AANR Rate Increase Proposal

[BackpackerBrian]

In case you didn't see it in your March Bulletin, AANR is asking for a rate increase. Below is a copy of my response, submitted for the May issue's Letters to the Editor. Feel free to add your comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------

AANR Rate Increase Response – Letter to the Editor

In the March issue of The Bulletin, the article “Why Does AANR Needs a Rate Increase?” asked members to approve a rate increase in order that AANR can meet budget. While I agree that after ten years a rate increase may be warranted, I do not agree that a rate increase is a long-term solution, and that the budget-gap is the problem. Instead, the budget-gap is a symptom of a bigger problem, namely, that the leadership cannot or will not retain and grow the membership base. Increasing membership rates is not the solution for many other reasons.

First, AANR may indeed discover that a rate increase will lead to a loss in membership, which will negate any revenue increase. In fact, with fewer members paying more annually, AANR may have still have difficulty making its budget. The potential loss of members may be greater than anticipated given the current negative economic environment, when disposable income is under tighter reign.

Second, the article discussed many ways how AANR has tried to cut costs. This is especially worrying because, generally speaking, only organizations in decline focus on cutting costs, while organizations committed to growth focus on new ways to increase their revenues. To cut costs without also trying to increase revenues is usually the “death nail” for organizations.

Third, and most important, there are other ways to increase revenue and bridge the budget-gap. Increasing, and retaining, membership is probably the best way to accomplish this. Considering that the only costs AANR really incurs from gaining new members is the cost of producing and mailing The Bulletin. All other costs (staff, office space, advertising) are “fixed” costs that do not increase with the addition of new members.

Rather than trying to cut costs and ask for a rate increase, the AANR leadership should focus on increasing and retaining membership, and thus revenues. If the AANR membership does not offer value to members, or clubs do not recognize the value in becoming a 100% Club, this problem should be fixed, again, by the leadership. If the leadership needs help, they should engage a strategy consulting firm or other organization that deals with business challenges, and not a public relations firm.

To simply take the easy way out by increasing rates, AANR may be putting itself on a very dangerous downward spiral. And this time next year, they may again be asking for a rate increase, except they will be asking it to far fewer members.

[nacktman]

You get nothing for your money with AANR but taken, so a rate increase only means you will be taken for more.

Meet the budget me arse! Line a few grubby hand's bank accounts is it!

[Walt Iliff]

Well, as a long time member of AANR, I have to take issue with Mr. Nacktman's analysis. AANR may or may not be one's particular cup of tea, but I have met and worked with many of the officers and employees of AANR and to suggest that anyone is using AANR funds for personal gain is disingenuous at best. That being said, I don't completely disagree with Brian's assessment. I do believe that a rate increase may be necessary, but I also think that we need to do more to encourage more people to belong to a national organization, either TNS or AANR. We as a group have become complacent about our rights, and many of us reap the benefits brought about by the efforts of the pioneers from the ASA(now AANR) and the hard work of those individuals in TNS. It seems to me that far too much emphasis is put on "What do you do for me??" I want a better, flashier newletter/magazine, I want more discounts. I want more, more more, ad infinitum. In point of fact, membership in a national organization is how we can show the powers-that-be, the Congress, State and local lawmakers, that we are a political force in our own right. Instead, we engage in pointless debate over which is better, TNS or AANR, many times by folks who belong to neither. It does none of us any good to engage in attacking an organization committed to protecting and expanding our rights, be that organization either TNS or AANR. It REALLY doesn't help to suggest that the organization is a front for someone's criminal enterprise.

Walt Iliff

As an aside, Brian, I couldn't help myself. "Death Knell" refers to the sound made by the town bells which would ring to announce someone's demise.

[DougRN]

My campgrounds yearly membership fee, includes membership into the AANR. Only benefit I saw, was the monthly newsletter that gets sent out. But has the AANR membership benefitted me in any other way... I would say NO.


If it increases I would ask that my club seperate it from their fees.


Doug

[NakedGary]

Most busy and large clubs are 100% clubs. You have to be a member of AANR in order to become or stay a member at that club no matter what what the price of AANR annual dues.

If you want to leave AANR, you would have to leave a club or resort that had the 100% rule.

[Walt Iliff]

A few weeks ago, I posted this reply to a question about which candidate running for President would be more sympathetic to nudism and/or nudists. Whenever, we as individuals think only of "Gee, I pay this money and all I get is a lousy newsletter", think again and look at the big picture. Your AANR dues and your TNS dues pay for a lot more. When the camel (ie the government) gets his nose under YOUR tent, you will be wishing for the good old days when AANR and TNS were around to protect your rights.

"Several years ago our AANR Youth Camps were under attack from Mark Foley, the Congressman from Florida. He was friendly with our (at the time) Virginia Attorney General, Jerry Kilgore. To make a long story short, a bill was introduced (HB158) making it a requirement to get a special license to have a Youth Camp in Virginia, said license to be given if and only if ALL the campers had with them their parents, grandparents, or legal guardian(s). Needless to say, this bill was fought by TNS, NAC, AANR etc. I was in Richmond for the hearings and to lobby my delegate. Many of the delegates agreed with us that it was a terrible bill and that it put undue burdens on the parents of nudist children, and was very probably unconstitutional. The bill passed 99-1. It passed the Senate and was subsequently signed into law by then Governor Mark Warner (who, not because he signed it, but because he made light of the efforts citizens went through to fight against this bill, I would never vote for if he was running for county dogcatcher.)

Now, the reason the bill passed so easily is very simple. According to my local House Delegate, Jeff Frederick, we may have good logic and law on our side, but there are a lot more of "them" than there are of "us" ie in a political contest, textile vs nudist, textiles are going to win hands down. Jeff told me that whether or not he agreed with me, he wasn't going to commit the political equivalent of hari-kiri by voting against this bill. And so it went.

So, the answer to the question is that it doesn't matter a damn how any politician feels personally about this issue. What matters is that until nudists everywhere stop worrying so much about "What does AANR/TNS/etc, do for ME?" and just do something to join a national organization, we are going to remain a politically weak fringe group. While I am not actively involved with any of the AANR Government Affairs Committees, I am in relatively constant communication with my State Delegate and my Congressman about issues, whether nudist related or not. Then when I do have a nudist related issue to talk about, I'm listened to. Until we as a group learn that membership in AANR or TNS or both should not be just about getting a nice newsletter or magazine, or discounts at this club or that, but more about how we can bind ourselves together as a group of like minded citizens and get the attention of politicians, then and only then will who we vote for make a difference on this issue.

By the way, and for whatever it's worth, the delegate who voted no in the Virginia house did so because he felt the bill wasn't strong enough and wanted to ban ALL children from visiting nudist parks at ANY time. He put in a bill the next year seeking just that outcome. Thanks to AANR's $30,000 payment to a powerful lobbyist in Richmond, we were able to stop that bill from ever coming out of committee, but that is how fragile our "rights" are. Thank you to AANR members all over the country who paid their dues and protected White Tail Resort from what would have been a devastating law.

Please....if you care about nudism....join AANR or TNS or both. Stand up and be counted.



Walt Iliff

{As a further aside, let me reiterate that without the money from AANR to fight this bad legislation, a law may have gotten on the books which could be used as precedent for other states to ban children at nudist clubs and resorts, signaling an end to social family nudism as we know it. Think of that when you're complaining that all you get is a newsletter.)

[EricNY]

{As a further aside, let me reiterate that without the money from AANR to fight this bad legislation, a law may have gotten on the books which could be used as precedent for other states to ban children at nudist clubs and resorts, signaling an end to social family nudism as we know it. Think of that when you're complaining that all you get is a newsletter.)

I hear that loud and clear! And it is that reason my family supports both AANR and TNS and will continue to do so. We do need to stand up and be counted. If you are not a member than you are sending the loudest message. If you are not involved how can you help initiate change.

[tinhfwv]

I just joined AANR for the very reason Walt describes, and only for that reason. Not for newsletters or discounts, but to be counted and therefore to add weight to the efforts of those looking out for our rights. I think we all need to consider how important that is.

[oldbutgood]

Oh, my! We all need the AANR ... there is power in numbers. That's why I joined.

[Agde]

No matter what the AANR increase, just think of it in Euros, and it will have surely gotten cheaper! :) Even I have joined AANR (which reminds me I have to renew) just to add one more to the count and a little insurance for having an official American naturist voice in the world. Since I can't imagine life without naturist interludes, I figure I should budget at least as much to support "the cause" every year as I spend on other interludes, say, coffee breaks or movies. Given the cost of those things in Europe, it gives me some cushion to quietly support AANR and NAC. Besides, America is where naturism currently faces the most ...er... vibrant challenges and persisting opposition.

[Bryan and Jen]

I agree that we need to support AANR and TNS. Withouth them where would we be now and in the future. I also agree that both organizations should work more to encourage new memberships that would bring in more money. I like that the clubs make an effort to be 100% AANR clubs and I would like to see all the clubs do the same to embrace TNS membership also. Not all of them do. With the economy today there are a lot of people feeling the crunch of everday living costs going up. It is eaven more difficult for a large family. I am concerned that if there is a rate increase it can work against the organizations. Bottom line is that people are cutting back. With a more visable effort with more younger people wanting to do what they can to promote the lifestyle ( AANR Youth Ambassadors ) we should be able to encourage more people to join either organization. I support both AANR and TNS. I even display their banners and promote them on our website www.inthebuffstuff.com. One more thing, I agree also with the previous post saying that rather than complain about one or both oraganization, just shut up and join one. Both AANR and TNS do great things but each one focuses in different areas. I think we as memebrs should support both organizations working closer together for basically the same cause, to support, promote, and protect the wonderful lifestyle we all choose to live.

[Walt Iliff]

......... I am concerned that if there is a rate increase it can work against the organizations........

Ordinarily, I would tend to agree with you, however, the rate increase in question is the approximate equivalent of a Big Mac meal at McD's. I don't know about anyone else, but I would be willing to skip one meal a year at McDonalds to support AANR or TNS. In fact, my doctor would like me to skip McDonalds altogether.

Walt Iliff

[Bryan and Jen]

I myself do not think the increase is that big a deal. However there are some that will have a great problem with it. To me the money we pay for AANR and TNS is well worth it.

[Sanslines]

Even though the AANR Ballot results are not in yet, does anyone know if the rate increase is a done deal?

[rone]

I myself do not think the increase is that big a deal. However there are some that will have a great problem with it. To me the money we pay for AANR and TNS is well worth it.

I'm supporting AANR, TNS, and NAC. It's the best I can find to support my desired lifestyle.

Do your best.

[melissastarr]

To me, the obvious question hasn't been asked and answered: how much increase is this rate increase? Somehow, I doubt the increase is going to double the cost or anything like that. It's probably more like Walt said, just skipping a meal at McDonalds one time per year (which he accurately said most of our doctors would recommend anyway.) Is this really such a big sacrifice for an organization that fights so hard for our beaches to be there for us, for our clubs to be in existance, for our children to go to a wonderful camp where they can feel good about themselves/ their body while having fun with other nudists? I think not. Shoot, I'd pay a lot higher AANR fees to accomplish all that they accomplish. But I'm probably in the minority, I know, because I already get a lower price because I'm single, I have it pretty easy in life because I'm single and have no kids, and I have a good job and few expenses (I figured I'd say it before someone else pulled out the "but I have all of these things I have to pay for...." : I get it, I know that I'm in the minority.)

What's really interesting to me is that AANR costs SO LITTLE that they need to do fundraising to help the kids go to summer camp when the kids can't afford it themselves. Yes, you read that right. AANR can't just give them the money or let them go free because they just don't HAVE the money. So there are fundraisers all over the place for the kids. If AANR raised the fees a bit, maybe they could help the kids more so there'd be less need for fund raisers. From having been at the camp one year- and wanting to serve again in some capacity- I KNOW it's one of the most life-changing camps a kid can ever go to.

So, yes, let them raise the fees a bit. We'll survive.

Melissa

ps- Maybe we can start a thread somewhere, or maybe there already is one, on how to help with fundraising for a camp kid? I'm not really sure of all of my options and I'd like to help.

[Sanslines]

The Naturist Society (through the NAC) is the organization that primarily fights for and protects non AANR naturist places such as lakes, beaches, hot springs, etc. AANR primarily focuses upon protecting their clubs and resorts. Some concerns have been brought up in the AANR voting ballot, both pro and con, concerning the rate increase. One reason given for the rate increase is that there has not been a rate increase in 10 years and that, in and of itself is enough justification for a rate increase. One reason given against the rate increase is that just because a rate increase has not occured in 10 years is not enough of a justification for an increase.

Other concerns and issues have been raised but perhaps not fully heard. After soliciting informal information from several younger AANR members and potential members, the overall feeling is that there are other cost saving options that should be investigated and implimented before a rate increase takes effect. For example, costs can be reduced substantially by creating an option for not receiving the Bulletin. Several AANR member have stated that they do not read or need to receive the Bulletin. They don't see the point in receiving a trade publication that focuses upon 'non stop and exclusive positive spin'. Another major cost savings option is to solicit information from AANR members themselves as opposed to utilizing the very expensive services of outside marketing firms. There are some rather intelligent and experienced AANR members who would be happy to volunteer their expertise and this expertise would be as good as, if not better then, some expensive marketing firm.

From my limited informal research, it appears that most feel that a rate increase at this 'recessonary' time is not a good idea in that all prices are increasing, and younger members need to concentrate on making money to meet their expenses. Many do not have additional monies to spend and will cut back where they can. Even though this rate increase is just a small increase, any increase will be sufficient for more younger members (those under 50) to either quit or avoid joining AANR. In the end, a rate increase may actually enhance the 'graying' of AANR as only those who are retired and are well off enough to have time and money to afford AANR will remain with AANR.

[melissastarr]

Even if AANR raises the rates, young people can still be served. I know of 2 clubs (and I'm sure there are more, I've only been to 2 clubs and looked up 2 other clubs, making a total of 4 clubs that I really know about) who offer discounts to young people, who are either 18-35 or 18-40. That really helps. Perhaps other clubs could institute these measures.

Melissa

[usuallylurk]

{As a further aside, let me reiterate that without the money from AANR to fight this bad legislation, a law may have gotten on the books which could be used as precedent for other states to ban children at nudist clubs and resorts, signaling an end to social family nudism as we know it. Think of that when you're complaining that all you get is a newsletter.)

But lest we forget...

1) The concept of having a big media splash over a nudist youth camp -- we must lay that at the feet of AANR. The big media splash caused the backlash. Someone wasn't thinking about the potential backlash over the publicity, but only the publicity.

Now, remember -- these youth camps had taken place before; it's just that, we kept it internally. The nudist structure didn't publicize it outside of nudist communities. But this was a big story! The New York Times! Youth Camps! AANR! 300 resorts! WOW, we're stars! I honestly don't think that anyone thought that anything negative would come out of it ... but the splash was, probably ill-advised.

2) When the backlash occurred, instead of putting a slammer to the publicity, it appeared that many AANR folks were enjoying the public debate over the issue. Nudism was on the national news every night. AANR couldn't have bought all of that publicity for over a million bucks. Interviews on CNN. CNBC. O'Reilly. Every paper in the country. All those live shots, and we ended up looking like we were being picked on! PAYDIRT!

3) Of course, the next year -- it got a little more serious. And highly dangerous.

If someone had thought out things before step 1) above.... we would not have been in step 3).

I guess you might say it involved heroism -- but it's comparable to the kids sneaking cigarettes in the middle of a dry wheat-field. When they put out the conflagration, they're heroes.

BUT WHO STARTED THE FIRE IN THE FIRST PLACE?

[Walt Iliff]

Hi Folks,

Let me address both of these issues. First, I read somewhere, and I admit I need to check my facts, but I believe that a significant portion of the NAC budget comes from AANR. If I'm wrong about that, I'll come back and correct it.

Secondly, Lurk, I don't disagree with you completely. No one anticipated the negative backlash from the attempt to portray nudism as a family friendly activity and to show some really positive benefits from the Youth Camp experience. Unfortunately, the stories hit at the same time Congressman Foley was trying to dig himself out of the gay accusation quandary he found himself in and lashed out at what turned out to be a convenient target. The reaction generated by Mr. Foley, did indeed take the heat off of him, and now all Virginians can celebrate our uniqueness as the only state to have adopted a law promulgated by the jealous rantings of a gay pedophile.

Nonetheless, once the fire got started, looking for someone to blame takes a distant backseat to actually putting the fire out. My point stands that whoever was to blame, it was AANR who stepped up and extinguished the blaze, so to speak. Whatever the faults of the organization, they do good work and the people involved are dedicated and hard working. I'm proud to count myself as a member.

Walt Iliff

[Sanslines]

Walt,

I know very well that you can not address the issues that I brought up above here in this forum. I just hope that once elected you will be able to find some way to incorporate ideas from members that will lead to real cost savings. Too many members have good and practical ideas that are ignored in favor of outside organizations that charge far too much for what they provide.

[Walt Iliff]

What's really interesting to me is that AANR costs SO LITTLE that they need to do fundraising to help the kids go to summer camp when the kids can't afford it themselves. Yes, you read that right. AANR can't just give them the money or let them go free because they just don't HAVE the money. So there are fundraisers all over the place for the kids. If AANR raised the fees a bit, maybe they could help the kids more so there'd be less need for fund raisers. From having been at the camp one year- and wanting to serve again in some capacity- I KNOW it's one of the most life-changing camps a kid can ever go to.

ps- Maybe we can start a thread somewhere, or maybe there already is one, on how to help with fundraising for a camp kid? I'm not really sure of all of my options and I'd like to help.

The individual camps are a regional activity, so I'm not sure how the other regions fund their Youth Leadership Camps. I know that there are substantial dollars allocated in the AANR East budget for YLC expenses. But I have always believed that the young folks benefitting from camp should at least make an effort to raise the money themselves to the extent it is possible. I know that at White Tail Resort, NONE of the campers has ever had to pay a dime for camp. They have always held fund raisers throughout the year. This year and in past years they have done babysitting, face painting, lemonade sales, a Brunswick Stew sale on Halloween weekend, car and golf cart washing, golf cart decorating for the Memorial Day /July 4/Labor day parades, 50/50 raffles etc. So far this year, the kids have raised about $1,700 dollars and they're really proud of what they've accomplished so far. I think that that spirit should be encouraged all over, wherever possible. In some cases, there aren't enough kids to have a fund raiser at the club level, or there are kids whose parents are associate members and are not affiliated with any clubs.

Eric, the CFF moderator, on his other web site has been hosting fund raising activities along with his wife Kayla and have raised a significant sum in support of this summer's camp. We have been very active in building interest from AANR East youth in this years program and to date have 24 kids who have indicated that they will definitely attend. It would not surprise me if we have a record sized camp this year. These young folks are our future, and they (and their parents) appreciate the financial support of other nudists. If you're interested in how you can make a contribution, you can send a check to the AANR EAst office at:

AANR—Eastern Region, Inc.
Post Office Box 160
Pisgah, AL 35765-0160

Mark it attention: AANR East Youth Leadership Camp contribution

I thank you and more importantly, the kids thank you.

Walt Iliff

[boatsteve]

Nonetheless, once the fire got started, looking for someone to blame takes a distant backseat to actually putting the fire out. My point stands that whoever was to blame, it was AANR who stepped up and extinguished the blaze, so to speak. Whatever the faults of the organization, they do good work and the people involved are dedicated and hard working. I'm proud to count myself as a member.

Walt Iliff

I remember it quite differently. The event that turned this whole thing around was when nudists from many places met with Foley and defused the entire situation. One of those nudists were Richard Mason, who spoke with Erich Shattauf about attending that meeting and helping with expenses from the meeting and I believe for a lobbyist. According to Richard, Erich promised help both in person and monetarily and then just didn't show up or help with expenses.

That meeting resulted in Foley totally backing off and taking down the garbage from his website just hours later. This was the beginning of the end of the controversy except for in Texas and Virginia.

How do you figure AANR "extinguished the blaze"?

[Walt Iliff]

Hi Steve,

Well, not to let the facts get in the way of a good story, I was speaking metaphorically about the blaze started after the initial hoohaw died down, but if you want to revisit that period of time, many people don't realize that AANR did not attend that meeting because the issues had already been resolved in Tallahassee. AANR Florida's lobbyist had met with some key state elected officials and they in turn pointed out to then Governor Jeb Bush that:
1. No laws had been broken and the Youth Camps were absolutely legal activities.
2. There had never been any negative incidents at any of the Youth Camps
3. And most importantly, there were a significant number of nudists in AANR Florida (as well as other organizations) who skewed demographically as upper middle class, conservative Republicans, and they were getting pissed off.

Jeb Bush then made it clear to Foley to back the hell off. And one other thing, now that we're on the subject. The Youth Leadership Camps are an AANR sponsored activity. While the input of SFFB was appreciated, meeting with Foley at that time could have been extremely disruptive to some behind the scenes resolution of this problem.

However, if it makes you happy to accept the sequence of events you've been told, far be it from me to monkey with your version of history. Take care.

Walt Iliff

[usuallylurk]

Walt,

Regarding Foley, Jeb Bush, etc.

Who knows what back-room political deals are made down there?

And as far as your statement that NAC gets the majority of its money from AANR -- that is the first time I have **EVER** heard or read that. I will ask someone who knows. Later this month I will be meeting with some NAC members, and will let you know their response when I make my annual NAC contribution.

[Walt Iliff]

Lurk,

I was speaking earlier this evening to Bill Williamson, whom you may know or at least have heard of. Bill is a past president of AANR Midwest and has served on the AANR board of directors as the member trustee for AANR East for the past several years. To clarify the matter, it depends on the issue. Where NAC may get involved, oftentimes the expenses associated with that issue are divided among three entities. NAC, AANR, and the AANR region. Sometimes the expenses are shared 50/50 with NAC and AANR, and sometimes AANR, or NAC goes it alone. I was wrong about direct funding from AANR to NAC, it really is an issue to issue consideration. I hope this explanation clarifies how funding is allocated, but if you have other information, I would be interested in hearing it. By the way, and for whatever it may be worth, I never said a majority of NAC's funding, I said a significant portion. In any case, I always enjoy your posts. I may not always agree, but you do stand up to be counted and that's what is truly important. Take care.

Walt Iliff

[Walt Iliff]

The Naturist Society (through the NAC) is the organization that primarily fights for and protects non AANR naturist places such as lakes, beaches, hot springs, etc. AANR primarily focuses upon protecting their clubs and resorts. Some concerns have been brought up in the AANR voting ballot, both pro and con, concerning the rate increase. One reason given for the rate increase is that there has not been a rate increase in 10 years and that, in and of itself is enough justification for a rate increase. One reason given against the rate increase is that just because a rate increase has not occured in 10 years is not enough of a justification for an increase.

Other concerns and issues have been raised but perhaps not fully heard. After soliciting informal information from several younger AANR members and potential members, the overall feeling is that there are other cost saving options that should be investigated and implimented before a rate increase takes effect. For example, costs can be reduced substantially by creating an option for not receiving the Bulletin. Several AANR member have stated that they do not read or need to receive the Bulletin. They don't see the point in receiving a trade publication that focuses upon 'non stop and exclusive positive spin'. Another major cost savings option is to solicit information from AANR members themselves as opposed to utilizing the very expensive services of outside marketing firms. There are some rather intelligent and experienced AANR members who would be happy to volunteer their expertise and this expertise would be as good as, if not better then, some expensive marketing firm.

From my limited informal research, it appears that most feel that a rate increase at this 'recessonary' time is not a good idea in that all prices are increasing, and younger members need to concentrate on making money to meet their expenses. Many do not have additional monies to spend and will cut back where they can. Even though this rate increase is just a small increase, any increase will be sufficient for more younger members (those under 50) to either quit or avoid joining AANR. In the end, a rate increase may actually enhance the 'graying' of AANR as only those who are retired and are well off enough to have time and money to afford AANR will remain with AANR.

Hi Sanslines,

At the risk of minimizing some real concerns and points you've made, I really think that if the modest increase in AANR dues, the cost of a Big Mac Meal, or, nowadays, the cost of a gallon of diesel fuel, is sufficient to tip someone over financially, then those individuals or families have many more problems which I would be unprepared and/or unqualified to deal with.
However, insofar as the Bulletin is concerned, do you know how the ad rates are calculated based upon circulation? I don't, but it's possible that if individuals/families opt out of receiving the Bulletin, the net result COULD be a loss of income. I do know that when members were surveyed in the past few years, an astonishing percentage listed the Bulletin as one of the top three reasons they are members of AANR. Whatever the actual situation, I think you'd find that AANR would approach tinkering with Bulletin distribution with great fear and trepidation.
Your other point, using members to volunteer their services in lieu of YPB&R's professional PR services sounds great....except....who's going to step up and volunteer? I have been active in AANR/AANR East both at the board level and at the committee level for many years. Sanslines, there just AREN'T that many individuals rushing up to say, "Hey, what can I/we do to help?" And then, when you do have volunteers, they are just that....volunteers. There is no control over when, how, or even IF they will work. Are there volunteers that have the staff of a front line PR firm with access to USA Today, the NY Times, Time Magazine, etc. who can get articles about our industry published. The NAKATION program was a brain child of our PR firm and has been doing just great as far as educating the public about taking part in nudist activities.
But your concerns are very real, and in that spirit, I invite you to run next year for the AANR East board where you could provide some real input into the process. I think it's a shame that there are two openings on the board of directors and only two individuals running.....not unusual, but it does demonstrate that while there may be talented individuals in the AANR pool, they're not willing to step up to the plate and participate in the process. Sanslines, can we count on you next year?

Walt Iliff

[Sanslines]

Walt,

First I must say that I have asked questions and listened to a variety of members who have some great ideas BUT........they have told me that they have presented their ideas to AANR management and were ignored. There is a huge variety of ideas and opinions out there BUT has AANR turend to their membership and asked their members for their input concerning a variety of topics. I completely understand what you are saying about the $5 per person increase as being inconsequential compared to other things. Yet, when it comes to younger members, many will not think rationally. They would go out and easily spend $5 on a Starbucks and yet absolutely refuse to spend $5 on a membership increase. People can be funny in how they rationalize. However, we all can sit here and discuss how irrational this is but the bottom line is that we need to increase membership through whatever means possible. I will continue to contribute to AANR but you must know that my 'area of interest' tends to involve getting younger members involved in healthy aspects of nudism such as sports and activities. I am also heavily involved in art modeling and that, in and of itself, is a great challenge as it takes a great deal of effort to educate and inform people into changing their perspectives towards life art and art models.

[Walt Iliff]

I think we could go round and round on this issue and never come to a conclusion satisfactory to everyone. Suffice it to say, if you remember the story of the Little Red Hen, there are lots of people who have a lot of great ideas about how to run the railroad, but when it comes time to actually DO something, they are nowhere to be found. There was a line from "The West Wing" several years ago to the effect that "decisions are made by those who show up." There are so many Monday morning, armchair quarterbacks out there who may have some great ideas, but don't want to even TRY to do any of the work necessary to implement those ideas. In many cases, the ideas may have already been tried and haven't worked, but the person who thinks his idea is unique wouldn't know that because he's never actually gotten involved in the fullest sense of the word.

EVERYBODY is busy with their own lives. Some of the people who are busiest personally are those who are criticized for not listening (and acting upon) the amorphous rumble of contradictory opinions and suggestions from those who only want to offer up opinions and suggestions, but don't want to personally roll up their hopefully non-existent sleeves and actually participate in the process. If someone wants to be taken seriously, then to coin a phrase, actions speak louder than words. Everyone I've ever worked with in AANR or AANR East has way too much on their plate, but we try anyway. We hope that what we do is appreciated, but when it's not, there's not too much we can do about it.

Most of us are volunteers and we do the best that we can. If someone thinks that he or she could do it much better, the door is always open. Come and join us.

Walt Iliff