The Naturist Society opens the door
New town hall series offers space for members to engage with board during ongoing transition
The Naturist Society Foundation (TNSF) has announced a new series of virtual town hall meetings aimed at strengthening communication between the organization and its members. The first session will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with three more scheduled through early 2026.
TNSF is one of two major member-based organizations representing nudists and naturists in the United States. Since its founding in 1980 by activist and publisher Lee Baxandall, the organization has played a leading role in the American naturist movement, particularly in advocating for public nude recreation and protecting access to free beaches. Now structured as a nonprofit, TNSF advances its mission through education, publishing, and member engagement, with N magazine at the center of its public-facing work.
The announcement of these town halls comes at a time of ongoing change for the organization. In late 2024, longtime Publisher and Managing Editor Nicky Hoffman retired, concluding nearly four decades at the helm of N magazine and the foundation’s broader editorial mission. Graphic designer Jan Grable, who shaped much of the magazine’s visual identity over the past decade, also retired. Their departures marked the end of an era. Since then, Mark Storey has stepped in as acting editor of N magazine, and a new graphic designer has been hired. TNSF also plans to feature guest editors starting with the fourth quarter magazine.
Since it transitioned to nonprofit status in 2017, TNSF has been governed by a volunteer board of directors, which now plays a more central role in guiding the foundation’s strategic and editorial direction. These staffing and editorial transitions and the organization’s ongoing evaluation of its long-term goals appear to be part of a broader push to modernize and reconnect with its membership.
Since it transitioned to nonprofit status in 2017, TNSF has been governed by a volunteer board of directors, which now plays a more central role in guiding the foundation’s strategic and editorial direction. With Leary on board and the organization evaluating its long-term goals, the town hall meetings appear to be part of a broader push to modernize and reconnect with its membership.
Speaking recently on The New Nudist Podcast, board treasurer James Nunn expressed hope that more members would attend upcoming meetings and participate in the foundation’s future. “We have an annual meeting coming up... I’d love for members to join that meeting and listen to what we’re doing, versus basing it on their perceptions,” he said.
The first town hall is scheduled for May 17, followed by sessions on August 12, November 8 (which will serve as the official annual membership meeting), and February 19, 2026. Full event details are also listed on the newly redesigned TNSF website.
Current TNSF members are invited to attend the upcoming town halls via Zoom. Nonmembers interested in attending can start a membership at naturistsociety.com/tnsf-membership. 🪐
Congratulations to the Board of TNSF and welcome back to moving the mission forward in the spirit of Lee Baxandall. Lee was a leader and visionary that didn’t just report, he created and backed progressive programs and projects that grew awareness and inspired action. Hopefully the free beach movement will once again have a partner for improving the lot of naturists use of public lands. We look forward to seeing TNSF’s action plan. Both B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation Institute (B.E.A.C.H.E.S.) and South Florida Free Beaches (SFFB) sends its best wishes, cooperation and support.
Can we be naked during the ZOOM meeting ?????/