to the group...a request for advice for a beginner like me

[numbr1sun]

Hi,

I am new to naturism...As such, I am unfamiliar on where and how to begin. I live in Arkansas so proximity to nude recreation events is a concern too. I am needing help in finding the right group that fits my interests and personality. I would like to find a group or place to help me with the awkwardness of being nude for the first time in a crowd. I am also looking to interact with gay, lesbian, bisexual group for non-sexual, nudist activities. I am in my mid 30s and would like to find a group of a variety of ages and groups fairly close to my age (younger or older). I am also a buddhist and thus I am interested in some nude meditation gatherings, or tai chi, yoga, etc. And, lastly, I would appreciate anyone giving me advice on how to start a nudist/naturist group in my area....specifically leaning to a buddhist meditation group but open to other group themes too.

Thank you for your feedback and your presence on the web. You may also email me directly at numbr1sun@yahoo.com.

Numbr1sun

[numbr1sun]

Hi,

I am new to naturism...As such, I am unfamiliar on where and how to begin. I live in Arkansas so proximity to nude recreation events is a concern too. I am needing help in finding the right group that fits my interests and personality. I would like to find a group or place to help me with the awkwardness of being nude for the first time in a crowd. I am also looking to interact with gay, lesbian, bisexual group for non-sexual, nudist activities. I am in my mid 30s and would like to find a group of a variety of ages and groups fairly close to my age (younger or older). I am also a buddhist and thus I am interested in some nude meditation gatherings, or tai chi, yoga, etc. And, lastly, I would appreciate anyone giving me advice on how to start a nudist/naturist group in my area....specifically leaning to a buddhist meditation group but open to other group themes too.

Thank you for your feedback and your presence on the web. You may also email me directly at numbr1sun@yahoo.com.

Numbr1sun

[nudenwv]

try searching through yahoo groups. there are many and i'm sure you can find one to suit you. welcome and enjoy the forum. i'm sure others will help. great group here.

[Bob S.]

First you'll have to move. Or at least find an out-of-state group. Arkansas has the most restrictive (and patently unconstitutional) laws regarding nudism--it's illegal.

Of course if you want to be the test case for overturning this illegal law, let me know (as well as NAC, ACLU, AANR, and INA) I will contribute to the legal defense fund and the orgs mentioned above will gladly contribute (probably pro bono) legal services.

Good luck.

Bob S.

[CharlieMike]

I used to live in Arkansas. I did not notice any less nudity while boating on the big lakes than in Kentucky or Tennessee. However, none of them seem to match Lake of the Ozarks or the lakes around Atlanta.

When did Arkansas pass such a restrictive law?

Mic

[Bob S.]

I'm not sure when it was passed. It was well before 2001.

The NAC's Arkansas laws page (http://www.nac.oshkosh.net/StatesFrames/Legislation_Summary_Frames/Arkansas_Summary/arkansas_summary.html) has the law as written:

§ 5-68-204. Nudism

(a) The term "nudism" as used in this section is defined to be the act or acts of a person or persons congregating or gathering with his, her, or their private parts exposed in the presence of one (1) or more persons of the opposite sex as a form of social practice.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the enumerated acts when:

(1) The purpose of the person committing the act or acts is to render medical or surgical treatment, or to determine the need for medical or surgical treatment, or to cleanse such sexual part, and the person committing such act is a licensed physician, as defined by §17-80-101, or any such physician of a sister state making a professional call into Arkansas, or the person committing any such act did so under the professional direction of any such physician, or the person committing any such act is a nurse duly registered or licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nurse Examiners; or

(2) When the persons are married legally one to another.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person, club, camp, corporation, partnership, association, or organization to advocate, demonstrate, or promote nudism, or for any person to rent, lease, or otherwise permit his land, premises, or buildings to be used for the purpose of advocating, demonstrating, or promoting nudism

(d) Any person, club, camp, corporation, partnership, association, or organization violating any of the provisions of § 5-68-204 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment for each offense.

This law effectively outlaws mere advocating of nudism and the only opposite sex adult one can be naked around is the spouse. When the kids turn 18, they are legally off the list for skinny-dipping parnters from their parents and each other.

But as I said, this violates virtually the entire first Amendment and is technically unenforceable (at least without an easy court case to prove the law is anti-American.

Bob S.

[Jason Lee]

numbr1sun

1. Arkansas Hot Springs - http://www.hotspringsenthusiast.com/AR.htm (discreet nudity)

2. Travel to either Missouri or Oklahoma or Texas and visit a nudist camp/club/resort.