D.A.R.E.
Drug Awareness Resistance Education

Since its inception in 1990, the Moline Police Department D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program has been teaching the basic core D.A.R.E. curriculum to all Moline sixth grade students in Moline School District #40, Seton Catholic School, and Temple Christian School. The D.A.R.E. Program is designed to help young people resist peer pressures involving drugs, gangs, and violence. Emphasis is placed on boosting the students' self-esteem. The students are taught ways to be in charge and respond in a confident manner when dealing with risky situations. Ultimately we want the students to be able to make decisions based on what is best for them and their families, the people that truly care for them. A culmination celebration is held at the end of the course with all graduating students receiving a t-shirt, certificate, and spirit card entitling the holder to discounts at participating businesses. The graduates are also treated to a pizza party. Approximately 600 Moline students graduate from the D.A.R.E. Program each year.

When D.A.R.E. started in Moline in 1990, Officer Ron Staes became the first officer selected for the position. It has seen many changes throughout the years, including expanding to three officers at one point. Currently Officer Michael Powell and Officer Pedro Valladares teach D.A.R.E. in Moline.
In addition to teaching the D.A.R.E. curriculum, the D.A.R.E. Program holds many other activities to

help our youth.

Moline D.A.R.E. hosts activities geared towards the elementary age children. In the fall and spring each year Moline D.A.R.E. promotes bicycle rodeos at which children in the Moline School District are provided with brand new bicycle helmets. In 2008, over 600 bicycle helmets were distributed to participating third and fourth grade students.

Just before Halloween the D.A.R.E. officers pass out Beast Buster glow sticks to children in grades K-4. The glow sticks are visible at night so motorists can see the children while they are out trick or treating. The sticks are donated by local businesses through Skills Inc.

In June, D.A.R.E. along with Moline Conservation Club holds the annual Fishing Rodeo at Riverside Lagoon. Along with free food, many prizes are given away.

D.A.R.E. sponsors two middle school dances at John Deere and Woodrow Wilson middle schools. Over 200 students attend each event. A good time is always had at the dances, and the students' behavior is excellent. The dances serve as a way for the D.A.R.E. officers to stay connected with students after they have moved on to middle school.

Money for the various activities is raised through the efforts of our non-profit organization, Moline D.A.R.E. Inc. The Moline D.A.R.E. board of directors is a group of volunteers who are dedicated to helping the youth in our community. Any parent, teacher, or caring individual is welcome to join to help with our events and fundraising efforts.

The D.A.R.E. Program continues to strive to provide our youth with the tools they need to resist drugs and gang involvement. Through education and the many positive alternative programs available, it is our sincerest hope that one day drug abuse and gangs will be a thing of the past.