Ready Yourself For the Future
Empowering young men to be outstanding leaders since 2010
Ready yoUrself For the Future Leadership Team
Anthony Graham - Founder
Contact # 256-652-1790
e-mail agrahamruff@gmail.com
Wesley Malone - Executive Director
e-mail inforuff@gmail.com
Lorie Wilson Director of Operations
contact # 205-270-6981
e-mail lwilsonruff@gmail.com
Steve Busch - President
Contact # 256-714-0521
e-mail steven.busch@knology.net
Mark Witt - Vice President
Susan Busch - Treasurer
e-mail inforuff@gmail.com
Ready yoUrself for the Future established 12/10/10
Email: agrahamruff@gmail.com
Website: www.ruffleadership.org
Location: 1304 Hughes Road, Madison, AL, United States
Phone: 256-652-1790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RUFF-Ready-yoUrself-For-the-Future/189305831107430
Twitter: @readyyourself
February's Theme Rise to the Challenge
Establishing R.U.F.F. Accountability Partners
14 Charactersitcs of a GREAT leader!
Brandon Johnson Leading the Discussion!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT R.U.F.F.
When and where did R.U.F.F. begin? R.U.F.F. began on December 10, 2010 at Heritage Elementary school.
Is R.U.F.F. a nationally recognized organization? No, R.U.F.F. was founded by Anthony Graham for the young men of Northern Alabama.
Is R.U.F.F. a non-profit? As of right now, R.U.F.F. operates under Discovery Middle School 501(c)3 number 63-1174218 . We are currently in the initial stages of our own 501(c)3. We should have our own 501(c)3 non-profit status in the last part of 2015.
Who can join R.U.F.F.? Any 3rd - 12th grade young man coming from ANY TYPE of family situation. Registration for DEVELOP class # 2 begins May 2015.
What are the demographics of DEVELOP class #1? White - 55%, African-American - 33%, Asian/Pacific Islander - 5%, American Indian/other - 7%
How is/are the character trait(s) being taught to the young men? The R.U.F.F. leadership team currently writes and teaches our own curriculum based off the needs of our boys and the issues of our community and nation. We teach in large and small group settings, one-on-one counseling sessions and/or over technology methods.
What is DEVELOP, INPSIRE, EMPOWER and LEADER? These four programs are designed by the R.U.F.F. leadership team to turn our young men into outstanding leaders in their schools, homes and communities, Each program is a year long class. The boys start their R.U.F.F. journey in DEVELOP and have to graduate each level in order to move through the ranks.
How are donations used? 100% of the money donated goes directly to the young men, their families and ways to give back to our community. Our current goal is to pay for 75% of all activities and trips for our young men.
What is the current R.U.F.F. budget? $40,000 a year in 2014 -2015: $80,000 in 2015 - 2016; $120,000 in 2016-2017 and $160,000 in 2017 - 2018. That equals up to $800 per
boy/per year.
What schools are associated with R.U.F.F.? We are currently working with young men from the following schools: Bob Jones, James Clemens, East Limestone High School, Columbia High School Discovery Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Hampton Cove Middle School, Heritage Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Country Day School, Columbia Elementary, West Madison Elementary, Rainbow Elementary and several home school young men.
FOR A BETTER LOOK AT R.U.F.F WATCH OUR VIDEO BELOW
TESTIMONIALS
"I can't tell you how refreshing it was to see 4th, 5th, 6th graders recognizing the importance of their choices that positively reflects on the group." Russ Kennigton, Captain, City of Madison Fire & Rescue
"It's making responsible citizens. One of our key elements of education is preparing future leaders for our country and this is helping meet those needs." - Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler
Mr. Graham is a man who gives of himself freely, not only to his family and the school kids, but his community. His involvement with fostering positive development in our boys plus being a great teacher, makes this a win/win for our kids and community. John D ~ Proud parent of R.U.F.F. son
I think that RUFF is an important organization because it helps us understand what life will be like. It helps me realize that I will be an important person and with the right decisions I will be successful…..John August Busch, R.U.F.F. member
Let it be known to the world that Mr. Anthony Graham is a wonderful influence on the young men he has taken under his wing. Thank God for blessing my son and these other young men with such an AWESOME role model! I'm sure other parents won't mind me speaking for them and saying THANK YOU!!!! - Lorie W. - R.U.F.F. parent
Two years ago our son came home from school and said he wanted to join RUFF. What’s rough we asked? Anthony Graham came into our home and hearts and has become one of the most generous, positive role models my son has ever had. His program teaches our young men how to have Courage when their self confidence is being tested, Integrity when it would be easier to go along with his peers, and unconditional love and guidance that makes them strong of heart. Anthony has the gift that touches people’s heart with his words and sincerity, his passion is unequaled. - Char J. R.U.F.F. parent
Areas you can donate
$500 2014 - 2015 Sponsorship for one young man (Includes all activities for the reminder of the DEVELOP class #1) 45 sponsorships needed
$60 Pays for an individual young man to attend Elk River Group March 6 -8th. This is a no technology week end where the students will be working on team work skills, soft skills training and interview skills. 30 sponsorships needed
$128 Pays for a young man to attend our yearly leadership conference in the summer. We are heading to Laguna Beach Christian Retreat July 13 - 18 to graduate our DEVELOP class # 1 members. 45 sponsorships needed
$25 Pays for one young mans training material for the year. 45 sponsorships needed.
Any monetary donation can be made to Ready yoUrself For the Future at any time for any reason. 100% of the funds raised go directly to the young men and their families and/or directly back to the Madison Community.
Please make check payable to Anthony Graham or Ready yourself For the Future.
Thank you in advance for tax deducible donation. You will receive a receipt for your records.