I wholeheartedly endorse the message of this post. Volunteering is what creates naturist events and protects our public venues. I would add that naturism is like Tinkerbell; it needs constant support or its light goes out. I’m fond of saying that 90% of successful naturism is just “showing up” to meetings and events.
Here at the B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation (beachesfoundation.org) we welcome volunteer help, and we will need more soon. Our mission is to create and preserve nude recreation opportunities on public lands across North America, and we are the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit doing this work. We tackle political issues surrounding nudism, as well as the practical considerations of partnering with local government and businesses and education the public. Our name stands for Beach Education Advocates for Culture, Health, Environment and Safety, and that pretty much says it all.
Might help to be a little more specific on what opportunities there ARE to volunteer FOR. The organization websites (at least the public pages) are very general. I don't see any information on what volunteers they could use. Also, in most cases, volunteer efforts need to use online tools. Physically traveling somewhere to help is usually not practical for people who don't live near wherever help is needed. Local clubs (both landed and non-landed) can certainly use volunteers too. But there may still be travel issues. And such clubs tend not to have a good online presence for requesting volunteers and sharing efforts.
I think it's especially important that you write, "We must see naturism and nudity not just as recreational activities but as a social movement advocating for basic human rights."
It feels like part of the trend away from robust volunteerism is a shift toward more commercialization of nude recreation—many people view a visit to a nudist club as more of a transaction (i.e., a payment for a service) than as joining a community and movement. Some amount of that is fine (and helpful, in terms of generating revenue). Not everyone wants to, or should be expected to, become a super-volunteer. But clearly the current balance isn't sufficient to sustain the enterprise.
To be fair, I don't think that's a problem inherent to nudism. As participation in civic institutions erodes in society more broadly, I think our "volunteerism muscles" start to atrophy, so to speak. It's a tough challenge, but one we've got to work. I'll take this as a call to step up my own game!
Very well said & is very true status. I live in India. Here local laws are very rigid & against out of home naturism. No official organisation as such for Indian naturists. There may be local groups, however all are unorganized & there is no definite way to access these groups either to check it's genuineness & further to join. Overall the naturism situation here is very gloomy.. You may please guide as to how to proceed to have formal organization who can work for interest of the genuine naturists.
There’s no naturism without volunteerism
I wholeheartedly endorse the message of this post. Volunteering is what creates naturist events and protects our public venues. I would add that naturism is like Tinkerbell; it needs constant support or its light goes out. I’m fond of saying that 90% of successful naturism is just “showing up” to meetings and events.
Here at the B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation (beachesfoundation.org) we welcome volunteer help, and we will need more soon. Our mission is to create and preserve nude recreation opportunities on public lands across North America, and we are the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit doing this work. We tackle political issues surrounding nudism, as well as the practical considerations of partnering with local government and businesses and education the public. Our name stands for Beach Education Advocates for Culture, Health, Environment and Safety, and that pretty much says it all.
Might help to be a little more specific on what opportunities there ARE to volunteer FOR. The organization websites (at least the public pages) are very general. I don't see any information on what volunteers they could use. Also, in most cases, volunteer efforts need to use online tools. Physically traveling somewhere to help is usually not practical for people who don't live near wherever help is needed. Local clubs (both landed and non-landed) can certainly use volunteers too. But there may still be travel issues. And such clubs tend not to have a good online presence for requesting volunteers and sharing efforts.
I think it's especially important that you write, "We must see naturism and nudity not just as recreational activities but as a social movement advocating for basic human rights."
It feels like part of the trend away from robust volunteerism is a shift toward more commercialization of nude recreation—many people view a visit to a nudist club as more of a transaction (i.e., a payment for a service) than as joining a community and movement. Some amount of that is fine (and helpful, in terms of generating revenue). Not everyone wants to, or should be expected to, become a super-volunteer. But clearly the current balance isn't sufficient to sustain the enterprise.
To be fair, I don't think that's a problem inherent to nudism. As participation in civic institutions erodes in society more broadly, I think our "volunteerism muscles" start to atrophy, so to speak. It's a tough challenge, but one we've got to work. I'll take this as a call to step up my own game!
Very well said & is very true status. I live in India. Here local laws are very rigid & against out of home naturism. No official organisation as such for Indian naturists. There may be local groups, however all are unorganized & there is no definite way to access these groups either to check it's genuineness & further to join. Overall the naturism situation here is very gloomy.. You may please guide as to how to proceed to have formal organization who can work for interest of the genuine naturists.
Very good and necessary call to all nudists and naturist. Thanks.