The Naturist Society

The Naturist Society [http://www.naturistsociety.com (TNS)] is a national naturist organization based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA. It publishes a quarterly periodical called "Nude & Natural" which documents and coordinates naturist activities and provides information about issues related to naturism. The Naturist Society was established by Lee Baxandall in 1980. Baxandall was the Society president for a number of years and still holds a revered position as founder. He formulated the initial TNS motto: "Body acceptance is the goal, nude recreation is the way." This statement incorporates the belief that the human body is not intrinsically offensive and that the practice of social nudity can be affirming, not degrading.

The TNS Naturist Network includes both private nudist resorts and naturist social clubs that agree to TNS principles and standards. The TNS-accepted nudist resorts are virtually identical to those chartered by the American Association for Nude Recreation, and the TNS membership card is usually accorded equal status with the AANR membership card at resorts.

In the 1990s TNS established two nonprofit adjunct organizations, governed by a board of directors elected by the TNS membership: The Naturist Action Committee [http://www.naturistaction.org (NAC)] , its political and legislative lobbying adjunct, and the Naturist Education Foundation [http://www.naturisteducation.org (NEF)]

TNS advocates for the acceptance of skinny-dipping and nude sunbathing at designed clothing-optional public beaches. A [http://www.naturisteducation.org/Projects/NEF-Roper_Poll_2006/nef-roper_poll_2006.html 2006 Roper Poll] commissioned by NEF showed that 74% of Americans accept this idea.

TNS' Green Naturally statement from its website further indicates the organization's orientation: "Naturism is about much more than clothing-optional recreation. It's a natural way of living. And recognizing our interdependency with Nature, we as naturists can affirm the goodness of being and appearing fully human while acknowledging our need to tread wisely and kindly on the Earth. To this end TNS wishes to cultivate a heightened respect for Nature."

TNS organizes several annual gatherings in various regions of North America, such as The Western Naturist Gathering and the Eastern Naturist Gathering (the largest such event, held in Massachusetts since 1997). The gatherings feature workshops and seminars on many topics, especially those that relate to body health and ongoing legal issues.

TNS also provides support for various Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for TNS members who wish to share hobbies or other interests with fellow naturists, such as the amateur radio SIG.

Criticism

:"See Criticism of the clothes free movement

ee also

*The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR)
*Clothes free movement
*Gymnophobia
*List of public outdoor clothes free places
*Public nudity
*Skinny dipping
*American Nudist Research Library

External links

* [http://www.naturist.com The Naturist Society Web Site]
* [http://www.inaro.com The Naturist Amateur Radio SIG]