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We recently had the opportunity to interview Kathy Watzel, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). Kathy has been a member of AANR since 1991, a Trustee since 2012, and formerly Chair of the Planning Committee. Kathy also served as President of the Mountain Air Ranch Board of Directors, and has a Masters Degree in English as a Second Language.
What are your responsibilities at AANR?
Kathy: As President of AANR it is my job to assure the organization is relevant and fiscally solvent. The President presides at the annual membership meeting and at all meetings of the Board of Trustees. It is my job to listen to the members, finding out what is important to them, while guiding AANR to assist in the development of more venues to enjoy nudism, and protecting members rights to practice nudism.
Why is AANR still important?
It is highly important to have an organization supporting the right to be nude where appropriate. AANR receives calls weekly requesting help from members and nonmembers. Without AANR the ability to be nude would become very restricted.
Tell us the what’s exciting at AANR right now?
Kathy: AANR has been fortunate to have Trustees and a Board of Directors who are guiding the organization into the future. With that in mind, a new membership database is being implemented. The system will allow members to join online as well as the ability to track their own information. The new system will allow better communications from the parent organization as well as the region, to the members. All this while keeping personal information hidden.
Another exciting new service for clubs and groups is the ability to have AANR office create pamphlets for events. The office can create a pamphlet specific to an event sending the finished work to the club/group, for printing.
How is AANR different today than in years past?
Kathy: AANR has always promoted the right to be nude and supported its members, even though there is a segment of the population who believes nudity is unacceptable. AANR has made great strides in normalizing the practice of nudity. In the past, membership to AANR was a secret that might be shared with few. Through AANR’s efforts, more and more nudist are sharing their clothes-free life style with others.
Local, state, and federal officials, in greater numbers, know what our organization is and the family values AANR represent. AANR is working along side government officials, helping to writing regulations and laws that will not create unintended consequences for nudists or nudist clubs.
How can people get involved?
Kathy: The simplest way to get involved is to be a member of AANR. When you are a member, you support AANR and all it does to protect our rights as nudists. A large membership base gives AANR the ability to demonstrate to officials that nudism is a normal practice. Nudists vote and they are consumers.
Next, the most valuable asset you have is talking to others about being a nudist. By sharing you are a nudist with family and friends you normalize who a nudist is. You might be surprised and find someone else you know is also a nudist!
Two other ways people can be involved are by donating to Government Affairs Fund and/or the AANR Scholarship Fund. The Government Affairs Fund is used to support individuals, issues, clubs, and beaches when their rights to be nude have been challenged. While the Scholarship Fund is awarded to nudist individuals who are working towards advancing their education.
President Kathy W: Although I never been a nudist, I have lots of respect for the belief and passion you all have . I’m impressed with you for being involved and a Leader for all. Wishing everyone Good Health, and Happiness for many years to come.
Kathy Watzel,
If you are not already aware, nudism is illegal in Arkansas, even in the privacy of your own home. In fact, it is a crime just to “advocate” or “promote” nudism. You can be fined $2500 and spend a year in jail just for expressing a favorable opinion about nudism.
Arkansas statute 5-68-204 was passed in 1957. In the last 60+ years, what has AANR done to address this particular law? Going forward, what *specific*, *measurable* goals does AANR intend to reach on the path to repealing this law?
AANR’s mission statement is “to advocate nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings while educating and informing society of their value and enjoyment.” It is literally a crime to fulfill that mission statement in Arkansas, but it’s abundantly clear this law violates free speech and our right “peaceably to assemble”. If you’re wearing a shirt, are you ready to roll your sleeves up and tackle this? Let’s get ‘er done!
Sincerely,
Lifetime AANR Member, Military Retiree, & Founder of UnconstitutionalArkansas.org
As life long nudists we have very much appreciated the efforts and strides that you and the AANR have made. You have strengthened our pride as nudists.
Jan&Gary
I like to believe I’ve been a life long nudist. When I was a kid, my parents got a kick out of me sleeping naked on top of the covers in warm Las Vegas summers. The first time my parents left me home alone, the first thing I wanted to do was go outside and feel the sun on my naked body and run around in the backyard enjoy the freedom without clothes. When I was a teenager left home alone when my parents went on vacation, I invited my friends to come over hoping maybe we can all just run around my house naked. Everybody thought this is a little strange.
The first time I was on the Internet they were hooking up the computers in my office and I was told that the way I communicate through the computer is on the Internet. This fantasize me. I heard you can ask anything on the Internet. The very first thing I did on the Internet was ask how to find other Nudists. About 25 years ago I saw a ad for a chili cook off that was clothing optional at a place I never heard of in California. I had to check it out. I called first to see if it’s OK for me to bring my two boys and they informed me that they had a big playground area for kids. I thought this was very interesting and I had to see what it was all about. My boys and I were hooked the first visit, we drove up there every weekend taking a 3 hour drive to California from Las Vega, we did that for two years.
I finally found a group in Las Vegas that like to get together and hang out naked and play water volleyball with “pot luck” parties. I knew right then and there I had to do something for the Las Vegas Naturists so I converted my horse ranch and to Nudist Club, Las Vegas Naturists and been having get-together events for 15 years now.
Beautiful express your freedom enjoy nudism. The body is beautiful. Be proud of your body. Enjoy all. Thank you.