Building a broader and more diverse coalition of nudists is an essential challenge for the future of our community. But how can we effectively communicate the values of body freedom, acceptance, and the joy of social nudity to those unfamiliar with it? In this #UndressedThread, let’s brainstorm and share specific messaging ideas. Should we market nudism as a recreation, a philosophy, a way of life, or something else? Does nudity help sell nudism to people who aren’t comfortable with nudity, or should we employ other imagery?
What strategies or messages do you think would resonate most with non-nudists?
Have you successfully introduced someone to nudism? How did you approach it?
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Share your thoughts! Your insights could help shape the future of naturism.
Over the years I have introduced a number of people to naturism. I believe the primary reason for this is that you have to develop trust and to be will to provide your story as to how naturism improved your own self confidence!
Make a comment about it in a talk, when the possibility is there. Naturism shouldn't be treated as a religion, peddling from door to door, gathering a congregation or so. I also doubt that billboards and stuff will work.
Art might work; people are used to nudity in art, but if they will connect that to nudism... this would require a very clear bit of info around the event, and I fear the mention of nudism will chase people off because "that's not for me" and the many body issues all over.
Social media campaigns won't work. I've seen many people try and as many people fail.
Charitable events? Perhaps. This might require permits etc, and again: the mention of naturism/nudism will flare up the body issues and such again.
Just now I see Craig's comment: that happened through personal contact as well, I'm certain of that. He mentions trust. A social media campaign, to name something, severely lacks that.
I would agree with this non the individual level. Being “salesy” about it is generally going to put people off. But for organizations that are tasked with marketing it, there must be an effective way to promote its benefits?
There probably is, but as far as I know, they're all still looking for that effective way. Effective being the cardinal word here. (Affordable being the second one that pops up here, such organisations usually don't have election-level funding to spend.)
"How about a free visit to a nudist beach?!"
Nudist? Not with my body.
Again.
I know, I'm not optimistic about this, while I usually am VERY optimistic, but mentioning nudism will fall the wrong way. The great porn industry has to be thanked for that, as well as society and culture in many ways, shapes and forms.
Here in UK, reps from British Naturism sometimes manage to get interviewed for TV; there's been several journalists who've come (in invitation) to try a nude event and write it up. That kind of simple and positive media coverage can help. But a lot of it is about personal connections. Something we have in many clubs is a strong family public image and a zero tolerance for overlap with swinger or party scenes. That helps, too.
I have always liked reading, and think best when I read. One of my grandsons (9) likes to read as well, and just finished one of your books (Witch Kids) and really liked it, but he is already a naturist. He did want to try to find a way to share it with other kids, but I don't know if he has done that.
I'm very happy to heard he liked it. "Witch Kids" wasn't solely written for non-naturist kids. And power to him for trying to promote it. I'm very grateful, and would love it if you can let him know!
My family used to promote any way they could. For instance, when streaking became a hit, they did the opposite and called it gnikaerts. Started out nude and tried to put their clothes on while running through town Lol
Being a leader or an advocate with real kindness and not make it full of diversity or disrespect towards others who don't believe in nudist lifestyle, we should always know there will be non- Nudists and we already know there will be unfortunately people that will say they will never accept.
But we can encourage others thru positive words and actions
Of course we need all the above but I believe that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word. A non-nudist can read, study and research all the information they need. However, until they actually have a conversation with a true naturist they can't get the details and emotion and someone there to answer their questions and maybe even a gentle little push to get them to try naturism.
More free beaches that promote family-friendly naturism. If people could go to a nude beach without harassment from bible thumpers and the law, so they don't have to constantly look over their shoulders, they might be willing to give it a try. Work to make nudism safe for women and children. Get more conservative nudists involved in action: writing letters, testifying in legislative hearings, etc. We are painted as dirty hippies, lefties, and perverts and other labels designed to be unsavory to the common person who doesn't think too deeply about things. There are plenty of conservative nudists, but they never seem to make their voting habits known to the people trying to stifle nudism through laws.
Unflattering accusations and opinions in the media need to be countered with thoughtful, well-reasoned, calm. You see a piece in the paper about the WNBR or a nude event, write a supportive message, sign your name, be unafraid. Don't let them intimidate or guilt us into wearing clothes or feeling ashamed. Their so-called moral lifestyles have no more legitimacy than ours. Mention the $8 billion nude tourism brings into Florida every year. Mention the $1M yearly revenue from the parking lot at Haulover Beach. Mention eliminating rights. Mention body positivity and personal growth. Mention joy and optimism, diversity, inclusion and freedom.
Love the free beach idea! Also thinking of South Beach’s openness to topless sunbathing in South Beach! If you present the opportunity and it’s accessible, people will come and in turn attract others!
It’s disappointing to see social media campaigns high on the current voting toll. If we’ve learned ANYTHING over the last few years it’s that social media doesn’t grow naturism at all. Indeed, it has had a profoundly negative effect on naturism, especially family naturism. I’ve been witness to this since 2018 at least, and the only growth I’ve ever seen from social media specifically is growth of hubris, negative sexual aggressiveness and ego.
We simply aren’t going to grow nudism through social media. At its core it is designed not to bring people together or offer insight, but to divide and make people feel self-important. I believe our current path in that regard is far too blinded by our own inability to see beyond ourselves, and yes, I’m guilty of it myself.
When I’ve brought people into nudism, it was never through use of imagery, stories or testimonials, it was by being genuine about myself and my actions. I merely stated what I enjoyed and that I’d love to have people come enjoy it with me. I gave them the option, but never dictated. I never made them feel shame, discomfort or that they were ‘lesser’ if they chose not to undress. I didn’t comment on their bodies, or on mine. I avoided phrases like ‘Now doesn’t that feel better?’ Or the like. I let them see me, as me, and let MY genuine feelings come through, while letting them take whatever time they needed to make their own decisions. Many eventually chose to join in. Some didn’t, but became more accepting if nothing else.
The more I tried to push naturism on social media, however, the more I tended to push people away… or worse.. attract the wrong element. That is something I see time and time again on popular influencer social media accounts. The wrong element. Sleazy men. Image stealers. Liars. Duplicitousness. Sure, the illusion of numbers and likes and follows would have you believe that these accounts are driving naturism to a new height… but it’s just an illusion. The vast majority of those numbers are bad players. Bots. One-and-dones. You name it. Any true deep dive into the followers of popular social media accounts shows a horribly sinister trail.
So it is my belief that it’s OFF the internet where we have our, perhaps, final chance of growing and promoting naturism. We have to stop hiding in our little internet worlds. Behind our closed resort doors. Cowering from negative perception and fear. That’s not to say the internet doesn’t have its place. It’s a great tool in the right hands, but screaming catch phrases on twitter just isn’t going to cut it. We need more genuine people engaging in more genuine real life circumstances in order to connect. Art shows. Theatre. Film. Naturist friendly sporting events. Naturist friendly health and exercise activities. Swims… and not just nude mandatory or behind resort and club paywalls. Clothing optional free spaces. Volunteer safety coordinators. People putting their goddamn
phones down and actively committing to ACTUALLY being naturists. Not this running around jet setting for likes and clicks bullshit that has become so common lately.
Sadly, I can’t already hear the criticisms and could probably make a list of pushbacks this repose is most likely to get. You may as well keep them to yourselves. I’ve heard them all countless times before. The vast majority of which generally just fall into ‘I’m too lazy and disillusioned to try’. Fair enough… but it really is our only way forward. We can’t get non-naturists to accept us, let alone join us, with platitudes and pictures and promises alone. We need to be out there, as people, and connect to them, as people… or we’ll always just be fringe and inconsequential.
A recent post on Reddit was by an individual telling how they were raising their autistic daughter as a nudist and how great it was for her. Looking at his other posts, they were all comments about naked young women posting sexual pictures and videos. Makes it seem really creepy that he's raising his daughter as a nudist. Is that the future he envisions for his daughter?
Social media is a cesspool of people who are doing damage to the cause of nudism. To each their own, but the reality is that swingers, exhibitionists, OnlyFans girls, exotic dancers, and other such individuals will drive away people in the mainstream who may be curious about nudism and provide fuel for opponents who say nudism is inherently sexual and dangerous.
I do get the points that you are making in this post but I also think that we should appreciate that the internet has aided us to connect far easier with like-minded clothes-free people. The social media side does indeed have a very negative effect on much in life, not just the nude world. Without the internet we would not be having this discussion, I would not have been to numerous nude locations without gaining knowledge of them online, or have met some great nudists/naturists as both real life and online friends.
There are certainly benefits to being online. However, social media is akin to porn ads in nudist magazines. The magazines themselves are good and necessary, but the ads would be disingenuous, harmful and send the wrong message. The three main social media companies, Meta, Twitter(X) and Tik Tok are brutal examples of the negatives outweigh the benefits. We should be concentrating far more on moving people off these platforms and into more moderated and safe environments. Of course, the sad reality is that this comes with cost, energy and time. Too few seem able to handle all three. So it comes down to self-moderarion and a need for our community to be MUCH stronger in weeding out the bad eggs and promoting much better behaviours and attitudes. We don't gain by simply sharing images or spouting catchphrases. We gain by BEING more genuine... Unfortunately, I see very little genuine out there. Too often what is shown on the surface begins to grow cracks very quickly. I don't have answers for that.
I’ve always viewed those scummy data-hoovering social media sites - Tik-Tok, Twitter, Meta with disdain. I use messengers that are secure - Signal, Session, Element etc and refuse to get pressurised into using the aforementioned ones. I get that many people find them useful for local information, and for SMBs etc but I can live without them and find that information elsewhere. Some view me as being paranoid, but having worked in IT security I know a bit about what goes on and what to avoid.
I agree that nudists should move away from using ‘popular’ social media, as should people in general, not just nudists. But herding ‘sheeple’ away from them is no easier than herding cats. It is possibly too late, people feel safe among the masses. Being online before the internet, and more specifically since it was commercialised and the internet becoming the go to place for ‘authorities’ to snoop on us, could be fun. It still can be if you know where to go. It may have been quite anarchic at times and the early bulletin boards left a lot to be desired, but it worked as well as most things do now, 30 years later, for keeping nudists in contact with like-minded people.
Usenet was one of the best nudist spaces I ever stumbled upon back in the day. You still had to be careful and pick and choose wisely, but there were more than a few newsgroups that were moderated and handled wonderfully. I long for something like that again... But every modern attempt I've tried to find just ends up being more concerned about NUMBERS and less about keeping things safe for all involved.
For instance, one popular website constantly and consistently advertises their 10s of thousands of users, when the reality is that maybe 50 people are actually active, and a vast majority of those being men and a handful of THOSE that can't seem to stop making their penis a focal point of everything they do.
I personally think that leaving the human nude image out of campaigns would be a good idea, it shock value is not help sell the idea. Maybe do some landscape shops of beautiful places with a tagline about our nude or natural selves in nature.
Also, I believe it's staying off social media would be in our best interest. Social media isn't social, and social media via phone isn't permitted at most communist locations anyway. So if someone is so connected to their device that they can't put it down, they probably won't be interested in nudism anyway.
I believe a tasteful meme or picture on X can indeed make someone start the process of thinking about naturism, or plant an effective "seed" of thought. Promoting non-sexual naturism will help people realize that there is a difference.
Well... I mean exclusively. We tend to have a rather biased view of things. The view from non-nudists on what can be done to bring them in is probably a little more valuable... As long as we ignore the 'nothing' knee-jerk responses.
I voted other, My opinion is personal contact. Not that that that is easy. I have admitted to two people that I enjoy my nudity. My wife who's attitude is that I am "sick" and "perverted" and a dear friend of 60+ years whom admits to enjoying skinny dipping in her own pool, but not ready for the resort.
In talking to nudist couple at a resort last year they told me they have been nudists for a number of years and never shared this with anyone including family.
I have not shared with my family either. I sense that it is out of fear and possibly rejection that I have not. Although they probably never would.
It is a very interesting topic and question. The reaction by people to nudity is so unpredictable I feel stuck.
I also feel social media would lead to a feeling by some that it is a freak show.
How many people actually share on their personal accounts that they are nudist/naturists?
We must leave behind the secrecy, because that breeds stigma. Share more with everyone about your own nudism. Even if it's just a casual mention in a conversation. Make objectors and doubters feel old fashioned and out of touch (because they are), however old they may be. Youngsters especially don't like to be thought of as 'old'. Remind them this is 2024, not 1924, in a mocking way. Act surprised at any negativity and that they don't seem to be aware nudity is very common and growing in popularity. This plays to the human need to be one of the in crowd, the fashionable, the progressive. This won't work for everyone, but it does give some that FOMO feeling.
There is no one best way to introduce people to the nudist culture. It is important to use all of the available methods mentioned in the poll. Nudists also need to be ambassadors and role models who are unafraid of being open about their chosen way of life. This requires creating public acceptance and decision-making allies who will attest to the wholesomeness of nudism and eliminate the fear of discovery.
The fear of discovery can be huge depending on your position. I am proud to be a nudist and think its a healthy way of life. But...male, elementary school teacher, single. I'm pretty sure my career is in jeopardy if someone gets up in arms about it.
Not a secret from family or close friends but feel the need to keep it from being common knowledge. I would never allow a picture anywhere on the Internet. Just seems like a huge risk.
I agree that wherever possible we should be open about our nudism and encourage wider acceptance of it being simply a way of living, minus any connotations that non-nudists may attach to us.
Celebrities in general? Meh. Many, however, enjoy nudity at pricey resorts or on their yachts. Could the hoi polloi who love them afford the same freedom?
Open House! The resort we belong to (White Tail Resort in Virginia), hosts an Open House on the AANR Nude Weekend, second Saturday in July. The Open House is actually held 10 am - 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors are checked in and may disrobe then if they choose. Then they visit the clubhouse and learn about rules/policies, fees, various camping and lodging options, customs, etc.
They they are given a guided tour in a golf cart. They may disrobe at that time if they choose. This covers clubhouse, game room, restaurant weight room, library, TV room, showers, laundry, the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, mini-golf, pickleball courts, sand, grass, and water volleyball courts, horseshoe pitch, petanque pitch, campsites, transient RV sites, and the three lodging options, cabin, motel, and park model. At that point they are turned loose and instructed that they may remain until 4pm, but must disrobe to be in the pools area. However, they may remain until midnight if disrobed on the site.
Each year we get 25-40 visitors and a good fraction become members or day visitors.
It's promoted on the local radio station, possibly the rural weekly newspaper. I don't have the details since the club owner manages that. I could ask if it's important.
Religion has been ingrained in society for centuries and because most of society has been influenced by puritans it will be far too difficult to promote nudism/naturism through social media or public events. Naturism is more of a personal journey of self discovery and most will have to find it on their own.
I am going with "Other" because I think we need a broad-based approach. But firstly, I have never found it helpful to "pitch" to others about the lifestyle. Instead, you have to show it by actions, and let those who are attracted to it come to you.
I write a series of fantasy/sci-fi books that feature nudity and the nudist lifestyle. Sometimes this prompts those who have read my stories to ask about it, giving me an opening. I am generally open about my lifestyle, but never pushy, only responding if asked.
It distresses me a bit that social media isn't more effective. It truly isn't a good medium for promoting the lifestyle, but I feel it should be, if only we can find the right formula. Sadly, I have no clue, and nothing I have seen in social media suggests it as a positive force for promoting the lifestyle.
Open houses at resorts, promoting events at nude beaches, and so on are all good ways to draw interested people in.
Agree about social media. When you say "show it by actions" does that mean in person? How would this help people who don't know you personally? Are any of your books available on Amazon (as a few naturist sci-fi writers are)?
Yes, mainly in person... As for those who don't know me, I try to exert subtle influence through my social media presence, and my books. But I don't evangelize, or try to pitch it. I just let it be known. And yes, on Amazon. Easily found via Google, too.
I’m not sure if I’ve actually converted anyone, but I’ve certainly made many more people aware of it and more open to realizing that there are many of us and it’s not just for weird people. (Though I may be considered weird or at least eccentric as an openly gay nudist living in a clothing optional community!)
If you've made many people "aware", what seems to be the reason they haven't tried it? Naturism seems to be somewhat more popular in the gay community, no? (Certainly in San Francisco it is.)
I'd say gay people in general feel less worry about not 'fitting in'. Also, by all accounts (gay, straight, male, female, nudist, or non-nudists trying to arrange a skinny-dipping pool party or a group to a clothing optional event) it is a thousand times easier to get guys out of their clothes for non-sexual reasons than it is women. I could not tell you how many times I've heard comments to the effect of, 'It's almost like guys are hard-wired to like being naked.'
So I'm going to gently suggest that marketing nudism as a "lifestyle" may ultimately be counterproductive, just from a perspective of actually selling social and recreational nudism to new audiences.
We need to accept that there cost of entry for social nudism is, in most of the country, incredibly high. Not just in terms of cash expenditure, but also realizing that the psychological - and even physical - bars to entry are enormous. In the midwest and the south getting to many landed clubs involves long drives on back roads into the middle of nowhere and being confronted with a high, intimidating fence when you arrive. And it's easy to develop a sense of foreboding heading down those back roads, not knowing exactly what will confront you when you get there. It's a lot to get over for a first time visitor.
It also needs to be noted that there has to be more than just social nudity on offer to attract newcomers. Vacation travel has moved more towards luxury destinations over the years. People have less vacation time, and want to maximize what they get out of that time. If the best a club has to offer is an over-chlorinated swimming pool and an old shuffleboard court, that long drive into the middle of nowhere got a lot less worth it.
The most successful clothing optional resorts I've visited in the past years were the ones that had something besides just nudity on offer - natural hot springs, regular spa services, nice, clean, saunas, and a feel that real attention was being paid to the quality of services being offered. They were also places where nudity was generally optional (but also not a big deal) and where the social nudity was not the sole purpose of the resort. These were places that has nice stuff on offer, some of which you had to be nude for, some of which you could be nude for if you chose, but all of which was designed to create an overall feeling of ease, comfort, and relaxation. Having sufficient staff of hand that inappropriate behavior is immediately stopped without having to go look for someone is also a huge plus. It's essentially normalizing nudity in a pleasant, even luxurious, setting. That just seems to me to be a much, much easier sell than attempting to sell social nudity as a lifestyle.
So in short, the future for naturism as a business model may involve moving gently away from the idea of naturism as a lifestyle commitment, and embracing the idea that it can just be an other option in your planning for that leisure time. That may mean focusing less on selling abstract ideas and more on selling the amenities that a particular resort has to offer. And the onus may be on individual resorts to make sure that they have these amenities to offer.
1. Naturism doesn't have to be a "lifestyle" in the sense of being naked as much as possible. It's something that can be enjoyed as recreation - nude camping and hiking, events with non-landed groups, in one's own home with open-minded friends, etc.
2. Traditional naturist resorts are dropping like flies these days. But that's because there are now too few naturists who want to visit - and are willing to travel long distances to do so. I agree that most places have too few amenities. However, the REAL attraction is finding and making new naturist friends. Wouldn't that be worth a long drive a few times a year? (In California it's a 2-hour drive for me even to the closest one.)
3. Of course it's daunting to visit a naturist club for the first time. That's a big reason why someone should be accompanied by a naturist friend to hold their hand.
4. The responsibility is on individual naturists to recruit others. Obviously, there are risks in that for many - but it has to be done. Sure, people may lose some friends but can make new ones in the naturist community. I wouldn't count someone who's appalled by the idea of nude recreation as a good friend. Friends should respect each other's preferences, even if they don't share them. If friends don't support each other, what's the point?
5. I'm right in the middle of writing an article on how naturists can and SHOULD promote naturism to friends and family. The article will give details of techniques to use - techniques that are scientifically established as reasonable and effective means of persuasion. Watch for it on my Substack in a few days.
I think your first point is the biggest one. Anyone under ~45 is likely to be facing multiple, conflicting demands on what little discretionary time & money they have. Words like 'commitment' or 'lifestyle' will likely be a major turn-off. If you make something already appealing clothing optional that might add an extra zing and inspire people to think, 'Maybe we could make that nature walk' or whatever event.
Convenience is another issue. If it takes 2.5 hours each way to get there (like the closest clothing optional beach to me), it puts a major damper on your enthusiasm. One idea might be to find out which events of ANY kind in your area are well attended by younger people and see if making one clothing optional is feasible. It's also important to know how successful event holders make their events known.
Naked museum walks and naked theatre events are well attended in NYC. I suspect most of the attendees are NOT nudists because most nudists I know rarely find out about these events until after the fact, weird as that sounds. So that suggests the customer base is there and the P. R. is really good in some respects but quite poor in others.
Perhaps some NYC area naturists should watch for such events and spread the word in the naturist community (such as with a mailing list like this one). Andy Golub (and others) have held naturist events even in Times Square. Maybe some group could regularly organize such things.
Great idea! Why wouldn't it work? Of course, you'd have to reveal you're a naturist. And for most people there's no nearby resort. Some people may be upset by even seeing nudity - but everyone? I have a detailed article almost ready to publish on my Substack (link's after my name) that addresses changing minds about naturism. Check it out - later today or maybe tomorrow.
I just assume it would be a challenge to get a whole bunch of newbies to come on the same day with a bunch of other newbies. I would be thrilled to be wrong about that. But I do think newbies might relax easier if they have fun activities planned and I see benefit in having them get to hear about other people's experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions.
I believe that it should be all the above. Exhibiting that nudism is not a cult of perverts. Exhibit that people can be truly free and open to nudity without shame, and without being labeled.
More focus to attract new individuals to the idea maybe approach from a clothing option method?
It's a wonderful, social, beautiful way to introduce to introduce nudism in the public mind: social media campaigns even in interrstate highway billboards if possible. We can't know is we don't try. I'm referring to the wonderful billboard featured in today's story.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Those are words to love by if you are a nudist. If people's first introduction to you is as a nudist, they will immediately start picturing you as whatever they associate with that label. If they get to know you first and see you as a regular mainstream person, they will be more curious and accepting when they find out you are a nudist.
I have never liked it when mainstream media wants to interview nudists. They usually come to a resort to film you naked or have you in studio naked. They may blur everything out, but they are still using your nudity as a way to get viewers. They mock you and make fun and never really take you seriously.
I think it helps to meet the public on their terms. Your local nudist organization should be involved in community events but not be naked at those events. Run in charity events, do cleanups, host events, but do so with clothes on while promoting your group. Let them get to know you first, then extend and open invitation to anyone who wants to come check it out for themselevs.
Trade shows, fairs, and other large gatherings are great places to have a booth and let people meet you. Many might make fun. Some will as questions and be encouraged to try it out.
Celebrity endorsements do nothing because most people don't identify with celebrities. Billboards for local clubs can help make the name recognizable. No need to show nudity in the pictures. Just let them know you exist, they are welcome, and provide information where to learn more.
"Marketing"? Phooey. We're not selling soap or SUVs. Naturism is about people, experiences, and relationships. Social media these days basically stink. Watching "influencers" on YouTube is nuts. By far the best "influencers" in naturism are active naturists on beaches, in nonlanded clubs, and at landed naturist parks (those still in business). The only way to attract more naturists is for current naturists to get off their bare butts and promote naturism to their friends and extended families. There's a time-tested phrase "Bring one to be one". It works well in many contexts, and should apply to naturists. There's more to it than might be apparent at first.
I believe the biggest impediment to more people adopting nudism is simple fear. Fear of being seen, fear of what others will say or think, fear of unauthorized photos winding up on the internet. I've heard or read so many times "Oh, I don't have the body for that!" or "I could never do that!" Fear holds us back from so many things that would otherwise be good for us. Advertising or promotion that makes social nudity seem safe for one and all seems essential.
I successfully marketed my specialty bookstore through Valpak coupons which built local awareness. Groupon is also a viable choice. I suggest a regular monthly presence in local alternative health magazines. I would team up with the local yoga community to promote body positivity. Same with local licensed massage therapists. For example, I have suggested to my yoga teacher that she bring her classes to Lake Como’s volleyball tournaments. The bottom line is that newbies need at least THREE different and reinforcing sources of positive information about social nudism / local resorts.
Saturday I will be riding in the Philadelphia World Naked Bike Ride. Highly visible events like this are frequently the first contact many folks have with social nudity. I'm surprised how many of my friends who have known me for years forget my 40+ years of nudist activism. Visibility - be seen and be known. This is how we normalize behavior considered unusual.
I have long fantasized a Global Nudist Liberation Army that will march nude in any community that does not recognize the human right and choice to exist in a clothing optional world. The Army would then offer a reward of $100,000 to anyone who can orate a speech or write an intelligent essay on what harm would befall someone (including children) who sees a nudist. If that speech or essay can be written, the nudists deserve the loss of their high ground. . . . By the way, this way is way cheaper and effective than sending a killing army in force to enforce their point of view. .. . For a few million dollars, nothing in military terms, we could create the beginning of the most effective, conscious changing army in the world. Now!
Normalizing being naked, alone and among others, is the task at hand. The only way I’ve been able to address this effectively is this: first, taking a leap of faith by nonchalantly sharing with friends and family that you enjoy being nude, at home, in the backyard, out in nature discretely and with likeminded people at clubs and non-landed get togethers. For me, offering this in a moment when there is a relevant context, like being at a textile beach and stating that it’s so much more comfortable with no suit at all.
No matter how casual one is about this, the subject of sex and shame over one’s own body always comes up. (A function of our broader culture.) One must be prepared to address this and get the point across that it’s no about sex - yes, it’s always nice to see the variety of body types and sizes, but it’s really not about sex and one would be amazed how many naturist who do not have some western ideal of a body “own it” when it comes to being comfortable in their own skin. These two things, sex and body shame, are the two things I’ve seen that give pause to a non-nudist tue most.
Lastly, if you can get someone beyond all of this, when I have visited a nude beach or a resort with my wife and with friends who have never been nude outside of their own bathrooms, there are common turn-off: creeps at the beach who are just there to leer at others; the predominance of people who are in their 70s and even 80s and a lack of younger adults (20s - 40s); and the tired, worn facilities that are years past their better days. It can be really hard to get over these things for people who are open to the notion of trying it out, but are turned off by these things.
So I guess it’s about being confident that your friends and family will remain such as you openly share your thoughts and experiences. My experience is that there is amusement, then quickly a matter of fact acceptance by them - that it is no big deal and they commonly state on their own that if they’d rather not see me nude, they call ahead! A few of them actually embraced skinny dipping after learning that I am a nudist and we’ve skinny dipped together a few times. So it’s pretty normalized for them these days.
Awareness of all the recreational activity available while naked caught my attention when I was a pre-teen in the late 1940's. The magazine sale rack where I got my ice cream cones and haircuts had nudist magazines for sale, the covers showed naked people having fun playing volleyball and other sports. I filed that away, too many other sport and academic activities took priority and eventually a highly visible profession with family went in the same direction, naturism did not fit in until the kids were on their own. In the meantime ASA and Cypress Cove were advertising in those multi ad enclosures in national magazines catching my eye again. My wife was good with clothing optional, actually got hers off quicker than me, as we joined what was to become AANR through Cypress Cove, cross country from home though, but that quickly change, could not get enough. At that time volleyball, tennis, swimming, running, hiking, and dancing naked were a bigger draw for us than just laying out. We're getting old now but the hiking and swimming and ballroom are still a big draw for us to get some all over sun and visit clubs or go on cruises with those things available.
So I think awareness that Naturism exists and is safe and fun needs to be presented. "N" and other magazines need to be in circulation. Nothing wrong with tasteful billboards, except they can be vandalized. Booths at local and national travel and business events so people can ask. Open sports (and music events) to non nudists but interested competing nude at the clubs. Sadly social media may be censored and/or hacked.
All of the above. Nudists are a diverse group. In America, one size does not fit all. Whatever your passion, social nudism offers a path. We are social, spiritual, environmental, healthy, active, sedentary and more. We do it all, but without clothes!
How can we better market nudism to non-nudists? Ok, ask yourself this: How do other fashion designers market their clothes to potential consumers? By getting the product known and creating a trend! The problem with most nudist/naturist outfits is that they are secreted away behind tall hedgerows and locked gates, or individuals' private secluded gardens. How the hell is that ever going to work!
What we do is hold events such as a mid-winter "Polar Plunge" at a local beach (NOT a nudist beach), we host the World Naked Bike Ride through the town, we hold other events in public spaces and advertise them far and wide to the general community. This seems to be the best approach to making public nakedness acceptable. Make some events into fundraisers for a local or national charity. People often respond well to fundraisers and go the extra mile!
We also need to realise that not wearing any clothes is hardly a reason to class it as a culture, philosophy, lifestyle, religion, or some other kind of "ism" that you need to "belong" to or "follow". For God's sake - it's just a dress code, a clothing style, a personal choice of attire for any given moment! That's all - nothing else! In fact, I no longer wear the label "nudist" or "naturist" simply because those terms have been hijacked on the internet by groups and individuals who use nudity to promote sexually-focused activities. Instead, drop the label and just get out there and do it. Start a trend in your area. If it's against the law where you live, then you need to figure out how to get that sorted!
Agreed. Today's Twenty-somethings are much more laid back than their 30-40 year old counterparts were in their 20's. BUT, they are positively allergic to labels of any kind, especially -isms, 'following', and 'belonging'.
I recall nude beaches came up once in a classroom discussion. Everyone saw nothing wrong with it. Even the 'Oh, hell no!' students thought thought it was fine, just that they personally would never do it.
Making peoplecaware of family fiendly social naturismis important as a means to attract new naturists and to gain acceptancevof naturism within the community. However, I believe there is an even more burning issue. It is my belief that there are several million nudists in the USA. Yet few are members of any of the Naturist Advocacy Groups such as AANR, TNS,BEACHES,GNI, etc. Efforts must be made to appeal to these naturists to convince them of the importance of being a member of an advocacy group that supports their right to be a nudist. Without these groups we could quicly lose our rights to be nude in appropriate settings.
We aren't going to "sell" nudism to anyone. It isn't a product that a lot of people want to buy. People feel comfortable in their clothing. Clothing is psychological armor and exhorting the virtues of feeling vulnerable and defenseless, in an environment where haters are a real concern, isn't going to work.
The focus needs to shift. I would argue that *if* there were to be a campaign it should be, "Make nakedness boring again!" If it becomes boring to the general public, individuals who are interested will be more interested in dabbling. That makes clothing optional events and public events a higher priority. A WNBR does more to help the "cause" than almost anything else. Some of the riders in a properly planned WNBR are going to be textiles taking a walk on the wild side. They will discover an environment that is mellow and unlike what they expected. These people are excellent potential nudists.
WNBR started out as a cooperative effort by environmentalists, cycling rights activists, and nudists and now, at least in LA, its almost all nudists. It is sad that such has happened, but the event is still valuable. Showing the flag is important. Showing that the world doesn't end because of nudity is important.
At the same time, every time the general public sees nonsexual nudity and the world doesn't end, we win. See it enough and the knee jerk reactions will go extinct. I think if a naked person generates a yawn, it's better than "OMG" with giggles, which is *vastly* better than "OMG! A pervert!" (I'll take the giggles any day.) Other examples of public activism include big photo shoots, like those of Spencer Tunick, Naked Hiking Day, and the Bay to Breakers. I understand NYC had nude "Shakespeare in the Park." Even though these are not specifically nudist events, that's how you slowly develop a population where "naked" no longer equals "vile and disgusting."
Personal recommendation is good and a proper means of outreach. Where it works it works well. We need more of it.
Organized low level outreach is still possible and... I don't see lots happening. Friends of Bates Beach have been involved in the 4th of July parade at Carpenteria and had a $2 bill campaign to make local businesses aware that tourists actually do use the nude section of the beach. (Don't know about the current status.) *Every* local group should be trying to do something of the sort but the world is a scary place and someone somewhere might object and it would be uncomfortable.
There's also the example of BN and their successful drive to produce more British naturists. One of their better ideas is to do college campus outreach. Ideally find a person at the college who is a nudist. You use them as a springboard to organize Find a coed group of younger people to man a booth during rush week. (Under 30! Once you start getting over 30, you may still look "young" to the bunch of geriatrics that are the nudist community today, but to the 18-22 year olds in school, you are *ancient*.)
Hire a starving actor/artist if you must.
Unfortunately nudists don't have the same attitudes as civil rights protestors, anti-war protestors, even early feminists and gays. They do not consider nudist acceptance and rights as a cause to be something worth sacrificing over. Many are worried about change and want it to stay a particular way. (These folks want to be nudism's "gatekeepers.") And many just want to build a big wall between themselves and the world an live happily in a well appointed ghetto.
I go with Other. When a non-nudist can converse with a nudist/naturalist that is best, dispel all the myths and other negativity. Building that know, like, and trust relationships. Encourage them about body freedom and let them choose.
I also use the subtle information drops a few people here have mentioned.
Yard work -- Oh, that reminds me I need to get some bamboo fencing for my balcony so I can tan/relax properly. [What do you mean, properly?] No tan lines :-)
WFH -- I love working from home because the only thing I need to wear is a shirt.
You get the idea. Just brief one-liners to drop and not elaborate on
British Naturism seems to have done a bang-up job of promoting naturism to the locals. We don't need to work up a plan from scratch if there's already a successful template to learn from.
Do your outreach where there are people willing to be reached out to. Arkansas would not be my first choice. OTOH, a University on the west coast would be a prime location. If you look, coastal universities often have official or unofficial nude beaches nearby. When I was 45 years younger, Cal. State Northridge had an on campus nudist club, "Au Naturel." It is long gone - as are the LA area nude beaches - but the idea is still a good one. BN sends out an ambassador to Colleges and Universities to recruit new members.
I find that casual conversation typically works best for me. My guess is that 60-75% of the people that know me, know that I have been a naturist all of my life. Former schoolmates, folks at church, even some of my clients. I have never had a problem casually slipping in an off-the-cuff comment in general conversation. If someone catches it, and asks, I am more than happy to expound on the virtues of naturism; body positivity, health, freedom, etc. As expected, most people state that they would feel exposed, uncomfortable, ashamed, all of the other negatives that have been programmed into them. Whatever they come up with, I am more than happy to debunk. The hardest ones to converse with are the ones that have a problem differentiating nudity and sex. However, once you explain that nudity is natural, and sex is natural, and that nudity is not inherently sexual; and bodies are not inherently sexual, and that non-sexual social environments do exist, sometimes they become more relaxed in the conversation. After that, making an invitation to an event, is not uncommon; a pool party, game night, movie night, etc. Will they accept, usually not, but sometimes they will surprise you. Then if they ever feel like trying it, they know they have someone that they can freely talk to.
I don't have a clue what works best. I started writing naturist fiction books in hopes to reach out to younger families and adults, but I don't have the feedback to even know if that works! While I do know of several "reluctant" people who have been brought around through reading one of my books, I have no way of knowing how effective they are on the whole.
I know billboards are effective or we wouldn't see so many of them. I've thought about wearing a t-shirt with a printed message promoting naturism, but I hate the idea of buying clothing so much that it's hard to consider, but that might be the best way for many of us.
78 comments this far. Wow! You struck a nerve Evan!
I’ve mentioned it a few times. But I’ve seen BN highlight displays they have done at non-naturist but shared interest events such as camping, caravan, and outdoors trade shows/expos. I think seeing the placement of naturism in such events creates an easy access no-fear way for non-naturists to engage with actual naturists. Perhaps they walk away with an emboldened spark of interest as well as information on how, where, why, etc….
Just one example. I don’t see that happening in the US. But at the same time, I’m not sure how well it would be received in the US given the climate these days. Maybe hiking, backpacking, health focused events may be a better fit. But either way, I see this as a viable path.
An excellent illustration of the problem you’re up against here is the fact that I had to click on a “Your settings prevent the display of this content” before Substack would show me the picture accompanying this post. I assume that’s a bare butt in the picture but really couldn’t say for sure because I’m old and my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be and the damn thing’s too small to make out. THAT’S worth censoring? Seriously?
Freaking Puritans. We’re never going to get past those bastards.
I put down public awareness events. The fact that there are routinely people who go to nude beaches abroad and find people from their home state who are members of a club back home tells me that no one thinks there are clubs where they are. So just letting people know they exist here would be a start.
The other one is being who you are and being casual. The fact that people know someone personally makes a difference and gives people a face that isn’t corporate or leaving them suspicious.
Word-of-mouth advertising has always been and will always be the most effective form. People use products that people they trust promote. People join activities in which the people they know and trust invite them to join.
Over the years I have introduced a number of people to naturism. I believe the primary reason for this is that you have to develop trust and to be will to provide your story as to how naturism improved your own self confidence!
Strongly agree.
Other.
Make a comment about it in a talk, when the possibility is there. Naturism shouldn't be treated as a religion, peddling from door to door, gathering a congregation or so. I also doubt that billboards and stuff will work.
Art might work; people are used to nudity in art, but if they will connect that to nudism... this would require a very clear bit of info around the event, and I fear the mention of nudism will chase people off because "that's not for me" and the many body issues all over.
Social media campaigns won't work. I've seen many people try and as many people fail.
Charitable events? Perhaps. This might require permits etc, and again: the mention of naturism/nudism will flare up the body issues and such again.
Just now I see Craig's comment: that happened through personal contact as well, I'm certain of that. He mentions trust. A social media campaign, to name something, severely lacks that.
I would agree with this non the individual level. Being “salesy” about it is generally going to put people off. But for organizations that are tasked with marketing it, there must be an effective way to promote its benefits?
There probably is, but as far as I know, they're all still looking for that effective way. Effective being the cardinal word here. (Affordable being the second one that pops up here, such organisations usually don't have election-level funding to spend.)
"How about a free visit to a nudist beach?!"
Nudist? Not with my body.
Again.
I know, I'm not optimistic about this, while I usually am VERY optimistic, but mentioning nudism will fall the wrong way. The great porn industry has to be thanked for that, as well as society and culture in many ways, shapes and forms.
Here in UK, reps from British Naturism sometimes manage to get interviewed for TV; there's been several journalists who've come (in invitation) to try a nude event and write it up. That kind of simple and positive media coverage can help. But a lot of it is about personal connections. Something we have in many clubs is a strong family public image and a zero tolerance for overlap with swinger or party scenes. That helps, too.
I have always liked reading, and think best when I read. One of my grandsons (9) likes to read as well, and just finished one of your books (Witch Kids) and really liked it, but he is already a naturist. He did want to try to find a way to share it with other kids, but I don't know if he has done that.
I'm very happy to heard he liked it. "Witch Kids" wasn't solely written for non-naturist kids. And power to him for trying to promote it. I'm very grateful, and would love it if you can let him know!
My family used to promote any way they could. For instance, when streaking became a hit, they did the opposite and called it gnikaerts. Started out nude and tried to put their clothes on while running through town Lol
😂
Being a leader or an advocate with real kindness and not make it full of diversity or disrespect towards others who don't believe in nudist lifestyle, we should always know there will be non- Nudists and we already know there will be unfortunately people that will say they will never accept.
But we can encourage others thru positive words and actions
Of course we need all the above but I believe that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word. A non-nudist can read, study and research all the information they need. However, until they actually have a conversation with a true naturist they can't get the details and emotion and someone there to answer their questions and maybe even a gentle little push to get them to try naturism.
Strongly agree
More free beaches that promote family-friendly naturism. If people could go to a nude beach without harassment from bible thumpers and the law, so they don't have to constantly look over their shoulders, they might be willing to give it a try. Work to make nudism safe for women and children. Get more conservative nudists involved in action: writing letters, testifying in legislative hearings, etc. We are painted as dirty hippies, lefties, and perverts and other labels designed to be unsavory to the common person who doesn't think too deeply about things. There are plenty of conservative nudists, but they never seem to make their voting habits known to the people trying to stifle nudism through laws.
Unflattering accusations and opinions in the media need to be countered with thoughtful, well-reasoned, calm. You see a piece in the paper about the WNBR or a nude event, write a supportive message, sign your name, be unafraid. Don't let them intimidate or guilt us into wearing clothes or feeling ashamed. Their so-called moral lifestyles have no more legitimacy than ours. Mention the $8 billion nude tourism brings into Florida every year. Mention the $1M yearly revenue from the parking lot at Haulover Beach. Mention eliminating rights. Mention body positivity and personal growth. Mention joy and optimism, diversity, inclusion and freedom.
Love the free beach idea! Also thinking of South Beach’s openness to topless sunbathing in South Beach! If you present the opportunity and it’s accessible, people will come and in turn attract others!
It’s disappointing to see social media campaigns high on the current voting toll. If we’ve learned ANYTHING over the last few years it’s that social media doesn’t grow naturism at all. Indeed, it has had a profoundly negative effect on naturism, especially family naturism. I’ve been witness to this since 2018 at least, and the only growth I’ve ever seen from social media specifically is growth of hubris, negative sexual aggressiveness and ego.
We simply aren’t going to grow nudism through social media. At its core it is designed not to bring people together or offer insight, but to divide and make people feel self-important. I believe our current path in that regard is far too blinded by our own inability to see beyond ourselves, and yes, I’m guilty of it myself.
When I’ve brought people into nudism, it was never through use of imagery, stories or testimonials, it was by being genuine about myself and my actions. I merely stated what I enjoyed and that I’d love to have people come enjoy it with me. I gave them the option, but never dictated. I never made them feel shame, discomfort or that they were ‘lesser’ if they chose not to undress. I didn’t comment on their bodies, or on mine. I avoided phrases like ‘Now doesn’t that feel better?’ Or the like. I let them see me, as me, and let MY genuine feelings come through, while letting them take whatever time they needed to make their own decisions. Many eventually chose to join in. Some didn’t, but became more accepting if nothing else.
The more I tried to push naturism on social media, however, the more I tended to push people away… or worse.. attract the wrong element. That is something I see time and time again on popular influencer social media accounts. The wrong element. Sleazy men. Image stealers. Liars. Duplicitousness. Sure, the illusion of numbers and likes and follows would have you believe that these accounts are driving naturism to a new height… but it’s just an illusion. The vast majority of those numbers are bad players. Bots. One-and-dones. You name it. Any true deep dive into the followers of popular social media accounts shows a horribly sinister trail.
So it is my belief that it’s OFF the internet where we have our, perhaps, final chance of growing and promoting naturism. We have to stop hiding in our little internet worlds. Behind our closed resort doors. Cowering from negative perception and fear. That’s not to say the internet doesn’t have its place. It’s a great tool in the right hands, but screaming catch phrases on twitter just isn’t going to cut it. We need more genuine people engaging in more genuine real life circumstances in order to connect. Art shows. Theatre. Film. Naturist friendly sporting events. Naturist friendly health and exercise activities. Swims… and not just nude mandatory or behind resort and club paywalls. Clothing optional free spaces. Volunteer safety coordinators. People putting their goddamn
phones down and actively committing to ACTUALLY being naturists. Not this running around jet setting for likes and clicks bullshit that has become so common lately.
Sadly, I can’t already hear the criticisms and could probably make a list of pushbacks this repose is most likely to get. You may as well keep them to yourselves. I’ve heard them all countless times before. The vast majority of which generally just fall into ‘I’m too lazy and disillusioned to try’. Fair enough… but it really is our only way forward. We can’t get non-naturists to accept us, let alone join us, with platitudes and pictures and promises alone. We need to be out there, as people, and connect to them, as people… or we’ll always just be fringe and inconsequential.
A recent post on Reddit was by an individual telling how they were raising their autistic daughter as a nudist and how great it was for her. Looking at his other posts, they were all comments about naked young women posting sexual pictures and videos. Makes it seem really creepy that he's raising his daughter as a nudist. Is that the future he envisions for his daughter?
Social media is a cesspool of people who are doing damage to the cause of nudism. To each their own, but the reality is that swingers, exhibitionists, OnlyFans girls, exotic dancers, and other such individuals will drive away people in the mainstream who may be curious about nudism and provide fuel for opponents who say nudism is inherently sexual and dangerous.
"Is that the future he envisions for his daughter?"
Nope, because he's bullshitting about his daughter.
Strongly agree, especially about social media (it sucks). Individual naturists need to do the heavy lifting - in person.
I do get the points that you are making in this post but I also think that we should appreciate that the internet has aided us to connect far easier with like-minded clothes-free people. The social media side does indeed have a very negative effect on much in life, not just the nude world. Without the internet we would not be having this discussion, I would not have been to numerous nude locations without gaining knowledge of them online, or have met some great nudists/naturists as both real life and online friends.
There are certainly benefits to being online. However, social media is akin to porn ads in nudist magazines. The magazines themselves are good and necessary, but the ads would be disingenuous, harmful and send the wrong message. The three main social media companies, Meta, Twitter(X) and Tik Tok are brutal examples of the negatives outweigh the benefits. We should be concentrating far more on moving people off these platforms and into more moderated and safe environments. Of course, the sad reality is that this comes with cost, energy and time. Too few seem able to handle all three. So it comes down to self-moderarion and a need for our community to be MUCH stronger in weeding out the bad eggs and promoting much better behaviours and attitudes. We don't gain by simply sharing images or spouting catchphrases. We gain by BEING more genuine... Unfortunately, I see very little genuine out there. Too often what is shown on the surface begins to grow cracks very quickly. I don't have answers for that.
I’ve always viewed those scummy data-hoovering social media sites - Tik-Tok, Twitter, Meta with disdain. I use messengers that are secure - Signal, Session, Element etc and refuse to get pressurised into using the aforementioned ones. I get that many people find them useful for local information, and for SMBs etc but I can live without them and find that information elsewhere. Some view me as being paranoid, but having worked in IT security I know a bit about what goes on and what to avoid.
I agree that nudists should move away from using ‘popular’ social media, as should people in general, not just nudists. But herding ‘sheeple’ away from them is no easier than herding cats. It is possibly too late, people feel safe among the masses. Being online before the internet, and more specifically since it was commercialised and the internet becoming the go to place for ‘authorities’ to snoop on us, could be fun. It still can be if you know where to go. It may have been quite anarchic at times and the early bulletin boards left a lot to be desired, but it worked as well as most things do now, 30 years later, for keeping nudists in contact with like-minded people.
Usenet was one of the best nudist spaces I ever stumbled upon back in the day. You still had to be careful and pick and choose wisely, but there were more than a few newsgroups that were moderated and handled wonderfully. I long for something like that again... But every modern attempt I've tried to find just ends up being more concerned about NUMBERS and less about keeping things safe for all involved.
For instance, one popular website constantly and consistently advertises their 10s of thousands of users, when the reality is that maybe 50 people are actually active, and a vast majority of those being men and a handful of THOSE that can't seem to stop making their penis a focal point of everything they do.
I personally think that leaving the human nude image out of campaigns would be a good idea, it shock value is not help sell the idea. Maybe do some landscape shops of beautiful places with a tagline about our nude or natural selves in nature.
Also, I believe it's staying off social media would be in our best interest. Social media isn't social, and social media via phone isn't permitted at most communist locations anyway. So if someone is so connected to their device that they can't put it down, they probably won't be interested in nudism anyway.
I believe a tasteful meme or picture on X can indeed make someone start the process of thinking about naturism, or plant an effective "seed" of thought. Promoting non-sexual naturism will help people realize that there is a difference.
One last thought... This question shouldn't really even be put to nudists, should it?
Why not?
Well... I mean exclusively. We tend to have a rather biased view of things. The view from non-nudists on what can be done to bring them in is probably a little more valuable... As long as we ignore the 'nothing' knee-jerk responses.
Hardly any non-nudists read online naturist stuff. They need to be invited - in person - to have a discussion.
I voted other, My opinion is personal contact. Not that that that is easy. I have admitted to two people that I enjoy my nudity. My wife who's attitude is that I am "sick" and "perverted" and a dear friend of 60+ years whom admits to enjoying skinny dipping in her own pool, but not ready for the resort.
In talking to nudist couple at a resort last year they told me they have been nudists for a number of years and never shared this with anyone including family.
I have not shared with my family either. I sense that it is out of fear and possibly rejection that I have not. Although they probably never would.
It is a very interesting topic and question. The reaction by people to nudity is so unpredictable I feel stuck.
I also feel social media would lead to a feeling by some that it is a freak show.
How many people actually share on their personal accounts that they are nudist/naturists?
We must leave behind the secrecy, because that breeds stigma. Share more with everyone about your own nudism. Even if it's just a casual mention in a conversation. Make objectors and doubters feel old fashioned and out of touch (because they are), however old they may be. Youngsters especially don't like to be thought of as 'old'. Remind them this is 2024, not 1924, in a mocking way. Act surprised at any negativity and that they don't seem to be aware nudity is very common and growing in popularity. This plays to the human need to be one of the in crowd, the fashionable, the progressive. This won't work for everyone, but it does give some that FOMO feeling.
Strongly agree
Agreed! The more people who participate and are open who can discuss it casually, will in turn open the minds of those around them!
There is no one best way to introduce people to the nudist culture. It is important to use all of the available methods mentioned in the poll. Nudists also need to be ambassadors and role models who are unafraid of being open about their chosen way of life. This requires creating public acceptance and decision-making allies who will attest to the wholesomeness of nudism and eliminate the fear of discovery.
The fear of discovery can be huge depending on your position. I am proud to be a nudist and think its a healthy way of life. But...male, elementary school teacher, single. I'm pretty sure my career is in jeopardy if someone gets up in arms about it.
Are most people you know local? Could you trust relatives or non-local friends to keep your secret?
Not a secret from family or close friends but feel the need to keep it from being common knowledge. I would never allow a picture anywhere on the Internet. Just seems like a huge risk.
Well said, Ronna. We do need to be ambassadors, proudly sharing the nudist lifestyle with all.
Jan&Gary
I agree that wherever possible we should be open about our nudism and encourage wider acceptance of it being simply a way of living, minus any connotations that non-nudists may attach to us.
We need to find a celebrity spokesperson! Someone Uber-famous! P!no comes to mind.
Celebrities in general? Meh. Many, however, enjoy nudity at pricey resorts or on their yachts. Could the hoi polloi who love them afford the same freedom?
A friend introduced me. We need to be more open about this open lifestyle.
Strongly agree.
Open House! The resort we belong to (White Tail Resort in Virginia), hosts an Open House on the AANR Nude Weekend, second Saturday in July. The Open House is actually held 10 am - 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors are checked in and may disrobe then if they choose. Then they visit the clubhouse and learn about rules/policies, fees, various camping and lodging options, customs, etc.
They they are given a guided tour in a golf cart. They may disrobe at that time if they choose. This covers clubhouse, game room, restaurant weight room, library, TV room, showers, laundry, the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, mini-golf, pickleball courts, sand, grass, and water volleyball courts, horseshoe pitch, petanque pitch, campsites, transient RV sites, and the three lodging options, cabin, motel, and park model. At that point they are turned loose and instructed that they may remain until 4pm, but must disrobe to be in the pools area. However, they may remain until midnight if disrobed on the site.
Each year we get 25-40 visitors and a good fraction become members or day visitors.
This works well, because the visitors get to know actual naturists. The problem is there are too few resorts these days to reach most people.
> This works well, because the visitors get to know actual naturists.
Yes. Nudists love meeting new people. I act as one of the hosts at these events, giving the golf cart tour. I've made some new friends.
How do you promote the open house?
It's promoted on the local radio station, possibly the rural weekly newspaper. I don't have the details since the club owner manages that. I could ask if it's important.
Religion has been ingrained in society for centuries and because most of society has been influenced by puritans it will be far too difficult to promote nudism/naturism through social media or public events. Naturism is more of a personal journey of self discovery and most will have to find it on their own.
I am going with "Other" because I think we need a broad-based approach. But firstly, I have never found it helpful to "pitch" to others about the lifestyle. Instead, you have to show it by actions, and let those who are attracted to it come to you.
I write a series of fantasy/sci-fi books that feature nudity and the nudist lifestyle. Sometimes this prompts those who have read my stories to ask about it, giving me an opening. I am generally open about my lifestyle, but never pushy, only responding if asked.
It distresses me a bit that social media isn't more effective. It truly isn't a good medium for promoting the lifestyle, but I feel it should be, if only we can find the right formula. Sadly, I have no clue, and nothing I have seen in social media suggests it as a positive force for promoting the lifestyle.
Open houses at resorts, promoting events at nude beaches, and so on are all good ways to draw interested people in.
Agree about social media. When you say "show it by actions" does that mean in person? How would this help people who don't know you personally? Are any of your books available on Amazon (as a few naturist sci-fi writers are)?
Yes, mainly in person... As for those who don't know me, I try to exert subtle influence through my social media presence, and my books. But I don't evangelize, or try to pitch it. I just let it be known. And yes, on Amazon. Easily found via Google, too.
Ah, so. You're Nathan J. Gregory there, I presume.
Nope. No middle initial...
I didn't intend to promote my books here, but since you ask, here's the author's page... https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nathan-Gregory/author/B00QZHIIBK
The one with the middle initial also does sci-fi. Amazon wasn't very helpful.
I’m not sure if I’ve actually converted anyone, but I’ve certainly made many more people aware of it and more open to realizing that there are many of us and it’s not just for weird people. (Though I may be considered weird or at least eccentric as an openly gay nudist living in a clothing optional community!)
If you've made many people "aware", what seems to be the reason they haven't tried it? Naturism seems to be somewhat more popular in the gay community, no? (Certainly in San Francisco it is.)
I'd say gay people in general feel less worry about not 'fitting in'. Also, by all accounts (gay, straight, male, female, nudist, or non-nudists trying to arrange a skinny-dipping pool party or a group to a clothing optional event) it is a thousand times easier to get guys out of their clothes for non-sexual reasons than it is women. I could not tell you how many times I've heard comments to the effect of, 'It's almost like guys are hard-wired to like being naked.'
So I'm going to gently suggest that marketing nudism as a "lifestyle" may ultimately be counterproductive, just from a perspective of actually selling social and recreational nudism to new audiences.
We need to accept that there cost of entry for social nudism is, in most of the country, incredibly high. Not just in terms of cash expenditure, but also realizing that the psychological - and even physical - bars to entry are enormous. In the midwest and the south getting to many landed clubs involves long drives on back roads into the middle of nowhere and being confronted with a high, intimidating fence when you arrive. And it's easy to develop a sense of foreboding heading down those back roads, not knowing exactly what will confront you when you get there. It's a lot to get over for a first time visitor.
It also needs to be noted that there has to be more than just social nudity on offer to attract newcomers. Vacation travel has moved more towards luxury destinations over the years. People have less vacation time, and want to maximize what they get out of that time. If the best a club has to offer is an over-chlorinated swimming pool and an old shuffleboard court, that long drive into the middle of nowhere got a lot less worth it.
The most successful clothing optional resorts I've visited in the past years were the ones that had something besides just nudity on offer - natural hot springs, regular spa services, nice, clean, saunas, and a feel that real attention was being paid to the quality of services being offered. They were also places where nudity was generally optional (but also not a big deal) and where the social nudity was not the sole purpose of the resort. These were places that has nice stuff on offer, some of which you had to be nude for, some of which you could be nude for if you chose, but all of which was designed to create an overall feeling of ease, comfort, and relaxation. Having sufficient staff of hand that inappropriate behavior is immediately stopped without having to go look for someone is also a huge plus. It's essentially normalizing nudity in a pleasant, even luxurious, setting. That just seems to me to be a much, much easier sell than attempting to sell social nudity as a lifestyle.
So in short, the future for naturism as a business model may involve moving gently away from the idea of naturism as a lifestyle commitment, and embracing the idea that it can just be an other option in your planning for that leisure time. That may mean focusing less on selling abstract ideas and more on selling the amenities that a particular resort has to offer. And the onus may be on individual resorts to make sure that they have these amenities to offer.
So many points here.
1. Naturism doesn't have to be a "lifestyle" in the sense of being naked as much as possible. It's something that can be enjoyed as recreation - nude camping and hiking, events with non-landed groups, in one's own home with open-minded friends, etc.
2. Traditional naturist resorts are dropping like flies these days. But that's because there are now too few naturists who want to visit - and are willing to travel long distances to do so. I agree that most places have too few amenities. However, the REAL attraction is finding and making new naturist friends. Wouldn't that be worth a long drive a few times a year? (In California it's a 2-hour drive for me even to the closest one.)
3. Of course it's daunting to visit a naturist club for the first time. That's a big reason why someone should be accompanied by a naturist friend to hold their hand.
4. The responsibility is on individual naturists to recruit others. Obviously, there are risks in that for many - but it has to be done. Sure, people may lose some friends but can make new ones in the naturist community. I wouldn't count someone who's appalled by the idea of nude recreation as a good friend. Friends should respect each other's preferences, even if they don't share them. If friends don't support each other, what's the point?
5. I'm right in the middle of writing an article on how naturists can and SHOULD promote naturism to friends and family. The article will give details of techniques to use - techniques that are scientifically established as reasonable and effective means of persuasion. Watch for it on my Substack in a few days.
I think your first point is the biggest one. Anyone under ~45 is likely to be facing multiple, conflicting demands on what little discretionary time & money they have. Words like 'commitment' or 'lifestyle' will likely be a major turn-off. If you make something already appealing clothing optional that might add an extra zing and inspire people to think, 'Maybe we could make that nature walk' or whatever event.
Convenience is another issue. If it takes 2.5 hours each way to get there (like the closest clothing optional beach to me), it puts a major damper on your enthusiasm. One idea might be to find out which events of ANY kind in your area are well attended by younger people and see if making one clothing optional is feasible. It's also important to know how successful event holders make their events known.
Naked museum walks and naked theatre events are well attended in NYC. I suspect most of the attendees are NOT nudists because most nudists I know rarely find out about these events until after the fact, weird as that sounds. So that suggests the customer base is there and the P. R. is really good in some respects but quite poor in others.
Perhaps some NYC area naturists should watch for such events and spread the word in the naturist community (such as with a mailing list like this one). Andy Golub (and others) have held naturist events even in Times Square. Maybe some group could regularly organize such things.
I like the thought of a "bring your friend to the resort day," but I doubt it would work.
Great idea! Why wouldn't it work? Of course, you'd have to reveal you're a naturist. And for most people there's no nearby resort. Some people may be upset by even seeing nudity - but everyone? I have a detailed article almost ready to publish on my Substack (link's after my name) that addresses changing minds about naturism. Check it out - later today or maybe tomorrow.
I just assume it would be a challenge to get a whole bunch of newbies to come on the same day with a bunch of other newbies. I would be thrilled to be wrong about that. But I do think newbies might relax easier if they have fun activities planned and I see benefit in having them get to hear about other people's experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions.
I believe that it should be all the above. Exhibiting that nudism is not a cult of perverts. Exhibit that people can be truly free and open to nudity without shame, and without being labeled.
More focus to attract new individuals to the idea maybe approach from a clothing option method?
It's a wonderful, social, beautiful way to introduce to introduce nudism in the public mind: social media campaigns even in interrstate highway billboards if possible. We can't know is we don't try. I'm referring to the wonderful billboard featured in today's story.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Those are words to love by if you are a nudist. If people's first introduction to you is as a nudist, they will immediately start picturing you as whatever they associate with that label. If they get to know you first and see you as a regular mainstream person, they will be more curious and accepting when they find out you are a nudist.
I have never liked it when mainstream media wants to interview nudists. They usually come to a resort to film you naked or have you in studio naked. They may blur everything out, but they are still using your nudity as a way to get viewers. They mock you and make fun and never really take you seriously.
I think it helps to meet the public on their terms. Your local nudist organization should be involved in community events but not be naked at those events. Run in charity events, do cleanups, host events, but do so with clothes on while promoting your group. Let them get to know you first, then extend and open invitation to anyone who wants to come check it out for themselevs.
Trade shows, fairs, and other large gatherings are great places to have a booth and let people meet you. Many might make fun. Some will as questions and be encouraged to try it out.
Celebrity endorsements do nothing because most people don't identify with celebrities. Billboards for local clubs can help make the name recognizable. No need to show nudity in the pictures. Just let them know you exist, they are welcome, and provide information where to learn more.
"Marketing"? Phooey. We're not selling soap or SUVs. Naturism is about people, experiences, and relationships. Social media these days basically stink. Watching "influencers" on YouTube is nuts. By far the best "influencers" in naturism are active naturists on beaches, in nonlanded clubs, and at landed naturist parks (those still in business). The only way to attract more naturists is for current naturists to get off their bare butts and promote naturism to their friends and extended families. There's a time-tested phrase "Bring one to be one". It works well in many contexts, and should apply to naturists. There's more to it than might be apparent at first.
I believe the biggest impediment to more people adopting nudism is simple fear. Fear of being seen, fear of what others will say or think, fear of unauthorized photos winding up on the internet. I've heard or read so many times "Oh, I don't have the body for that!" or "I could never do that!" Fear holds us back from so many things that would otherwise be good for us. Advertising or promotion that makes social nudity seem safe for one and all seems essential.
I successfully marketed my specialty bookstore through Valpak coupons which built local awareness. Groupon is also a viable choice. I suggest a regular monthly presence in local alternative health magazines. I would team up with the local yoga community to promote body positivity. Same with local licensed massage therapists. For example, I have suggested to my yoga teacher that she bring her classes to Lake Como’s volleyball tournaments. The bottom line is that newbies need at least THREE different and reinforcing sources of positive information about social nudism / local resorts.
PS: i also suggest segueing away from static recreation such as sunbathing to dynamic recreation such as a waterslide suitable for the entire family.
Saturday I will be riding in the Philadelphia World Naked Bike Ride. Highly visible events like this are frequently the first contact many folks have with social nudity. I'm surprised how many of my friends who have known me for years forget my 40+ years of nudist activism. Visibility - be seen and be known. This is how we normalize behavior considered unusual.
I have long fantasized a Global Nudist Liberation Army that will march nude in any community that does not recognize the human right and choice to exist in a clothing optional world. The Army would then offer a reward of $100,000 to anyone who can orate a speech or write an intelligent essay on what harm would befall someone (including children) who sees a nudist. If that speech or essay can be written, the nudists deserve the loss of their high ground. . . . By the way, this way is way cheaper and effective than sending a killing army in force to enforce their point of view. .. . For a few million dollars, nothing in military terms, we could create the beginning of the most effective, conscious changing army in the world. Now!
Normalizing being naked, alone and among others, is the task at hand. The only way I’ve been able to address this effectively is this: first, taking a leap of faith by nonchalantly sharing with friends and family that you enjoy being nude, at home, in the backyard, out in nature discretely and with likeminded people at clubs and non-landed get togethers. For me, offering this in a moment when there is a relevant context, like being at a textile beach and stating that it’s so much more comfortable with no suit at all.
No matter how casual one is about this, the subject of sex and shame over one’s own body always comes up. (A function of our broader culture.) One must be prepared to address this and get the point across that it’s no about sex - yes, it’s always nice to see the variety of body types and sizes, but it’s really not about sex and one would be amazed how many naturist who do not have some western ideal of a body “own it” when it comes to being comfortable in their own skin. These two things, sex and body shame, are the two things I’ve seen that give pause to a non-nudist tue most.
Lastly, if you can get someone beyond all of this, when I have visited a nude beach or a resort with my wife and with friends who have never been nude outside of their own bathrooms, there are common turn-off: creeps at the beach who are just there to leer at others; the predominance of people who are in their 70s and even 80s and a lack of younger adults (20s - 40s); and the tired, worn facilities that are years past their better days. It can be really hard to get over these things for people who are open to the notion of trying it out, but are turned off by these things.
So I guess it’s about being confident that your friends and family will remain such as you openly share your thoughts and experiences. My experience is that there is amusement, then quickly a matter of fact acceptance by them - that it is no big deal and they commonly state on their own that if they’d rather not see me nude, they call ahead! A few of them actually embraced skinny dipping after learning that I am a nudist and we’ve skinny dipped together a few times. So it’s pretty normalized for them these days.
Gunnison Beach at Sandy Hook in New Jersey gets people of all ages, and only occasionally are there a few hawkers.
Awareness of all the recreational activity available while naked caught my attention when I was a pre-teen in the late 1940's. The magazine sale rack where I got my ice cream cones and haircuts had nudist magazines for sale, the covers showed naked people having fun playing volleyball and other sports. I filed that away, too many other sport and academic activities took priority and eventually a highly visible profession with family went in the same direction, naturism did not fit in until the kids were on their own. In the meantime ASA and Cypress Cove were advertising in those multi ad enclosures in national magazines catching my eye again. My wife was good with clothing optional, actually got hers off quicker than me, as we joined what was to become AANR through Cypress Cove, cross country from home though, but that quickly change, could not get enough. At that time volleyball, tennis, swimming, running, hiking, and dancing naked were a bigger draw for us than just laying out. We're getting old now but the hiking and swimming and ballroom are still a big draw for us to get some all over sun and visit clubs or go on cruises with those things available.
So I think awareness that Naturism exists and is safe and fun needs to be presented. "N" and other magazines need to be in circulation. Nothing wrong with tasteful billboards, except they can be vandalized. Booths at local and national travel and business events so people can ask. Open sports (and music events) to non nudists but interested competing nude at the clubs. Sadly social media may be censored and/or hacked.
All of the above. Nudists are a diverse group. In America, one size does not fit all. Whatever your passion, social nudism offers a path. We are social, spiritual, environmental, healthy, active, sedentary and more. We do it all, but without clothes!
How can we better market nudism to non-nudists? Ok, ask yourself this: How do other fashion designers market their clothes to potential consumers? By getting the product known and creating a trend! The problem with most nudist/naturist outfits is that they are secreted away behind tall hedgerows and locked gates, or individuals' private secluded gardens. How the hell is that ever going to work!
What we do is hold events such as a mid-winter "Polar Plunge" at a local beach (NOT a nudist beach), we host the World Naked Bike Ride through the town, we hold other events in public spaces and advertise them far and wide to the general community. This seems to be the best approach to making public nakedness acceptable. Make some events into fundraisers for a local or national charity. People often respond well to fundraisers and go the extra mile!
We also need to realise that not wearing any clothes is hardly a reason to class it as a culture, philosophy, lifestyle, religion, or some other kind of "ism" that you need to "belong" to or "follow". For God's sake - it's just a dress code, a clothing style, a personal choice of attire for any given moment! That's all - nothing else! In fact, I no longer wear the label "nudist" or "naturist" simply because those terms have been hijacked on the internet by groups and individuals who use nudity to promote sexually-focused activities. Instead, drop the label and just get out there and do it. Start a trend in your area. If it's against the law where you live, then you need to figure out how to get that sorted!
Agreed. Today's Twenty-somethings are much more laid back than their 30-40 year old counterparts were in their 20's. BUT, they are positively allergic to labels of any kind, especially -isms, 'following', and 'belonging'.
I recall nude beaches came up once in a classroom discussion. Everyone saw nothing wrong with it. Even the 'Oh, hell no!' students thought thought it was fine, just that they personally would never do it.
I attract friends to nudism by my example! I meet guests at home naked. I show my friends photos where I relax and do business naked.
Making peoplecaware of family fiendly social naturismis important as a means to attract new naturists and to gain acceptancevof naturism within the community. However, I believe there is an even more burning issue. It is my belief that there are several million nudists in the USA. Yet few are members of any of the Naturist Advocacy Groups such as AANR, TNS,BEACHES,GNI, etc. Efforts must be made to appeal to these naturists to convince them of the importance of being a member of an advocacy group that supports their right to be a nudist. Without these groups we could quicly lose our rights to be nude in appropriate settings.
Okay. Lot of responses here.
We aren't going to "sell" nudism to anyone. It isn't a product that a lot of people want to buy. People feel comfortable in their clothing. Clothing is psychological armor and exhorting the virtues of feeling vulnerable and defenseless, in an environment where haters are a real concern, isn't going to work.
The focus needs to shift. I would argue that *if* there were to be a campaign it should be, "Make nakedness boring again!" If it becomes boring to the general public, individuals who are interested will be more interested in dabbling. That makes clothing optional events and public events a higher priority. A WNBR does more to help the "cause" than almost anything else. Some of the riders in a properly planned WNBR are going to be textiles taking a walk on the wild side. They will discover an environment that is mellow and unlike what they expected. These people are excellent potential nudists.
WNBR started out as a cooperative effort by environmentalists, cycling rights activists, and nudists and now, at least in LA, its almost all nudists. It is sad that such has happened, but the event is still valuable. Showing the flag is important. Showing that the world doesn't end because of nudity is important.
At the same time, every time the general public sees nonsexual nudity and the world doesn't end, we win. See it enough and the knee jerk reactions will go extinct. I think if a naked person generates a yawn, it's better than "OMG" with giggles, which is *vastly* better than "OMG! A pervert!" (I'll take the giggles any day.) Other examples of public activism include big photo shoots, like those of Spencer Tunick, Naked Hiking Day, and the Bay to Breakers. I understand NYC had nude "Shakespeare in the Park." Even though these are not specifically nudist events, that's how you slowly develop a population where "naked" no longer equals "vile and disgusting."
Personal recommendation is good and a proper means of outreach. Where it works it works well. We need more of it.
Organized low level outreach is still possible and... I don't see lots happening. Friends of Bates Beach have been involved in the 4th of July parade at Carpenteria and had a $2 bill campaign to make local businesses aware that tourists actually do use the nude section of the beach. (Don't know about the current status.) *Every* local group should be trying to do something of the sort but the world is a scary place and someone somewhere might object and it would be uncomfortable.
There's also the example of BN and their successful drive to produce more British naturists. One of their better ideas is to do college campus outreach. Ideally find a person at the college who is a nudist. You use them as a springboard to organize Find a coed group of younger people to man a booth during rush week. (Under 30! Once you start getting over 30, you may still look "young" to the bunch of geriatrics that are the nudist community today, but to the 18-22 year olds in school, you are *ancient*.)
Hire a starving actor/artist if you must.
Unfortunately nudists don't have the same attitudes as civil rights protestors, anti-war protestors, even early feminists and gays. They do not consider nudist acceptance and rights as a cause to be something worth sacrificing over. Many are worried about change and want it to stay a particular way. (These folks want to be nudism's "gatekeepers.") And many just want to build a big wall between themselves and the world an live happily in a well appointed ghetto.
And so it goes.
Investments in more landed and more importantly non-landed clubs.
I go with Other. When a non-nudist can converse with a nudist/naturalist that is best, dispel all the myths and other negativity. Building that know, like, and trust relationships. Encourage them about body freedom and let them choose.
I also use the subtle information drops a few people here have mentioned.
Yard work -- Oh, that reminds me I need to get some bamboo fencing for my balcony so I can tan/relax properly. [What do you mean, properly?] No tan lines :-)
WFH -- I love working from home because the only thing I need to wear is a shirt.
You get the idea. Just brief one-liners to drop and not elaborate on
British Naturism seems to have done a bang-up job of promoting naturism to the locals. We don't need to work up a plan from scratch if there's already a successful template to learn from.
Do your outreach where there are people willing to be reached out to. Arkansas would not be my first choice. OTOH, a University on the west coast would be a prime location. If you look, coastal universities often have official or unofficial nude beaches nearby. When I was 45 years younger, Cal. State Northridge had an on campus nudist club, "Au Naturel." It is long gone - as are the LA area nude beaches - but the idea is still a good one. BN sends out an ambassador to Colleges and Universities to recruit new members.
I find that casual conversation typically works best for me. My guess is that 60-75% of the people that know me, know that I have been a naturist all of my life. Former schoolmates, folks at church, even some of my clients. I have never had a problem casually slipping in an off-the-cuff comment in general conversation. If someone catches it, and asks, I am more than happy to expound on the virtues of naturism; body positivity, health, freedom, etc. As expected, most people state that they would feel exposed, uncomfortable, ashamed, all of the other negatives that have been programmed into them. Whatever they come up with, I am more than happy to debunk. The hardest ones to converse with are the ones that have a problem differentiating nudity and sex. However, once you explain that nudity is natural, and sex is natural, and that nudity is not inherently sexual; and bodies are not inherently sexual, and that non-sexual social environments do exist, sometimes they become more relaxed in the conversation. After that, making an invitation to an event, is not uncommon; a pool party, game night, movie night, etc. Will they accept, usually not, but sometimes they will surprise you. Then if they ever feel like trying it, they know they have someone that they can freely talk to.
We always thought word of mouth. Proudly sharing our nudist life with friends and family.
Jan&Gary
I don't have a clue what works best. I started writing naturist fiction books in hopes to reach out to younger families and adults, but I don't have the feedback to even know if that works! While I do know of several "reluctant" people who have been brought around through reading one of my books, I have no way of knowing how effective they are on the whole.
I know billboards are effective or we wouldn't see so many of them. I've thought about wearing a t-shirt with a printed message promoting naturism, but I hate the idea of buying clothing so much that it's hard to consider, but that might be the best way for many of us.
78 comments this far. Wow! You struck a nerve Evan!
I’ve mentioned it a few times. But I’ve seen BN highlight displays they have done at non-naturist but shared interest events such as camping, caravan, and outdoors trade shows/expos. I think seeing the placement of naturism in such events creates an easy access no-fear way for non-naturists to engage with actual naturists. Perhaps they walk away with an emboldened spark of interest as well as information on how, where, why, etc….
Just one example. I don’t see that happening in the US. But at the same time, I’m not sure how well it would be received in the US given the climate these days. Maybe hiking, backpacking, health focused events may be a better fit. But either way, I see this as a viable path.
https://www.bn.org.uk/news/information/about-bn/british-naturism-at-the-caravan-show-this-week-r1247/
All of the above and more!
An excellent illustration of the problem you’re up against here is the fact that I had to click on a “Your settings prevent the display of this content” before Substack would show me the picture accompanying this post. I assume that’s a bare butt in the picture but really couldn’t say for sure because I’m old and my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be and the damn thing’s too small to make out. THAT’S worth censoring? Seriously?
Freaking Puritans. We’re never going to get past those bastards.
Oh, am sad to read this!
“ My wife who's attitude is that I am "sick" and "perverted".
Yeah, he meant "whose."
I put down public awareness events. The fact that there are routinely people who go to nude beaches abroad and find people from their home state who are members of a club back home tells me that no one thinks there are clubs where they are. So just letting people know they exist here would be a start.
The other one is being who you are and being casual. The fact that people know someone personally makes a difference and gives people a face that isn’t corporate or leaving them suspicious.
Best way is friends telling friends.
Word-of-mouth advertising has always been and will always be the most effective form. People use products that people they trust promote. People join activities in which the people they know and trust invite them to join.