Fighting for Freedom: Ruby Welch’s Journey to Become an Unstoppable Force for Change

Ruby never thought she would be at the forefront of policy conversations tackling some of Arkansans’ biggest challenges. For years, Ruby’s vision for creating a better future made her a community-building force, working tirelessly for bottom-up solutions with little progress. Then she partnered with Americans for Prosperity (AFP). It was with AFP that Ruby learned the true power of collective action. Today, Ruby’s impact can be felt across Arkansas, highlighted by her ability to build effective coalitions united by their shared vision to build stronger communities. 

Ruby’s passion for expanding freedom and opportunity for the people in her community and across Arkansas was always magnetic. Her journey with community advocacy began in adversity. After experiencing incarceration firsthand, she founded Formerly Incarcerated Empowered Leaders Overcoming Negative Stigmas, or FELONS, an organization aimed at reforming reentry policies and challenging the stigmas of incarceration. Despite knocking on doors and making countless phone calls, Ruby often felt isolated in her efforts to spark change.  

That all changed in 2018 when Ruby met Ryan Norris, State Director for AFP-Arkansas. Ryan saw a natural-born leader in Ruby — she just needed to be equipped with the knowledge of how to navigate the policy system and leverage grassroots to expand her reach and maximize impact.  

“AFP was not just a mouthpiece like other organizations,” says Ruby, “they were the hands and feet that walked alongside me in my grassroots work.”  

Together, Ruby and Ryan tackled issues critical to their community, from education freedom and certificate-of-need reforms to housing policy, forming effective coalitions and inspiring a new wave of community engagement. All Ryan had to do was provide Ruby with resources, opportunities, and issue education to empower her true strengths to shine. 

Ruby and Ryan’s partnership extended beyond professional collaboration, evolving into a friendship rooted in a shared conviction for freedom and opportunity. Their bond created a powerful ripple effect. As Ruby recalls “Ryan not only opened the door for me, he asked, ‘Ruby, who else do I need in the room?’” Ruby, empowered by Ryan’s support, went on to inspire members of her community to get involved and attend grassroots events. There, they discovered the power of their collective voice in fighting for change that unleashes freedom and prosperity.  

“Ruby has all the ingredients of a great leader who captivates people and can fill rooms,” says Ryan. 

Looking back, Ruby knows it would have been easy to discount herself and ignore the voice in her head telling her to get involved. But thanks to Ryan’s support, she took the first step with AFP to realize her full potential and reignite her American Dream.  

“One thing that I found out about life is the world wants to put you in a box. It wants to dictate to you who and how and where you can move,” Ruby remembers. “But because of AFP and my being introduced to [Arkansas’] laws and our connection and collaborations, it has actually allowed me to defy the odds of what the world said.” 

Ruby’s story isn’t just about personal triumph — it’s a powerful call to action. “AFP wants you to be greater than you were when you began. Many organizations don’t want you to be greater than them,” Ruby emphasizes. Her journey is a testament to what happens when we take bold actions that drive change and defend freedom. 

Join Americans for Prosperity today and take your first step toward making a lasting difference in your community!