Grassroots groups try to stem the tide of gun violence as more children are injured and killed

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A number of Milwaukee-area grassroots groups are trying to slow the rising number of children killed and injured by gun violence. The organizers of these groups acknowledge that it's not easy.

In the past few weeks, several children have been injured or killed in shootings: some accidental, others not.

So far this year, 13 people under the age of 18 have died from gun violence.

Despite the trends, organizers say the grassroots groups must press on until they make a difference.

Tomika Vukovic, co-executive director of Wisconsin Voices, said, "We have to do something for ourselves. We can't keep blaming different individuals. We can't blame the youth."

She added, "Take care of our neighbor and the neighbor next to you. Then we start taking care of a block. Then we start taking care of a neighborhood. That is how we're going to get this done."

Wisconsin Voices' "Take Back Our Community Week" continues over the next several days with informational events each day.