Dare Iowa
Proudly serving the Youth of Iowa.
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IDOA President Chief Robert Millin

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

 

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"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

2025 Iowa D.A.R.E. Officer Association Conference Registration

“DARE to make a difference”

July 21st-22nd, 2025                             Dubuque, Iowa


Update from President Chief Millin
Governor Reynolds Proclamation for D.A.R.E. Day in IOWA

Iowa DARE Officers Association

The I.D.A. (Iowa D.A.R.E. Association) was formed in the late summer of 1989 and had its first training conference for D.A.R.E. officers in the summer of 1990. It is a fraternal organization that includes D.A.R.E. officers, educators and other friends of D.A.R.E.

President:  Robert Millin, Mar-Mac Police Chief

Vice President:  Lucas Bucknell, Waverly Police Department

2nd Vice President: Zach Lange, Clinton County Sheriff's Office

Secretary:  Sara Kamm   Dubuque County Sheriff's Department

Sgt. at Arms:  Reid Menken, Butler County Sheriff's Office

Treasurer: Gary Bellinghausen  Carroll Police Department

Past President: Jason Hoerner   Dubuque Police Department

Western Rep:  Robert McMillen, SE Rep: David Dierks, NE Rep: Rick LaGue  Central Rep: Ross Marshall

 
The I.D.A. functions include planning and conducting yearly training conferences, preparing and releasing a quarterly newsletter, sending a representative to the National D.A.R.E. Officers Advisory Board and each year selecting a D.A.R.E. Officer, Educator and Volunteer of the Year. The I.D.A. also has a representative on the D.A.R.E. Iowa Board. Place your nominations for D.A.R.E. awards by submitting information to the VP of Iowa DARE Officers Association. All nominations must be received by May 1st of each year for the corresponding year.