American Association for Nude Recreation

The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) is a nudist organization in the United States. Founded in 1931, the organization advocates nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings. The AANR charters approximately 259 independent U.S. nudist resorts and parks.

History

In 1929, Kurt Barthel organized the first American nudist club, the American League for Physical Culture. After several years of growth, the organization was renamed the American Sunbathing Association and then Executive Secretary Ilsley Boone took over as president. During his tenure, the group grew to its current total of more than 50,000 members. In 1995, the organization changed its name again to the American Association for Nude Recreation. [cite web|url=http://aanr.com/pdf/press_room_news_releases/history_of_nudism_in_america_copy_1.pdf|title=The History of Nudism in America|author=Carolyn Hawkins|publisher=American Association for Nude Recreation|date=2007|format=pdf]

The organization currently charters around 259 nudist resorts and campgrounds across the United States. The AANR charter establishes baseline standards, among which is providing for a family-friendly atmosphere. While not always required for admitance to an AANR-chartered resort, an AANR membership provides a discount and a basic bona fides. In a survey about their members commissioned in 2001, the AANR found that the majority of its member renewals are by Republican's with executive level jobs. [cite news|title=Nude Family Values|author=Lutz, John Cloud|publisher=Time|date=June 30, 2003|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1005110,00.html]

After a 2003 article in the New York Times discussed AANR's Youth Leadership Camps for the children of nudists, Rep. Mark Foley called for an investigation of the camps, claiming concerns of possible child endangerment. An AANR spokesperson, Carolyn Hawkins, stated that the organization is protective of children, whether at the camp or elsewhere and that that since the AANR began youth camps in 1992, there have been no reported incidents of pedophilia. [cite news|title=Congressman Calls for Investigation of Nudist Camp for Kids|author=Morahan, Lawrence|date=June 20, 2003|url=http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=%5CCulture%5Carchive%5C200306%5CCUL20030620b.html|publisher=Cybercast News Service] [cite news|title=They're not clothes-minded|author=Pearson, Rachel|date=March 11, 2005|publisher=The Daily Texan]

Awards and associations

The AANR has received awards from the Hospitality Marketing and Sales Association International and the American Society of Association Executives.

In addition to being the representative for the International Naturist Federation, the AANR belongs to the American Recreation Coalition, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the National Recreation & Parks Association, and the Park Law Enforcement Association. [cite web|url=http://aanr.com/pdf/press_room_press_kit/fact_sheet_copy_1.pdf|title=American Association for Nude Recreation:Fact Sheet|author=Carolyn Hawkins|publisher=American Association for Nude Recreation|date=2008|format=pdf]

Political activity

The AANR has lobbied governments to allow nudism in the United States and Canada. In 2005, they were successful in having nude recreation exempted from anti-nudity laws in West Virginia; Tennessee; California; Dawson County, Georgia; and Lake County, Florida. [cite web
title = Talk About Nudism
date = 2005-08-03
url = http://www.nudist-resorts.org/talk/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1641
accessdate = 2006-09-16 ]

After hearing about an adult-oriented businesses ordinance in Carroll County, Virginia, an AANR representative in January 2007, faxed to the county attorney a couple suggestions for legal language changes, including a proposed exemption for members of its society. The suggestion read: “No person shall be in violation of this section in or at a club event sanctioned under legal association with the American Association for Nude Recreation,” [cite web
last = Brooke
first = Christopher
title = Group seeks exemption for nude recreation
publisher = Galax Gazette
date = 2007-01-12
url = http://www.galaxgazette.com/articles/2007/01/12/news/news02.txt
accessdate = 2007-01-12] The association's input was considered but ultimately rejected.

References

ee also

*Criticism of social nudity
*List of major social nudity organizations
*Nudity
*The Naturist Society

External links

* [http://aanr.com Official website]