always want to offer projects meaningful to our community partners,” Thibodeau said. “We collaborate with them and ask what’s important, how can we contribute?”

As part of its Civic Speaker Series, MRISJ is also offering another MLK event, “Taking Action for Social Justice: A Conversation with Feminista Jones” on Jan. 26 from 4-5:15. This is a virtual event and registration is required.

Jones, who is a writer, public speaker, community activist, social worker and podcaster, will discuss ways activists can leverage social media to organize movements, how Black women can lead change in culture and society by building digital communities, and how intersectional feminism helps ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

“We look for speakers who are dynamic and will engage a broad audience and can speak to current social justice topics,” she said. “We believe she will spark interest in a wide range of members, both in our internal and external networks, and inspire participants that social justice can start with each of us,” Thibodeau said.

By offering these events to honor Dr. King, the staff members of the MRSIJ hopes to get the BSU community thinking of ways they can work together beyond the day of service.

“It’s nice to have a day dedicated to service and community, but I like to think of it as a reminder for the work that needs to be done and our role in it. The day is a starting point, a time to reflect on what is valued, to cultivate a beloved community mindset,” Thibodeau said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

It’s nice to have a day dedicated to service and community, but I like to think of it as a reminder for the work that needs to be done and our role in it. The day is a starting point, a time to reflect on what is valued, to cultivate a beloved community mindset

Jennifer Thibodeau, director of programs at BSU’s Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice

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Social Justice

A Home for Social Justice

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:43:43 +0000

A Home for Social Justice BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 10/04/2022 - 08:43

Martin Richard Institute to occupy newly renovated Summer Street building

October 4, 2022

Brian Benson

Whether tutoring at-risk children, striving for racial equity and women’s rights, or building water filters in Cambodia, social justice is at the core of a 51�Թ�� education. For the first time in the institution’s history, this important work now has a permanent home.

During Homecoming weekend, BSU officials cut the ribbon on the newly renovated building just off the Boyden Quadrangle that will house the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice.

“Yes, we’re dedicating the home, but more importantly we’re dedicating the cause,” said President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83. “Advancing social justice means getting involved. It means taking action. It means making a difference.”

The BSU Foundation purchased the home at 161 Summer St., which is located next to Woodward Hall, and work is nearly complete on an extensive renovation that included upgrading HVAC and electrical systems, installing new landscaping and parking, and restoring historic pillars that adorn the front of the building.

The foundation, which is a nonprofit organization separate from but committed to supporting BSU, funded the renovation and purchase entirely through private philanthropy.

“That says a lot about what people believe in,” said Joseph St. Laurent, ’88, chairperson of the foundation. “They don’t want accolades. … They just want to do something for the university and its students.”

The institute is named for the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. Student justice fellows, such as Joanne Tanaka, ’24, are still inspired by Martin’s message of “No more hurting people. Peace.”

“This new building dedicated to social justice embodies his message and the commitment our community has toward creating a more just and peaceful society,” said Joanne, whose service activities included reading multicultural books to children over Zoom during the pandemic.

Martin’s sister, Jane, cut the ribbon alongside parents, Bill and Denise, both members of the Class of 1993.

The home, Bill said, provides a prominent physical location for this essential work of helping and standing up for others.

“We love you,” he said. “We appreciate you. We thank you. … Having a home matters.”

Martin’s legacy, Joanne said, will be carried on by the BSU community “and every person we touch through our words and actions for the rest of our lives.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This new building dedicated to social justice embodies (Martin Richard's) message and the commitment our community has toward creating a more just and peaceful society.

Joanne Tanaka, ’24

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Social Justice

Photo by Charlie Peters, G'20

Art and Activism

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:07:59 +0000

Art and Activism HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 09/23/2022 - 11:07

Campus events encourage students to get involved now, not later

September 27, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

When administrators at 51�Թ�� asked a group of students what they thought about activism, the responses were eye-opening.

“What we learned was they saw it as something that they can do when they are older, when they have more experience,” said Jill Beckwith, executive director of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ). “They linked activism to high level events, such as the Black Lives Matter movement...very few students could identify things they can do in their daily lives that can make a difference.”

The feedback made an impression on Beckwith, and as executive director of the Institute for Social Justice, she hopes she can change that way of thinking.

“One thing I want to do, is to open people’s minds to see the types of things they can do, that there is a whole spectrum when it comes to activism,” she said.

For example, an outlet that students may not think of when it comes to making a difference is through art, Beckwith said.

The Institute for Social Justice recently invited artist and activist Robert Shetterly to show how art can be used to forward social justice.

Shetterly, who lives in Maine, has painted more than 250 portraits of everyday Americans who have made a difference in their respective communities in the areas of racial equity, climate justice, and indigenous rights.

“So often people think of art as purely decorative, but art has always been the thin edge of societal change...portraying things through art that are sometimes uncomfortable or inconvenient truths, can often open up conversations and get people talking,” said Jay Block, BSU’s assistant director of collections and exhibitions.

Block collaborated with MRISJ to bring Shetterly’s artwork to campus, where 12 of the artist’s portraits will be on display in the Maxwell library through Oct. 2.

“His portraits reflect every race, religion, and creed...the uniting factor is that each of them all took a stand for some sort of justice. The portraits show that people can make a difference. Through one, small act from just one-person, amazing things can happen,” Block said.

Each portrait has a QR code for visitors to scan and learn more about what actions each activist has taken, what issues they tackled. Beckwith hopes students will be able to see a piece of themselves in the diversity of stories offered.

“I hope it gets them to think about how they can make changes within their own lives and see that there are a variety of things you can do to improve our communities,” she said.

More than 150 students also got to meet Shetterly when he came to visit campus on Sept. 21. He spoke to three different classes about his own activism and portraits. Later that night, his documentary, “Truth Tellers,” which takes a deeper dive into his work as an activist and artist, was shown.

Beckwith hopes Shetterly’s visit and Maxwell exhibit together will lead students and members of the BSU community to find their own comfort level when it comes to activism.

She said the MRISJ is a great starting place for those looking for ideas.

“We offer an array of service opportunities throughout the year,” Beckwith said. “I encourage students to identify one small step they can take...my guess is that momentum will build. Baby steps always lead to bigger steps.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

One thing I want to do, is to open people’s minds to see the types of things they can do, that there is a whole spectrum when it comes to activism.

Jill Beckwith, executive director of the MRISJ

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Social Justice

Photo by Ben van der Voet, '26