The Circle of Trust Program
The Circle of Trust was created in Gordie Bailey’s honor to help educate students about the dangers of alcohol; including binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, hazing, and their many side effects. These side effects include sexual assaults, violence, loss of self control, tolerance issues, assaults, criminal activity, as well as negative health and academic consequences.
This is a peer-to-peer education program with chapters on college and high school campuses across the nation. The primary purpose of each chapter is to promote awareness and keep the issues on the minds of students. This is accomplished by holding two events each academic year at every participating campus. By having peers promoting healthy norms to other peers, the message will be received in the students own language.
The Circle of Trust has the power to change college culture. Through the Gordie Foundation’s creative merchandising and marketing, college students have the power to spread the message of responsible drinking, moderation, compassion for others, and intolerance of hazing.
The Circle of Trust has college chapters nationwide! Each chapter has a charter member who is the leader and primary contact for the campus. These leaders will coordinate with the other Circle of Trust members at their campuses and schedule two annual events, one in the fall and one just before Spring Break. The Gordie Foundation will provide each chapter with literature to pass out, promotion tools, and awareness merchandise to give away and sell.
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Objectives
- Spread Gordie’s tragic story across the nation in order to create change.
- Establish peer support that encourages responsible drinking and educates the dangers of binge drinking, hazing, and alcohol poisoning.
- Disseminate unique products and literature that promote awareness.
- Spread the philosophy that drinking responsibly and in moderation is a popular view.
- Make students aware of what constitutes hazing and how to prevent subtle as well as violent acts when they are confronted with them.
- Educate the student population of the many costs that alcohol abuse causes.
- Instill the belief of self worth and the understanding of the consequences for ones actions.
- Create a group that can help in researching campus dynamics and culture.
- Establish relationships on campuses nationwide that will nurture further efforts and programs of The Gordie Foundation.
- Schedule public speaking venues for foundation education programs.
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Members and Chapters
Members
Students who want to be a member of the Circle of Trust will be provided with simple instructions and an introductory kit. We have simple, easy to use, relevant information that students can use to spread awareness about the dangers of alcohol poisoning, binge drinking and hazing. It is documented that students will more likely listen to their peers rather than to other adults. Knowing this, we have developed materials that do not preach, but rather, educate and encourage peers to take care of each other.
University and College Chapters
We are in the process of updating our list of Circle of Trust chapters currently operating on campuses across the country.
If you are interested in joining one of our chapters or starting a chapter on your campus please click here.
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FAQ’s
How much time does participating take?
When you become a Circle of Trust member, you are committing to distributing alcohol awareness and hazing prevention merchandise two times each academic year. We will ship materials to the charter member at school and the materials are distributed to students one day in the fall (beginning of school), and one day in the spring (around Spring Break).
How do I know when and where to hand out materials?
After looking at your college / school calendar, just pick a highly visible area – set up a table, and get going. We recommend student unions, dorm common areas, library steps,
Greek houses, athletic events, bus stops, etc. The possibilities are endless; chapters have held events such as leadership forums, alcohol awareness sessions, Greek socials, Dodgeball tournaments, IPOD raffles etc. as platforms to distribute Foundation materials. If you need help with selecting a location, the staff at The Gordie Foundation will be happy to assist you.
Is there any financial commitment involved?
No. If you are a student at a college or university, The Gordie Foundation will provide a pre-determined amount of merchandise at no cost.
What kind of materials do you send for me to distribute?
Some of our past materials have included bottle openers on door hangers, wallet GORDIEcheck cards, and bandanas – all including the warning signs of alcohol poisoning and the dangers of binge drinking and hazing.
Are you asking me to say, "Don’t drink" to my friends?
No. Our message is about safety and awareness. We want you to spread the word to look out for your friends and when in doubt, do the right thing. Save a life. Make the call.
What happens if I change my mind, transfer to another school, graduate, or for some other reason can no longer participate in the Circle of Trust at my school?
You know best who can help us continue to spread the word. So, if you can no longer participate, please ask a friend to take over. Once they have agreed, please contact The Gordie Foundation and give us the new contact. If you are moving to another campus, see if there is a Circle of Trust chapter established, if not – why not start one?
What if my contact info changes after I join?
Please go to our website and click on the "join" button. Use this form to update your info.
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