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MARQUETTE -- From the civil rights movement to women's liberation, our country has seen its fair share of social justice struggles.  And one man speaking at NMU Monday night says we can prevent social injustice in the future by taking a stand for what we believe in.

Violence prevention educator and activist Paul Kivel asked participants of a workshop at NMU Monday morning:  what do you stand for, and who you stand with?

He says, "It's a cycle of violence, so we get trained into it, and that they can stand up and interrupt that cycle and be an ally for those under attack."

Kivel says often people will claim they support a cause like equal rights, but aren't actually doing anything to fight for the cause.

NMU Professor of Education Judy Punchochar said, "I am a teacher of teachers, and so I already know that what I'm going to be doing is to teach my students the skills to understand the access to power and influence they have and how they can teach their students the skills to make a difference."

During the workshop, Kivel encouraged participants to share their personal feelings and experiences with youth violence.  The workshop was for young educators at Northern, but Kivel says it's important for them to take away that they can make a difference outside of the classroom as well.

"I think all of us have opportunities everyday in our families, in our neighborhoods, classrooms, workplace, to step up as allies, so my hope is that this concept of being allies is something that each of us can take on and think about, 'Okay, well how can I make a difference?  How can I be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?'"