June 2025
As we embrace the warmth of June, we wanted to take a moment to extend a very happy Flag Day to you on Friday, June 14th!
Flag Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the rich history, vibrant symbolism, and enduring ideals represented by the American flag. It's a day for us to reflect on the freedoms and principles that unite us, and to show respect for this powerful emblem of our nation.
Whether you're spending the day with loved ones, enjoying the beautiful Western Region scenery, or simply taking a quiet moment of reflection, we hope you have a chance to acknowledge and celebrate what our flag means to you.
Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Flag Day!
Warmly,
The AANR Western Region Team
Join Us for the 2025 AANR Western Region Convention & General Assembly at Glen Eden Sun Club!
We are excited to invite you to the 2025 AANR Western Region Convention and General Assembly Meeting, taking place from July 25th through July 27th at the beautiful Glen Eden Sun Club!
Meeting Schedule:
Our General Assembly meetings will be held each morning from 9:00 AM to approximately noon. This schedule allows our board of directors, officers, and all attendees to fully enjoy the fantastic afternoon and evening activities, including but not limited to the Social Gathering and the Nude Summer Games, planned throughout the convention.
Virtual Attendance:
For those unable to join us in person, a Google Meet link will be provided in next month’s newsletter and posted on our website, making it easy for everyone to participate.
We look forward to connecting with you, sharing ideas, and celebrating our vibrant community together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Warm regards,
The AANR Western Region Team
See you at Glen Eden Sun Club!
AANR West Clubs, Parks, & Resorts
Arroyo del Sol Clothing Optional B&B Destination Club Altadena, CA
Buff-A-Teers Travel Club Tucson, AZ
Canyon State Naturists Travel Club Phoenix, AZ
Clothes Free International Online Club Oakhurst, CA
Clothing Optional Home Network Travel Club Phoenix, AZ
Front Range Naturists Travel Club Boulder, CO
Glen Eden Sun Club Destination Club Corona, CA
Hawaiian Naturist Park Destination Club PĀHOA, HI
Laguna del Sol Destination Club Wilton, CA
Las Vegas Bares Travel Club Las Vegas NV
Las Vegas Naturists Travel Club Las Vegas NV
Le Club Travel Club San Diego, CA
Lupin Lodge Destination Club Los Gatos, Ca
Mohave Sun Club Travel Club Lake Havasu, City AZ
Mira Vista Resort Destination Club Tucson, AZ
Mountain Air Ranch Destination Club Indian Hills, CO
Northern California Exposure Travel Club Sacramento, CA
Olympian Club Travel Club Riverside, CA
Pacificans Travel Club Corona CA
Roadrunner Naturists Travel Club Albuquerque, NM
Rocky Mountain Naturist Club Zip Code: 80233
Sequoians Destination Club Castro Valley, CA
Shangri La Ranch Destination Club New River, AZ
Southern California Naturist Association Travel Club Calabasas, CA
Southern Utah Naturist Society Travel Club St. George, UT
Sun Tree Travel Club Travel Club Las Cruces, NM
Swim Free Hawaii Boat Charter Destination Club Hawaii, HI
Wasatch Naturists Travel Club South Salt Lake City, UT
Exciting Changes to AANR Western Region Voting!
We're thrilled to announce an important update to our voting process for the AANR Western Region. We've listened to your feedback and are implementing a new system designed to make voting more convenient and accessible for everyone.
Here's what you need to know:
- Online Voting Only: This year, all voting will be conducted exclusively online. This move to a digital platform will streamline the process and allow you to cast your ballot from anywhere.
- Voting Window Announcement: To ensure everyone has ample time to prepare, the exact date and time when voting opens will be released one week before the start of the convention. Keep an eye on your inbox and our official channels for this important announcement!
- Who Can Vote? All direct members and club delegates who have been verified and are in good standing will be eligible to participate in this year's vote. Your voice is important, and we encourage all eligible members to exercise their right to vote.
We believe this new online voting process will make it easier for more members to participate and help shape the future of our region. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Introducing AANR’s Dual Direct Option
AANR now offers an exclusive Dual Direct option, allowing Direct Members to add another household member at a discounted rate.
Benefits of Dual Direct Options:
- Discount on the second person’s purchase
- Shared membership renewal dates for convenience
- Strengthen your connection to the AANR community together
Pricing Breakdown:
- One Member: $65
- Additional Household Member: $50
To qualify, both members must reside at the same address.
This offer is for Direct members only and is not currently available online.
If you are a current Club member, please support your club and renew through them.
For more information or to enroll, please contact the AANR office at 1-800-TRY-NUDE.
Last Call: AANR 2025 Convention Award
Nominations Closing Soon!
The clock is ticking to recognize deserving individuals and affiliates for the AANR 2025 Convention Awards! This is your final opportunity to submit nominations and ensure those who have made significant contributions are celebrated.
The deadline for most award nominations is midnight on Friday, June 13, 2025. Don't miss this chance to honor the outstanding efforts within our community.How to Nominate
For more information on the award categories or to access the nomination forms, please contact either:
Melissa Sigman at msigman@aanr.com or Dianne Watkins at dwatkins@aanr.com
We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the achievements at the AANR 2025 Convention!
How Naturism Empowers Women's Minds
Stepping out of your clothes can feel like stepping into a new world, especially for women. In a society that often scrutinizes and objectifies the female form, the idea of embracing naturism – the practice of non-sexual social nudity – might seem counterintuitive to psychological well-being. Yet, for countless women, it’s precisely this embrace of their natural state that unlocks profound psychological benefits, leading to a deeper sense of self-acceptance, freedom, and peace.
The journey into naturism for women often begins with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. We're conditioned from a young age to cover up, to conform to often unrealistic beauty standards, and to feel a sense of vulnerability when our bodies are exposed. This societal conditioning can lead to body image issues, self-consciousness, and a constant battle with comparison. The media, fashion industry, and even casual conversations can subtly (or not so subtly) reinforce the idea that our bodies are only acceptable if they meet certain criteria.
However, the moment a woman sheds her clothes in a naturist setting, something transformative begins to happen. It's not just about the physical act of undressing; it's about undressing the layers of self-doubt, shame, and societal expectations that have accumulated over the years. In a naturist environment, the playing field is leveled. All bodies, regardless of shape, size, age, or perceived "flaws," are present and accepted without judgment. This immediate shift in perception is incredibly powerful.
One of the most significant psychological benefits for women in naturism is the radical improvement in body image and self-acceptance. When you are surrounded by diverse bodies of all types, you quickly realize that there isn't one "ideal" form. The constant internal dialogue of "am I good enough?" begins to quiet. You see stretch marks, cellulite, scars, and the natural progression of aging on others, just as they see them on you. This shared vulnerability fosters a sense of solidarity and normalcy. It becomes clear that these are simply human bodies, and each one is unique and inherently valuable. This exposure, paradoxically, lessens the focus on individual imperfections and instead highlights the beauty of natural diversity.
Furthermore, naturism cultivates a profound sense of freedom and liberation. Imagine shedding not only your clothing but also the mental burden of societal expectations. The feeling of the sun on your skin, the breeze against your body, without the constriction of fabric, is incredibly freeing. This physical freedom translates directly into psychological freedom. It's an act of defiance against the pressures to conform, a reclaiming of your own body and your right to exist comfortably within it. This liberation can be particularly impactful for women who have felt constrained by restrictive clothing, uncomfortable footwear, or the constant pressure to maintain a certain "look."
The communal aspect of naturism also plays a vital role in its psychological benefits. In a respectful and accepting naturist community, women often experience a heightened sense of belonging and reduced social anxiety. The shared experience of being nude fosters a unique kind of intimacy and openness. Conversations flow more freely, and genuine connections are often formed more quickly than in clothed settings. The absence of clothing removes a common barrier to authentic interaction – the need to present a certain image through dress. This can be especially beneficial for women who struggle with social anxiety in conventional settings, as the emphasis shifts from outward appearance to genuine personality and shared experience.
Moreover, naturism can lead to increased mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature. When you are unclothed, your senses are heightened. You become more acutely aware of your surroundings – the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the water, the texture of the grass beneath your feet, the sound of the wind. This heightened sensory experience encourages a state of mindfulness, bringing you fully into the present moment. For women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, this ability to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with the natural world can be incredibly rejuvenating for the mind and spirit.
Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, naturism empowers women by fostering a sense of autonomy and self-possession. In a world where women's bodies are often politicized, commodified, and judged, choosing to embrace naturism is an act of radical self-acceptance and self-love. It's a statement that "this is my body, and I choose how I present it, not for anyone else, but for myself." This reclaiming of bodily autonomy can be incredibly empowering, building confidence and resilience that extends far beyond the naturist setting. It strengthens the inner voice that says, "I am enough, just as I am."
For women, the journey into naturism is often a gradual unfolding, a shedding of layers both literal and metaphorical. It's not about exhibitionism or shock value; it's about a deep and personal exploration of self-acceptance, freedom, and well-being. It's about recognizing that the beauty of the human form lies not in its adherence to external standards, but in its natural, unadorned existence. By embracing naturism, women are discovering that true beauty and true psychological peace, truly skin deep.
Nudist Privileges in Jeopardy
What AANR Is Doing to Protect Your Freedom
Nudist privileges are facing serious challenges, and if we don’t respond, we risk losing the hard-won freedoms that allow us to enjoy wholesome nude recreation that has been the foundation for AANR since 1931. Fortunately, AANR leadership—alongside our dedicated lobbyist in Florida—is working proactively to shape legislation that protects the privileges of nudists nationwide.
This Is Not Just a Florida Problem
While this legislative battle is currently unfolding in Florida, it has national implications. Historically, legislation in Florida and California—the two states with the largest nudist populations—often sets the precedent for the rest of the country. These states have long been supportive of non-sexual, family-oriented nudist recreation, but that support has eroded over the past decade. What happens in Tallahassee or Sacramento today may influence your state's laws tomorrow. These two states are the figurative “canary in the coal mine” for nudist privileges in America. While members and Regions may think that because the legislation was not in their state, they are safe, this short-sighted thinking is what will most certainly have repercussions the next time the bills are raised. We averted a crisis this session however, in next year’s session they may redouble their efforts to tighten up the wording so it passes. There is no doubt that we believe we have not seen the last of this.
AANR Leadership Responds to Legislative Challenges
AANR has successfully redirected similar legislative challenges in the past. The AANR Government Affairs Team (GAT), under the direction of Chair Tim Mullins - and with substantial assistance from Bob Morton of the AANR-SW Region - have identified hundreds of problem bills that are a priority in North America. They have helped strategize to defeat these bills. Executive Director Erich Schuttauf, a practicing attorney in the State of Florida, and Ramon Maury, AANR’s long-standing Florida lobbyist with many years of dedicated service to the organization, previously worked together diligently for two years on a legislative effort involving a proposed "Massage Bill" in the Florida Legislature.
While such a bill might not seem relevant to AANR, some lawmakers mistakenly equate lawful nudity at state-recognized venues, such as AANR-affiliated resorts and designated beaches, with illicit activities like sex trafficking occurring at illegal massage establishments. Through persistent engagement and legal expertise, Erich and Ramon successfully amended the bill's language to explicitly exclude AANR-affiliated clubs, ensuring the continued protection of appropriate nude recreation in Florida. There is still a lot of education that needs to be done so we are not continually in the legislative crosshairs for simple nudity.
Erich and Ramon have consistently delivered key victories for the nudist community, much of which occurred in the background and was never advertised to the AANR membership. Erich is widely recognized as a respected legal authority on nudist law, and Ramon brings over three decades of experience in Florida politics and lobbying, government policy, business/professional regulation and compliance, hospitality, tourism, and nudist privileges.
Recognizing the growing wave of anti-nudity legislation not only in Florida but across the country, Erich and Ramon have recently joined forces with BG Parkes, respected resort owner and passionate nudist rights advocate, and Linda Weber, current AANR President and an accomplished business and civic leader. This team brings a combination of legal, political, operational, and strategic expertise to AANR’s advocacy work, with a focus on the anti-nudist culture building in Tallahassee.
Together, these four individuals continue to work tirelessly to influence legislation, engage with key decision-makers, and ensure that nudist privileges are both understood and preserved. Their collective credibility and determination ensure that AANR continues to be the authoritative voice for nudist advocacy in the United States. They acknowledge there is work still to be done.
2025 Florida Legislative Session: Critical Wins
The 2025 Florida legislative session, which concluded last week, presented AANR with a particularly active line-up of bills to monitor. One of the most significant was House Bill 757 and its companion, Senate Bill 1180. As initially written, these bills would have banned all nude images of minors in media, a change that would have had serious implications for AANR’s family-centered philosophy, as well as for club websites and AANR publications that depict wholesome family nudism.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of the AANR leadership team, the bill was substantially amended. The final version not only protects the privileges of legitimate nudist publications but also strengthens existing legal standards in a more constructive and balanced manner.
In addition, AANR engaged in productive dialogue with state leadership regarding policies affecting minors in venues where both nudity and alcohol are present—an issue that requires ongoing advocacy to ensure policies are both protective and fair. We had a close call with this session but there is no guarantee these subjects will not be brought up in the next session.
Advocacy Isn’t Free—How You Can Help
Defending nudist privileges requires professional expertise and financial resources. The cost of this year’s legislative effort was nearly double what AANR had budgeted. While membership dues help offset some of these costs, they’re not enough to cover the costs of our lobbyist as well as other legal challenges we had this year. And we are only halfway through the year.
Going forward, to help close the gap for this year, a donation to our Government Affairs Team account (GAT) will greatly help us. Many members ask how they can help with legislative issues, and this will help not only with this year’s costs but held build a fund to protect us from challenges from other states as well.
These donations provide a meaningful way to protect the nudist philosophy we treasure.
Key Takeaways:
- AANR is actively protecting your nudist privileges through professional lobbying and legislative engagement.
- Florida and California set national precedents. Laws passed in these states will likely influence others.
- Your support is needed. Advocacy is expensive, and AANR must raise additional funds to keep up the fight on your behalf.
Together, we can preserve the freedoms that define our community.
- To donate to the GAT program, please log into your member profile at AANR.com. Once you are logged in, click the link, and it will take you to the Donation page. (Look for the Donate to GAT Blue button).
You can also use the QR code.
If you would like to mail a check or would like to speak with our office about your donation, here is the information:
American Association for Nude Recreation
1703 N Main St, Suite E
Kissimmee, FL 34744
1-800-TRY-NUDE
AANR thanks you for your membership and your support!
https://www.aanr.com/account/
