Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director
AANR Helping Members

This week our office received requests for guidance and assistance with legal matters involving members in Florida and Louisiana. Both cases involved nude photography. In addition to providing basic information, we have begun working with their respective attorneys also.

And now for something a bit light hearted.

Over the past several months we have provided links to various newspaper stories, comics, and advertisements which all point to the fact that nude recreation has become much more mainstream. Last night at approximately 9:00 my wife Georgie noticed a new commercial for Red Bull energy drinks which is set on a nude beach.

We were unable to find the English language version on You Tube yet, although there is an identical copy but for a few words uttered in Polish. (The gist of the dialog is that a young woman offers a young man a Red Bull drink and he graciously accepts.)

Like previous commercials in the Red Bull series, the ad consists of tasteful hand-drawn pen-and-ink cartoons. The ending is, perhaps, a bit risqué, but much of the messaging is quite positive. right down to the fact that the story takes place on a very family-oriented nude beach with tots building sandcastles and chasing beach balls with tactfully placed poses.

You can see a copy of the commercial by clicking here:

Red Bull on YouTube

And yes, before you ask, Carolyn Hawkins is already at work gauging Red Bull’s interest in being a 2009 AANR Convention sponsor!

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

Offer You Can’t Refuse

In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to advertise. People only have so much money, and you want that money to be spent at your club or business. Please contact Martha Young at bulletinads {at} aanr.com for an offer you can’t refuse.

CAROLYN HAWKINS, PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

The cruise was great and several members stopped by the booth to say hello, register for the drawings and pick up the free gift. I also sold a few memberships for Bare Necessities.

Positive Media

Sun Meadow – Pacific Northwest Inlander Newspaper had an insert entitled “130 Things to Do After Dark” in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. #46 talks about Sun Meadow. Check it out here

Hear an interview with Susan Weaver on ShapeShifting.com here

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

GAT Update from Alonzo Stevens, GA Clair

Looking at the Legislative Tracking numbers, bills being filed and introduced have decreased this week which is not unusual this time of year. Also, the number of bills AANR is tracking has declined due to bills that have died in committee or failed. At the last GAT Chat on the second Tuesday in February, it was refreshing to hear that committee members feel confident because of their StateNet training to track bills within their perspective regions which adds to the effectiveness of this important program of legislative tracking. Also, AANR members and clubs have been contributing significantly in sharing local concerns and news articles regarding legislation in their states. Thank you to all of the GAT members, clubs, and members who have clearly heard and are responding to my monthly message “I work for you and your voice counts!”

AANR’S Assateague Island Spring Cleanup – April 18th

“On the MARYLAND Side”

Advance registration is now open for volunteers to help at the AANR’s Assateague State Park BEACH CLEAN-UP on Saturday, April 18. Show how much we care about this wonderful beach area. This is a CLOTHING REQUIRED event. American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) members will meet at the
ranger station at 8 a.m. which is located across the parking lot from the bathhouse in the state park. Directions: Cross the bridge onto the Island. Continue to the parking lot on the right at the end of the road. Volunteers gather promptly at 8 a.m.

To sign up and for additional information concerning this event, contact Ray Simpson at ray simpson {at} verizon.net . Please include your name, e-mail address and phone number when signing up. We will need to contact you in case of any last minute updates or changes.

ARC February Recreation Exchange – February 25th

Scheduled to attend: John Hunter, Washington, D.C. (Federal) GA Chair

The American Recreation Coalition is delighted to welcome U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly (D-IN) as our special guest for the February 2009 Recreation Exchange. Mr. Donnelly has recently led efforts to overcome the challenges facing America ‘s recreation industry, including key successes announced recently by the Treasury to aid consumer loan availability and helpful provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He accompanied President Obama on his trip to the Elkhart, Indiana, Town Hall meeting on February 9 and represents a district known as the RV Capital of America . A member of the Blue Dog Coalition, he is committed to a moderate agenda that includes fiscal discipline and strong national security. Mr. Donnelly serves on the House Committees of Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Financial Services. Congressman Donnelly discusses the important accomplishments of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as further steps to aid the recreation industry, perspectives on the new Administration and on priorities of the 111th Congress, and more.

Register now for a free subscription to StateNet Capitol Journal and get the latest political news from all 50 states via e-mail. Go to: www.statenet.com to sign up.

AANR Legislative Tracking

Below, please find statistics we have begun compiling on the 2009 legislative session. Some thoughtful members and clubs have asked us the question, “What is the significance of these statistics?” What we hope most is that you will observe how many thousands of proposals need to be checked to see if they would impact your rights to enjoy nude recreation within appropriate settings. Without the sophisticated monitoring software that your dues make possible, there is no way that the tens of thousands of bills
introduced in just a few weeks’ time could be reviewed. Thanks to your support, and assistance from volunteers, we have a solid (albeit not perfect) understanding of what we face in the states this year.

AANR GAT is closely monitoring developments in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest for which it would be premature to provide reports at this time. We will apprise our leadership and clubs when updates are available.

Statistics for 2009:

In Session: There are 44 states, DC and US in Regular Session. There is 1state in Special Session. There are 2 states in recess.

States in Regular Session: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, US, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Number of 2009 Prefiles last week: 748
Number of 2009 Intros last week: 7,955
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted last week: 735
Number of 2009 Prefiles to date: 30,433
Number of 2009 Intros to date: 74,128
Number of 2009 Session Enacted/Adopted overall to date: 3,965

AANR Statistics:

o 1,902 bills were reviewed personally by AANR in 2009.

o 276 bills have been reviewed in full text by AANR in 2009.

o 183 bills have been added to the “2009 Legislative Tracking List”

AANR encourages our membership and like-minded nudists and naturists to assist in the process of tracking bills and news impacting nude recreation. Always contact the AANR office before taking action. This ensures that your actions are aligned with the strategy underway for any particular bill or

advocacy effort. Remember, AANR GAT works for you!