Dear D.A.R.E. Officers,
I am honored to serve as President of the Iowa D.A.R.E.
Officers Association and to continue our shared mission of empowering students
to make safe and responsible choices. This year’s theme, “The Power of
Choices,” reminds us that every decision a person makes has the potential to
shape not only their future, but the communities we serve.
Every day, students face decisions that test their judgment,
their values, and their confidence. Through the D.A.R.E. program, we
teach that choices carry consequences – positive or negative – and that the
ability to pause, think, and choose wisely is one of life’s most powerful
skills. Our curriculum, relationships, and community partnerships all
reinforce this principle: knowledge gives power, and practice builds character.
I am pleased to announce that this year’s Iowa D.A.R.E.
Conference will be held July 27–28, 2026, in Marquette, Iowa, at the
Cobblestone Inn & Suites. This two-day training and networking event
will bring together D.A.R.E. officers from across the state. Together, we
will explore innovative strategies to strengthen program delivery, expand
partnerships, and build safer, healthier communities for Iowa’s youth.
Our strength as an organization lies in the officers who
teach, the schools that welcome us, and the supporters who believe in
prevention through education. Each of you represents “The Power of
Choices” in action: choosing to lead, to serve, and to invest in the next
generation.
Together, we can remind every young person that while they
may not control every circumstance, they always have control over their choices
and that is where true power lies.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the D.A.R.E.
mission and to the youth of Iowa.
Chief Robert Millin
President, Iowa D.A.R.E. Officers Association
Mar-Mac Police Department
--
"Weak leaders resort to
blaming others when faced with challenges. True leadership thrives on
accountability and resilience during tough times."
ROBERT
MILLIN #23-1
Chief of Police
Mar-Mac Police
Department
PO Box 69
319 Pleasant
Drive
Marquette, IA
52158
