Our purpose is to defend the rights of all persons, while fostering open communication, providing opportunities to examine issues of social justice, and advocating for the elimination of bias and racism.  BCCR is a community based organization that was founded in 2016 after 2 racially charged events at the end of 2015.  In those events, Muslim people were verbally assaulted and pushed at the post office and a local supermarket.  In both those events, witnesses did nothing.  One of the witnesses was appalled at her behavior, but afterwards, did not remain silent.  She rallied numerous friends and neighbors and Bridgewater Citizens for Civlility and Respect was born.  (This past year our name was officially changed to Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights to reflect an update in our more activist mission).  As a result of our origin, the group has become active in Bystander Training and has partnered with Quabbin Mediation to present numerous Bystander Training Workshops in the Greater Boston area.  The Vision of BCCR is to promote and support civility and respect in all aspects of life in Bridgewater and surrounding communities through educational and social events, public presence and statements, and media endeavors consistent with the BCCR mission. We work to defend the rights of all persons to live, work and play in safe, welcoming environments.