b'Rosalind PichardoSpeaking out against gun violenceAfter Rosalind PichardoThere is a big ripple effect, Ms. Pichardo says. lost several membersWe need to talk about what gun violence doesof her family to gunto a family.violence, she startedShe says she decided to found Operation Save an organization inOur City in 2012 after her brothers murder, which Philadelphia calledhasnt been solved.Operation SaveOur City.The organization works closely with families of The organization,murder victims. Together, they make healingbased in the Kensing- blankets and sit and talk about how the violence ton neighborhood,has affected them. The activists also hand out gives voice to candles and crosses that families can decorate those whose loved ones have been murdered. with messages in memory of their loved ones. Its members lead peace marches and protestThey guide families to resources to help them,rallies against gun violence. Ms. Pichardo and and organize vigils for those who have been lost.her fellow activists also hand out information Operation Save Our City activists bravely goin their neighborhoods about people police door to door, handing out flyers about suspectssuspect of committing the crimes.the police are seeking.At age 16, Ms. Pichardo survived an attempt on My house has gotten shot at quite a few times, her life by an ex-boyfriend who threw her off aMs. Pichardo says. Ive had to move twice [after] bridge and shot at her from above. He went on tohanding out flyers with the suspects face. But we murder her boyfriend later that day. Her twin sister,are still getting suspects off the streets.Kathleen, who suffered from mental illness, gotaccess to a gun and committed suicide. In 2012, Where does she get her courage to do this work?her brother, Alexander Martinez, was shot and I think it is the energy of my brother, Ms. Pichardo killed as he walked along a street with his 16-says. Just knowing that his case is unsolved. And year-old nephew. Her brothers murder was too that families dont know how to do this, organize a much for her father to bear, she says, and he vigil, or choose clothing for the funeral of a loved died a year later. one. I didnt know how to do that.22'