TNS or AANR?

[ricky bobby]

Which national nudist organization should I join, The Naturist Society or AANR?

I have been a member of the Naturist Society in the past. The Naturist Society is the newer organization, while AANR is older and seems more conservative.

I'm already a CFI member.

[ricky bobby]

Which national nudist organization should I join, The Naturist Society or AANR?

I have been a member of the Naturist Society in the past. The Naturist Society is the newer organization, while AANR is older and seems more conservative.

I'm already a CFI member.

[nacktman]

g1212, join TNS they do more to promote nudism and educate people, even help with legal matters.

ASA (I'll never get used to AANR) is only interested in promoting itself and the clubs it deems to be ok.

There is the third option of joing INF - International Naturists Federation which will ease your acceptance into any club around the world should your future plans envolve travel abroad.

[FireProf]

I couldn't decide either so.............we joined both! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[PascoDoug]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by g1212:
Which national nudist organization should I join, The Naturist Society or AANR?
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well you actually don't HAVE to join either of them to be a nudist/naturist. But if you must choose between the two, I am partial to TNS myself.

Btw, are you planning to join a resort? If you join just about any resort in the U.S. AANR membership is automatically added to or included in the club's membership fee, whether you want it or not. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/confused.gif

[stephen russell]

Join TNS, NOT AANR.
Use CFI services too.
Have FUN

[Mosquito_Bait]

My understanding is that TNS was started because of dissatisfaction with the level of support that AANR offered to groups attempting to establish nude beaches. AANR is now becoming more active in that area. AANR is run by officers that are elected by the membership. The members wanted the organization to support the establishment of nude beaches and the organization eventually responded. The organization seems to be undergoing a similar evolution with regard to the issues of accepting single men and gays.

AANR membership includes membership in the International Naturist Federation. As far as I can tell, this membership carries no tangible benefits, not even a newsletter.

The Naturist Society's magazine, "N", is much more readable than the AANR's publication, "The Bulletin". It's disappointing that TNS seems to have abandoned it's "World Guide", which hasn't been updated in many years.

CFI/INA features the best website although it still suffers from its early "pay-to-see-naked-pictures" image.

[Mosquito_Bait]

Another organization that is worthy of support is the American Nudist Research Library < http://www.anrl.org/index.html >. There seems to be a great deal of interest on this forum in the history of nudism. ANRL is the one organization that is working to archive this history.

[NakedGary]

Being that the ANRL library is located on the grounds of "Cypress Cove Nudist Resort" is it a requirement to pay day fees, and be a card carrying nudist to visit this library?

What if someone is not a nudist, but want's to do reasearch or look for an article on nudism in this clothing optional facility?

.

[Mosquito_Bait]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NakedGary:
Being that the ANRL library is located on the grounds of "Cypress Cove Nudist Resort" is it a requirement to pay day fees, and be a card carrying nudist to visit this library?

What if someone is not a nudist, but want's to do reasearch or look for an article on nudism in this clothing optional facility?

. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You have asked some very good questions. The best source for answers would be ANRL < http://www.anrl.org/html/contact.html > and/or Cypress Cove < http://www.cypresscoveresort.com/HTML/ContactUs.htm >. The following are the answers to the best of my knowledge:

1. I do not know whether Cypress Cove would be willing to waive the grounds fees if one promised to visit only the library and not to use any of the other facilities. I do know that Cypress Cove offers a free first visit coupon on their website.

2. According to the Cypress Cove website, there is no requirement to be a member of a nudist organization to visit if one is female or part of a married couple. Single males are welcome to visit provided that they have a "formal nudist background", which can be demonstrated via a membership card from a nudist organization (AANR or TNS) or a receipt from another nudist resort. (Yes, it is a double standard but the Cypress Cove management probably feels compelled to create a minimal hurdle for single males in order to screen out voyeurs.)

3. The only areas of Cypress Cove where nudity is obligatory are around the pools and spa. The one time that I visited the ANRL building, the volunteer librarian was wearing just a T-shirt and was talking to a gentleman who was fully dressed. I was nude and didn't stay too long as the building is air-conditioned to a rather low temperature in order to help preserve the documents.

[usuallylurk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mosquito_Bait:
My understanding is that TNS was started because of dissatisfaction with the level of support that AANR offered to groups attempting to establish nude beaches. AANR is now becoming more active in that area. AANR is run by officers that are elected by the membership. The members wanted the organization to support the establishment of nude beaches and the organization eventually responded. The organization seems to be undergoing a similar evolution with regard to the issues of accepting single men and gays.

AANR membership includes membership in the International Naturist Federation. As far as I can tell, this membership carries no tangible benefits, not even a newsletter.

The Naturist Society's magazine, "N", is much more readable than the AANR's publication, "The Bulletin". It's disappointing that TNS seems to have abandoned it's "World Guide", which hasn't been updated in many years.

CFI/INA features the best website although it still suffers from its early "pay-to-see-naked-pictures" image. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

TNS was started with a primary objective of promoting nude and clothing-optional recreation on public lands. There was an obvious secondary, unstated objective = bust down the doors of resorts, and open them up to singles.

In the first objective, success has been achieved to some degree -- at least to the point of KEEPING existing sites open.

The second one has succeeded - no, all parks aren't open to all people. But compare the situation to that of 1980, when TNS started, and you'd notice the difference.

INF membership = this can be VERY important if you're traveling overseas. It is almost MANDATORY if you're a single male and intend to visit resorts in Europe.

[Al Bundy]

I am glad you started this thread as I have been contemplating joining one of the organizations but did not know which one to go with. After reading your comments I am leaning towards TNS. They are based in the midwest where I reside and their correspondence is identified with the letter "N" instead of the organization name. Is TNS as widely accepted as AANR?

[nacktman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Is TNS as widely accepted as AANR? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wider!

Clubs in Europe and South America do not recognize AANR membership, but do equate TNS membership with membership in INF.

[Naturist4Ever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">lubs in Europe and South America do not recognize AANR membership, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Are you sure? AANR = INF member, so it should definitively recognise the membership card!?

[NakedGary]

Link to AANR Membership Benifits (http://www.aanr.com/members.html)

The above link to AANR benifit tab say's AANR equals a free membership in INF as other posters have mentioned.

Direct Quote [Copy & Paste from AANR Member Benifits page:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">You get automatic FREE membership in the International Naturist Federation (INF). AANR participates in this “United Nations” of nudists representing over 60 member countries. Your AANR membership card serves as your introduction when you visit nudist areas in those countries and qualifies you for discounts.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Clubs in Europe and South America do not recognize AANR membership, but do equate TNS membership with membership in INF. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


That is not correct. AANR members are automatically INF members. AANR is the member organization of INF for the US. Many European resorts may accept TNS membership - but it is not equivalent to INF membership.

-Mark

[Jason Lee]

AANR membership 20% saving off regular visitor fees in nearly 270 AANR clubs and resorts in USA, Canada, Mexico, and beyond.

Member Benefits www.naturistsociety.com/BenefitsPage.html (http://www.naturistsociety.com/BenefitsPage.html)

[ricky bobby]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Al Bundy:
I am glad you started this thread as I have been contemplating joining one of the organizations but did not know which one to go with. After reading your comments I am leaning towards TNS. They are based in the midwest where I reside and their correspondence is identified with the letter "N" instead of the organization name. Is TNS as widely accepted as AANR? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your welcome. TNS is widely accepted.

http://www.naturistsociety.com/

[Mosquito_Bait]

My wife and I have been to two resorts outside the United States, Vritomartis in Greece and Club Orient on St. Martin. Neither resort expressed any interest in seeing a membership card for AANR or INF. Perhaps this would be different for a single male; however, I don't see mention of any such membership requirement on the websites for the two resorts.

[Walt Iliff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mosquito_Bait:
My wife and I have been to two resorts outside the United States, Vritomartis in Greece and Club Orient on St. Martin. Neither resort expressed any interest in seeing a membership card for AANR or INF. Perhaps this would be different for a single male; however, I don't see mention of any such membership requirement on the websites for the two resorts. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I believe the card they are looking for is labeled "American Express" LOL

Walt Iliff

[tinner666]

Either way, you can get your money back in savings if you aren't a paid member of any specific resort. Most resorts offer some discount on daily fees to visitors if they are a member of either. I believe you can get other savings on rental cars, ect, from other sponsor businesses. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Florida Cracker]

In reply to a couple of questions. Anyone can visit the ANRL library on the grounds of Cypress Cove, even if not a nudist, for research purposes without paying the ground fees. A staff member meets the person at the front gate and escorts them to and from the library. There are sometimes non-nudists there doing research when I am there.

Also, paying membership in AANR often results in a 20 percent discount on ground fees at member resorts and clubs. So the membership soon pays for itself. If you join the club, the AANR membership is "built in" to the club membership at some clubs. In other words, you pay for AANR membership as part of the club membership.

Joining either organization is often required to be admitted to many clubs as a single male.

I highly recommend joining one or the other nudist organization. We need to stay abreast of the issues and concerns in the lifestyle and get involved whenever possible.

Stay nude and have fun!
Florida Cracker

[Walt Iliff]

Actually, notwithstanding one poster's fervent antipathy to AANR, belonging to either organization is important if for no other reason than it gives our lawmakers some inkling about how many of us there truly are. For the most part, TNS seems to serve primarily the beach/public land segment of the market with a strong grass roots emphasis politically. AANR on the other hand has traditionally been more landed and travel club oriented with it's political emphasis more on the governmental affairs and lobbying efforts. Both are important and if you can afford it, contribute to both. But what's most important is to always keep in mind the admonition of Ben Franklin, ie "We must all hang together, or surely we will hang separately." Sniping at either organization does not do anything to advance our cause. If AANR isn't your cup of tea, for whatever reason, join TNS. Or the other way around, but please, stand up and be counted.

Walt Iliff

[Sanslines]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Walt Iliff:
Actually, notwithstanding one poster's fervent antipathy to AANR, belonging to either organization is important if for no other reason than it gives our lawmakers some inkling about how many of us there truly are. For the most part, TNS seems to serve primarily the beach/public land segment of the market with a strong grass roots emphasis politically. AANR on the other hand has traditionally been more landed and travel club oriented with it's political emphasis more on the governmental affairs and lobbying efforts. Both are important and if you can afford it, contribute to both. But what's most important is to always keep in mind the admonition of Ben Franklin, ie "We must all hang together, or surely we will hang separately." Sniping at either organization does not do anything to advance our cause. If AANR isn't your cup of tea, for whatever reason, join TNS. Or the other way around, but please, stand up and be counted.

Walt Iliff </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I also recommend working within AANR and your home club to advance positive changes within the organization such as promoting activities that will encourage and attract younger members to join.

[Walt Iliff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sanslines:


I also recommend working within AANR and your home club to advance positive changes within the organization such as promoting activities that will encourage and attract younger members to join. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

AMEN!!!

[tinner666]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sanslines:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Walt Iliff:
Actually, notwithstanding one poster's fervent antipathy to AANR, belonging to either organization is important if for no other reason than it gives our lawmakers some inkling about how many of us there truly are. For the most part, TNS seems to serve primarily the beach/public land segment of the market with a strong grass roots emphasis politically. AANR on the other hand has traditionally been more landed and travel club oriented with it's political emphasis more on the governmental affairs and lobbying efforts. Both are important and if you can afford it, contribute to both. But what's most important is to always keep in mind the admonition of Ben Franklin, ie "We must all hang together, or surely we will hang separately." Sniping at either organization does not do anything to advance our cause. If AANR isn't your cup of tea, for whatever reason, join TNS. Or the other way around, but please, stand up and be counted.

Walt Iliff </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I also recommend working within AANR and your home club to advance positive changes within the organization such as promoting activities that will encourage and attract younger members to join. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I second that!!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif Amen! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[ricky bobby]

I just joined the Naturist Society via CFI. Now I'm a card carrying Naturist!!!!!!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/cool4.gif