Gen. Franks in the “Ranks” of Esteemed Skinny-Dippers
Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director
Washington, D.C. Trip Strong Success
Throughout this week, a number of AANR volunteers joined me in the nation’s capitol to celebrate the American Recreation Coalition’s Great Outdoors Week, make visits to Congress, and strategically planning in government affairs.
Remember the incident several months ago involving the Federal Communications Commission’s levying a 1.4 million dollar fine against ABC television over the airing of a woman’s buttocks as she prepares to shower during an episode of NYPD Blue and AANR’s promise to help do something about it?
House Bill 3539 by Rep. Pickering was among the first pieces of legislation that your team discussed with lawmakers. HB 3539 would empower the FCC to levy fines in future cases over a single objectionable image or word, rather than requiring a sequence, as is at least the case now.
We’re delighted to report from feedback that the bill drew condemnation from virtually every office we talked with.and that included a lot of offices.
Between 30 and 40 scheduled appointments between lawmakers and/or senior staff took place. Another 200 “drop in” visits in which an envelope of material, as well as a brief discussion with staff, took place. When one considers that there are only 535 members of Congress (100 senators and 435 representatives), nearly half the U.S. Congress received one or more visits from an AANR member. WOW!!!
Another bill which, if passed, empowers private citizens to bring civil lawsuits against anyone who produces material deemed “harmful to minors” if they claim their child was somehow harmed by viewing such harmful material made our list of topics. It has the potential to bankrupt anyone who produces a publication to which another objects. Fortunately, we also received multiple assurances that Congress has much more pressing matters and more than a few lawmakers and staff took umbrage with this intrusion on personal liberty.
In addition to the legislative side of government, AANR conducted meetings with several agency officials. And the AANR contingent attended Great Outdoors events where even more contacts with agencies took place.
Member dues and the support of our clubs make it possible to petition government in such powerful ways. A complete story about the things accomplished during the week will appear in your August issue of The Bulletin.
Gen. Franks among the “Ranks” of Esteemed Skinny-Dippers.
Retired U.S. Army General Tommy Franks can be counted among the 54 million plus Americans who have been skinny-dipping. In fact, his experiences were among the most memorable in his life.
Franks, who served as the General of the Army in charge of the Iraq and Afghanistan theater of operations for many months, recently gave a speech to students of Oklahoma Christian University on the price of freedom. According to published reports, Frank’s speech included his personal account of learning about the World Trade Center and other September 11 attacks during a fuel stop on a military flight abroad:
Franks was told to turn on the television and he watched as the second hijacked airliner hit the tower. He shared some of his thoughts at the time.
“I thought about southwest Oklahoma, I thought about running up and down those creek beds when I was a kid,” Franks said. “I thought about going skinny-dipping and getting caught.”
Read all about it here:
http://www.edmondsun.com/homepage/local_story_155123446.html?keyword=leadpic
turestory
Go Green (and Naked) Television Advertisement Turning Heads
Many of you have contacted our office over the past couple of weeks to let us know about humorous, upbeat commercials you have seen for Planet Green television in which a couple of the subjects appear naked. For those who may not have seen the spot, it features a woman naked in line at the bank talking to another, clothed, patron about the benefit for the environment that could result from people wearing fewer clothes and not turning down their air conditioning so much. For validation of her point, she motions to a bank security guard who wears nothing more than his gun belt.
Thanks for keeping us apprised of what you see and hear. You can catch the commercial online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDLHZ7Y7fU0
Linda Berry, Director of Publications
The Bulletin
The July issue went to the printer today.
Cyber-Bulletin
Read about the actress who has no problem with nudity in the recent edition of the Cyber-Bulletin at: http://www.aanr.com/cyber_bulletin.html
Clip Art Is Working
We had some problems with the clip art on the AANR Web site this week, but it’s now working again.
Carolyn Hawkins, Public Relations Coordinator
Positive Publicity
The link below does not mention AANR, but it is an interesting perception of
nudists.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-whitley1208jun12,0,7633231.column
AANR Marketing Consultant Program
Pat Brown, AANR Brand Management
The AANR Marketing Consultant Program matches professional marketing specialist volunteers from within the organization with clubs to help clubs reach their marketing goals and increase membership.
The Marketing Consultant program has enjoyed some outstanding successes. We have trained eight additional marketing consultants who are ready to help your club reach the goals that you set. I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, level of experience and knowledge of our AANR volunteers and I believe you will be also.
If your club is one of those who held off or weren’t sure about applying for the program, you have no reason to delay, We have ample consultants with great skill ready to help you, Just contact Carolyn Hawkins at the AANR office for an application. Each club is unique and AANR has no master plan for clubs. Your consultant will work with your specific needs, talents, geographical area, and resources. You are unique; shouldn’t your consultant recognize that?
Support the 2008 Government Affairs Auction
For several years, AANR has sponsored a silent auction during the AANR convention. Last year, a live auction was added showcasing the high-end auction packages such as a Bare Necessities Cruise. Both auctions allow for more participation both from donors and buyers at every level.
The most popular items have been:
* Weekend and extended stays at various resorts
* Club signature towels
* Baskets – Romantic, pampering, kids (Just use your imagination)
* Crafts – Candles, jewelry, paintings, and other arts
* Clothes – Yes, nudist love those fine wares from your boutiques
Are you interested in donating?
If you have new items that you wish to donate to the auction, please complete the donation form at the end of this report and send your donation to one of the addresses below by August 1, 2008, so that auction volunteers have time to prepare items for display.
U. S. Mail:
David Graber, Silent Auction chair
Turtle Lake Resort 2101 Nine Mile Rd.
POB 186
Union City, MI 49094
For more information or if you have a question, please contact me at 800/879-6833, ext. 226 or pubaffairs@aanr.com or David Graber at Davewgraber@yahoo.com.
All proceeds from the auction go to AANR legal defense fund. Thank you for our support of this worthy cause!
Nude Recreation Week Tattoos
Nude Recreation Week is just around the corner, July 7 – 12. If you are planning an activity be sure to let me know so we can share your information. This year we will not be having a Nude Recreation Week button, but will offer temporary tattoos instead. If you are interested in the tattoos please let me know. You can e-mail me at pubaffairs@aanr.com .
Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs
Washington, D.C. – Thank You for Supporting AANR !
Reported by Alonzo Stevens
Great Outdoors Week in Washington, D.C. was a huge success. It was an honor and learning experience to have Mr. B facilitate the Leadership Forum. The team was lead through a process that challenged our traditional thinking while forming consensus. The forum presented an open environment where each team member was able to contribute towards developing a plan for 2009. We are excited about compiling the results, sharing our plans, and presenting new projects at the AANR Convention.
The Washington, D.C. team made a strong presence by visiting over 200 legislative offices, attending several American Recreation Coalition (ARC) events, and meetings with key governmental agencies. Several new Government Affairs Team (GAT) volunteers joined us on Capitol Hill and are now equipped to share their experience with others in their prospective states and regions. This could not have been achieved without the perseverance of the following individuals:
* Mr. B, Leadership Facilitator
* Alonzo Stevens, AANR GA Chair
* Erich Schuttauf, AANR Executive Director (Florida)
* John Hunter, AANR FGAT (Washington, D.C.)
* Audrey Weber, East Chair
* Dave Graber, Midwest Chair
* Steve Hubbard, Northwest GA Chair
* Shirley Gauthier, Public Lands Liaison (Northwest)
* Debra Sue Stevens, West Chair
* Ray Simpson, Maryland State Coordinator
* John Andersen, Virginia State Coordinator
* Don Murphy, Maryland Lobbyist
The team has returned home but the work continues. Several team members are attending the 12th Annual Cape Cod Beach Cleanup this Saturday, June 14. Bill Falconer, Sunchasers Travel Club, reports that, “Over 80 volunteers have pre-registered so far. If the weather holds and gas doesn’t get any crazier, we could have a fine cleanup.” And Bill always adds “Think Sun!” Stay tuned!
AANR GAT Auction Donations
Are you interested in donating? If you have new items that you wish to donate to the auction, please contact Carolyn Hawkins in the AANR office or David Graber at Davewgraber@yahoo.com.