NAC and NEF Boards Call for Candidates

The Naturist Action Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)4 political advocacy social welfare organization. NAC’s mission is to promote naturists and naturism, to increase opportunities for naturist activities, and protect the naturist opportunities that exist. Its efforts include lobbying, working with other naturist organizations, monitoring and affecting legislation and case law that affects naturists, and promoting naturism as a legitimate recreational activity and lifestyle. It advocates for positive legislation to allow for increased nude use of public lands and beaches and the decriminalization of non­sexual nudity. In addition to legislative advocacy, NAC provides guidance and support for court cases regarding issues involving first amendment rights, improper law enforcement, naturist business and family rights, and top­free rights of women.

While the missions of NAC and NEF are different, many of the activities overlap and the organizations often work together. Board members serve on both NAC and NEF boards as a dual role. They are elected for three­year terms, which are staggered so that 1/3 of the board positions are open each year. Anyone wishing to be considered to run for a seat on the NAC and NEF boards in the upcoming 2024 elections may submit their request and documentation at this time.

Candidacy Requirements:
►1. Be a legal resident of the U.S. or Canada.
►2. Not be an officer or board member of another national or large regional nudist organization.
►3. Be willing to attend the annual meetings of the NAC and NEF boards each year of his/her term, beginning in 2024/2025.
►4. Submit a signed statement requesting consideration as a candidate for the position of board membership on the NAC and NEF boards and stating that you certify that you meet all board requirements. The statement should include your full legal name, address, phone number, and email address. It should also include an explanation of your background, qualifications, credentials,
how much time you can dedicate, and why you should be on the boards. Outline your specific reasons for applying and what you feel you are “bringing to the table” in the form of relevant experience, expertise, education or background. Board members are needed who have time to dedicate, who are willing to write and promote the organizations at gatherings, who can fundraise
and contribute, and take leadership on projects. Include three references with names and contact info who can corroborate your qualifications and character.
►5. Submit a statement of no more than 500 words for possible publication.
►6. Submit all information to: NAC and NEF Board Candidacy, PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903, or candidates@naturistaction.org by the deadline date of October 1, 2024.

Successful candidates’ names, approximate addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses will be published on the NAC website, www.naturistaction.org and NEF website, www.naturisteducation.org, under the Board pages. Background checks will be performed and potential candidates’ qualifications will be evaluated by the elections committee as part of the vetting process prior to the elections by the Board.

If you’re not able to serve on the board, but are interested in helping out NAC and/or NEF in other ways, consider signing up as an Area Representative or Volunteer.

Depending on where you read your news, you might be led to believe that the Wisconsin anti nudity fight is over, but the war is far from over with continuing attempts to criminalize public nudity throughout the state. 

Yes, of the four introduced anti nudity bills, the two Senate bills went through committees and public hearings before being passed by the Senate. Then sent to the Assembly, they were being reviewed by the Rules Committee when the Assembly adjourned at the closure of the legislative session. Running out of time, the bills were neither defeated nor enacted. (For an excellent recap of the Wisconsin situation, please see Planet Nude’s article: “Wisconsin’s legislative halt brings a tentative victory for naturist rights”.) 

But meanwhile, coinciding with these legislative bills, the much less understood proposed Section 37 additions to Chapter NR 45 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code are still in the FINAL STAGES of approval. These rules being promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources have similar anti nudity language and impact any naturist use on ALL lands managed or controlled by the DNR. The targeted public lands include well known clothing optional Mazo Beach, previously used by around 70,000 visitors a year until closed by the DNR in 2016. The DNR’s intention is to keep the beach closed until their proposed anti nudity changes are approved. This move not only impacts Mazo Beach but also sets a restrictive precedent for naturist activities throughout Wisconsin. 

To clarify: Chapter NR 45, Wis. Adm. Code, governs the conduct of visitors to the lands and facilities owned, eased, or leased by the department, and SECTION 37 establishes a specific prohibition of going nude in public on department managed lands and defines nudity. The following proposed rule change (from PR­03­20) explains the intended renumbering and amending of NR 45.04 – 

SECTION 37. NR 45.04 (3) (am) 1. and 2. are created to read: NR 45.04 (3) (am) Nudity. 

►1. In this section, “nude” or “nudity” means being clothed or unclothed in such a manner that the person’s genitals, pubic hair, buttocks, perineum, anus, anal region, or pubic hair region of any person, or any portion of the breast at or below the upper edge of the areola thereof of any female person, is exposed to public view or is not covered by an opaque covering. 

►2. No person may appear, bathe, sunbathe, walk, or otherwise be nude on any lands under the management, supervision, or control of the department. This does not apply to breastfeeding by nursing parents and does not apply in any of the following areas not open to public view: restrooms, bath houses, showers, changing facilities, or privately­owned camping units. 

After a virtual hearing and final comment period in December (a big THANK YOU to all who commented) where 26 out of 27 public comments opposed the proposed section 37 nudity ban, the DNR still proceeded with these changes. Then came committee approval, as well as approvals from the Natural Resources Board and the Governor. The proposed rules are now being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and the Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The committees have various options regarding how to proceed, and the future path of the rules depends on what the committees decide. 

As the landscape continues to quickly evolve, our commitment to vigilance, advocacy, and solidarity remains essential. Whether you reside in­state or out of state, NAC needs your assistance in trying to prevent these rules from being finalized and enacted. Please call NAC at 920-415-2900 now to find out the best specific ways you can be part of attempting to stop this assault on naturist rights. 

There is still much to do in a very short period of time. For instance, at present NAC is specifically requesting any Wisconsin residents living in the following districts to contact NAC immediately at 920-415-2900. (Senate districts 2, 16, 22, 29, & 30 and Assembly districts 3, 23, 25, 29, 34, 35, 36, 54, 57, 59, 74, 79, 80, 87, & 92). 

For over 30 years, NAC has played a critical role in monitoring legislative activities and coordinating responses to threats against naturist freedoms. This is far from the first time that the DNR or other opposition has attempted to change State Statutes or Administrative Rules, be it by introducing anti nudity bills, attempting to sneak last minute additions into the state budget, etc. We encourage all who are committed to the cause to engage with us at NAC, offer your support, and be ready to mobilize swiftly to participate in public hearings or dialogues or in other ways that could shape the future of naturism in Wisconsin. 

Please stay Informed and Involved: If you have not already done so, sign up for free NAC alerts and newsletters to stay updated on this issue and be able to receive further guidance on opposing these restrictive rules. 

Spread the Word: Inform other naturists and supportive communities about these developments and encourage them to take action. 

Your Participation is Crucial: Your voice and action are vital in opposing these rule changes. The collective effort of the naturist community can make a significant impact in preserving our rights and freedoms. Let’s continue to unite and express our opposition to these restrictive measures.