Arizona Naturism Group

[kensunwalker]

Several naturists in northern Arizona have been discussing starting a non-landed naturist club.  I have posted the initial website design below.  Any feedback about the design?  Would any of you be interested in joining such a group?

NATURISTS OF ARIZONA
(NAZ)

Naturist Thought
(This will be a changing thought of the day about naturism.)

Who Are We?

As our name suggests, we are Naturists.  According to Jordan Blum . . .

“Naturism is officially defined as: ‘The practice of going naked in designated areas.’  This is the dictionary definition.  Another commonly cited definition of the word ‘naturism’ comes from the International Naturist Federation: ‘A lifestyle in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, and characterized by self-respect of people with different opinions and of the environment.’  Within the naturist community, there is no set definition of the word, but the INF’s definition is often used and agreed upon.  ‘The naturist way of life . . . is also about respect for the people who share this earth and naturally, respecting the environment and mother nature.  Naturists can and should actually use nudity as a means of enacting positive changes, both individually and socially.”

Most of our members live in the Northern Arizona area, but members are welcome from anywhere (see “How Can I Join?” below).

What Do We Believe?

We Believe in Being Normal – Contrary to traditional society’s assumptions, naturism is normal – not weird or perverted.  Everyone was born naked, and everyone should be open about living naked, rather than hiding it.  Body shame is wrong and it is abnormal to live in uncomfortable clothing and demand others do the same, especially when the weather and related conditions make clothing uncomfortable and unnecessary.

We Believe in Health – Naturists tend to be healthier than the norm.  This is because naturism encourages activity (especially outdoors), exposure to lots of sunlight (and healthy vitamin D), and healthy living and eating in general.

We Believe in Well-being –Naturism can improve a person’s mental outlook on life by relieving stress and unnatural desires related to sex, pornography, exhibitionism, self-abuse, and the like.  Naturism can break a person free from the chains of these types of mental disorders.

We Believe in Freedom and Peace – Naturism encourages people to be truthful about who they really are and what they really believe.  Naturists value the freedom to be true to themselves, and to live in accord with their own values, and to tolerate all people wanting to do the same.  As the naturist philosophy spreads (and it will), the world will become less judgmental, less afraid of differences, and more open to universal love.

We Believe in Sociality – Naturists love to do things together, and nudity improves socialization.  Naturists enjoy many activities, and are open to exploring new fun things.  Every activity is more fun nude!  Naturists are the friendliest people, smile a lot, and live a joyful life.

What Do We Do?

We participate in social naturist events according to the following MOST schedule each month (because naturist activities are the “MOST” fun).  Of course any activity is more fun nude, and any activity can be done any time, but the MOST schedule causes us to think about the many naturist options each week.  During each week we either plan and gather for an activity (see the calendar below) or at least email (to kensunwalker@yahoo.com) a report of the activities we do alone or with others so all members can share in the adventures.

MUSIC WEEK (First week of each month) – activities such as nude karaoke, drum circles, song writing, or just listening to music in the nude, etc.

OUTDOORS WEEK (Second week of each month) – activities such as free hiking, nude gardening and yard work, skinny dipping, etc.

SOCIAL WEEK (Third week of each month) – activities such as playing games, watching movies, eating, giving presentations and discussions, etc.

TRAVEL WEEK (Fourth week of each month) – activities such as free drives, resort visits, cruises, etc.

Suggest an Activity

If you think of an interesting activity that all might enjoy, let us know and we’ll try to schedule it.

How Can I Join?

Just send your request for membership, along with a statement of your naturist interests and philosophy, to www.kensunwalker@yahoo.com.  We’ll respond back as soon as possible.

Schedule of Events

(List of upcoming events)

[nuduke]

Interesting definitions, KenSW
I prefer the International Naturist Federation one to the rather brief dictionary one.
John

[eyesup]

Yeah, the "designated areas" thing sort of makes it a limited type of activity.

Looks like a good starting point, Ken.

Duane

[Greenbare Woods]

Yeah, the "designated areas" thing sort of makes it a limited type of activity.
Looks like a good starting point, Ken.
Duane

I also react to the "designated areas" limitation.  This is, after all, the "free range" web site.  I suspect that limited designation was provided by the resort owners of the AANR.  They have a strong vested interest in limiting nudism to "designated" nudist resorts. 

The Naturist Society has this definition:  "Naturism, or nudism as it is sometimes called, is generally defined as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting."

That NS definition leaves naturism open for free range locations and includes social activity.  I don't spend money going to nudist resorts except for Valley View in Colorado.  I tend to go naked almost anywhere, free range, so to speak.

 

[jbeegoode]

Because of member availability and because opportunities pop up, changes in weather, etc., our SANS (Southern Arizona Naturist Society) non-landed would leave flexibility, posting a calendar in advance. We used to get together every other week generally, about 60 members and a dozen, or more, regulars, when we were strongest. I suggest flexibility and the monthly calendar.

When the female Pres. moved, we began to find ourselves with a mostly mens club. Numbers went down and it was finally abandoned.

We used to have an official sign on the interstate coming into Tucson. It was for a section of highway that we were responsible to clean as volunteers.

There was always the Canyon State Naturist, which wanted to control the state, which is based in PHX. You will probably have some friction about that, too, but not as much as we had. Their old leader was aggressive, and we had members with chips on their shoulders. You know, there are many who want to secede from the PHX controlled government and become Baja Arizona. That's how SANS got started.

It is a long drive for membership, like PHX was, but we would might pop in from time to time, especially hiking. I know some other Tucsonans, who might be interested in camping and light hiking.

You can affiliate with TNS and get discounts for member fees and then pass this on, or use it for seed money and revenue. You also would get mention in the back of the "N" magazine, so people would know of you.

Yea, I'm with Bob, it's all about free range naturism. We have a right to not be put in reservations, gettos, boxes, or the like. There is nothing wrong with nude bodies. There is only right. To be excluded is an insult, demeaning, and caving in to what is wrong in this world. Screw ANRR's attitude, those days are over. that is old guard thinking, and irrelevant anymore.

We also did fundraisers, some with others around the state, to organize and send funds to the Naturist Action Committee. Political and lobbying efforts and organization can be strengthened by organized naturist and the way that they promote newbies.

The new social media, like facebook and meetup are very effective according to the So. Cal. people that I have discussed it with.
Jbee

[kensunwalker]

Jbee:  Because of member availability and because opportunities pop up, changes in weather, etc., our SANS (Southern Arizona Naturist Society) non-landed would leave flexibility, posting a calendar in advance.

Ken:  A monthly calendar will be included.

Jbee:  It is a long drive for membership, like PHX was, but we would might pop in from time to time, especially hiking.  I know some other Tucsonans, who might be interested in camping and light hiking.

Ken:  You’d be welcome of course.

Jbee:  You can affiliate with TNS and get discounts for member fees and then pass this on, or use it for seed money and revenue. You also would get mention in the back of the "N" magazine, so people would know of you.

Ken:  Good idea.

Jbee:  We also did fundraisers, some with others around the state, to organize and send funds to the Naturist Action Committee.  Political and lobbying efforts and organization can be strengthened by organized naturist and the way that they promote newbies.

Ken:  Another good idea.

Jbee:  The new social media, like facebook and meetup are very effective according to the So. Cal. people that I have discussed it with.

Ken:  Thanks for the ideas.  Here is a revised section in accord with others’ suggestions.  Any thoughts?

Who Are We?

As our name suggests, we are Naturists.

"Naturism, or nudism as it is sometimes called, is generally defined as the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting." – The Naturist Society

Naturism is . . . “a lifestyle in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, and characterized by self-respect of people with different opinions and of the environment.” - International Naturist Federation

“The naturist way of life . . . is also about respect for the people who share this earth and naturally, respecting the environment and mother nature.  Naturists can and should actually use nudity as a means of enacting positive changes, both individually and socially.” - Jordan Blum

Most of our members live in the Northern Arizona area, but members are welcome from anywhere (see “How Can I Join?” below).

[jbeegoode]

We had people coming to us from Sierra Vista and all over the Tucson region for events. You are in a central area and population area around Prescott. It should work out well.

There are PHX people who do monthly hike and campout things, many in your area. Some of these Canyon State Naturists might be interested in getting together with you, since they are coming your way: http://canyonstatenaturists.net/ Bev Price can be helpful.

I don't know much about SWNN. They were doing stuff like trips out to De Anza a couple of years ago.: http://www.naturistdirectory.com/USA/1376/Southwest-Naturist-Network

Any vetting processes? Would you pre-post free range activities? These would attract attention, but maybe authorities. We used to get together with the Forest Service and pre-arrange camping. Some of us would travel around looking for the right places to camp and that was fun.We would give notice with the Feds. A relationship was established. We would then post signs warning others that nudity may be encountered ahead. Inviting people out to a nude campsite and getting them arrested could make liability problems. The PHX people might explain how they have been getting around these issues.

Some like to camp in tents, some RV's. Some think of hiking as a walk in the woods in a group and talking/being social a lot. Some like quiet naturist experiences, and others like to march.
Jbee

[eyesup]

I linked to this woman's website in another post. She discusses how she always gives notice to the police when she goes on a topless ride. As a result, her cycle rides are uneventful at least as law enforcement is concerned.

https://breastsarehealthy.wordpress.com/2015/12/02/being-female-is-not-disorderly/

An upfront talk with the law never hurts. If they understand you are not there to create "a nuisance" you won't get treated as a nuisance, unless that is your intent.

Duane