Meet Rhachel Toombs, AF’s New Director of Grassroots and Community Growth

America’s Future Foundation is excited to welcome the new Director of Grassroots and Community Growth, Rhachel Toombs! Prior to joining the staff full time, Rhachel led our AF-Jacksonville chapter. She has years of experience in clergy and advocacy, with a focus on community organizing. As a trainer, Rhachel has educated hundreds on important issues and activism. She received her bachelor’s degree in music from Rollins College and resides Jacksonville, FL, with her three rescue dogs.

What do you enjoy about your career path so far and why?

I most enjoy the constant change and new opportunities. I’ve also met so many interesting people from all walks of life and have been able to experience many new things. Every week is an adventure!

Why did you decide to pursue a career in the liberty movement?

I was worried about the direction our country was headed. I was never interested in politics, but after I spent time in China and saw first hand the realities of tyranny, my focus quickly shifted to studying a little political science and being more intellectually honest and analytical about partisan politics. I ended up returning to the US with the idea that I could get involved in making a difference in fighting for liberty here.

How long have you been in Jacksonville and what brought you there?

About three years now! Officially, work brought me here, but I put in a transfer based on many things. Jax has no red light cameras (sheriff banned them); little traffic; no tolls; a bunch of different beaches and islands are 30-45 minutes away; downtown, the airport, and all the fun areas are 10-15 minutes away; it’s easy to make friends and get to know people; the food is amazing; local music scene is awesome; cost of living is extremely low; Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Savannah are all day trips. And they have lots of good donuts. Lots and lots.

What has been your history with AF?

My friend was chapter president and started inviting me to events. I recognized the potential right away, especially given that there are a lot of pro-liberty folks in Jax, but not a lot of pro-liberty events.

What helpful skills do you hold that people could ask you for advice about?

Community organizing and its components are my jam. Also, planning trips to Disney World, baking, relocating to Jacksonville (hint hint), and helping people connect to new opportunities.

What are you most excited about in your new role as director as grassroots and community?

I’m most excited about the people I get to work with. We have an amazing grassroots team with diverse skill sets. They have a wealth of knowledge about their regions, as well as great ideas on how to communicate our values and inspire people to action.

Book recommendations?

Ender’s Game and Jane Erye are my top fiction choices. The most impactful nonfiction lately are the Arbinger Institute books. I also love comics. Copperhead and Eclipse by Image Comics are my favs right now.

Coffee Order

I’m a tea kinda person. A London fog or chai tea latte! Occasionally I’ll find a really good jasmine green or ginger tea.

Favorite places to travel? OR Places you would like to travel to.

I really love Montana, Alaska, and Louisiana. I really want to go to Israel, Hawaii, and Australia.

What is on your “Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Jacksonville” list?

Oh boy! My weekends usually include the happy hour at Lola’s, the Riverside Arts Market, brunch at Biscotti’s or Good Dough, a jaunt over to one of our many beaches, and watching one of the local bands play at Jack Rabbit’s or Rain Dogs.