G.O.R.D. (Guidelines and Objectives of Responsible Drinking)

Vital Stats

Kathryn R

Boulder, CO

  • people helped10000
  • People Doing It 10

The Problem

In the fall of 2004, University of Colorado freshman Gordie Bailey passed away due to acute alcohol poisoning. Soon after his death, G.O.R.D. (Guidelines and Objectives of Responsible Drinking) was formed. Since then, it has been the mission of G.O.R.D. to use peer-to-peer education to keep alcohol related deaths from occurring. We work vigilantly educating as many people as we can reach so that no family ever has to endure the pain of losing a child due to alcohol poisoning. G.O.R.D. gives presentations to students all over Colorado as well as other parts of the country. Last summer we presented to every freshman coming into CU. We realized the alcohol abuse problem on our nation's college campuses as well as among high schoolers and are trying everything in our power to change the norm and keep people safe.

Plan of Action

G.O.R.D. was founded by a group of Gordie's friends right after his death. Since then the organization has undergone many changes. Right now the few dedicated members in the group and I are working to rebuild the organization. G.O.R.D. is now stronger than ever. We are re-igniting past supportive relationships and doing everything in our power to keep the organization running. This semester alone we already have 6 presentations scheduled/completed. Those that see the presentation can recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and are making the decision to call 911 when it's necessary. G.O.R.D. was also an integral part of the development of CU's Good Samaritan policy, which can keep students safe from university discipline in the event of an underage student needing to call 911 to save a friend. Needless to say we are getting through to the people we speak to. Students that see our presentation are being more responsible.

Project Updates

Due to the recent death at KU, we would like to remind you all of the importance of educating yourself on the signs of alcohol poisoning. If you see that someone has had a lot to drink, don't leave them alone to sleep it off. Check in on them throughout the night. Keep each other safe.

We have another presentation coming up next week. We are presenting to Thunder Ridge High School in Denver. About 320 students will be attending.

We had the opportunity to present to Regis Jesuit High School girls division in Denver as well as the University of Colorado's Panhellenic new members in mid March. Both presentations went really well. At Regis we spread our message to the entire junior class , which is about 120 women.

Go
Education

Related Stuff