2008 Woodie Awards
Stripping down to build up confidence
Nudist colony aims to promote self-acceptance
by Julie Wigley
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Mosaic
While getting ready for any given day, some may find themselves looking in the mirror, inspecting their flaws. Walking to class might be a nightmare for those who are self conscious about the brand of clothing they're wearing or the extra weight gained during the holidays.
A nudist has no need to worry about that.
Bob Morton, executive director of the Naturist Action Committee, a national grassroots organization to advance and protect the rights of naturalists, says its motto is, "Body acceptance is the idea, nude recreation is the way."
Morton says being a nudist allows people to have personal expression, freedom and confidence.
"Most people can understand how good it feels to be barefoot," Morton says. "And pretty much we are barefoot all over."
Mike, a member of the Delaware nudist travel group Suncatchers who asked that his last name not be used, says nudism makes him comfortable on a social level. He says the organization is a place to be at ease socially where he knows people will not judge him.
"It's a place for us to socialize," Mike says. "It's no different than having a dinner."
Suncatchers began 15 years ago, he says, when a group of friends decided they wanted a place where they could see each other and hang out.
Mike says people have misconceptions and view it as a sexual fantasy.
"A lot of people have the perception that nudism has to do with sex," he says. "There is less sex than, let's say, a country club."
Mike says the organization knows when members are there for the wrong reason, and will tell them to leave immediately.
Even in casual conversation, his confidence shows through. He has no problem talking through people's insecurities and bringing them to his comfort level with the subject.
According to the Naturist Action Committee Web site, the group is committed to making sure social nude activities are safe, legal and accepted.
Morton says each state has its individual laws regarding nudity because there is no national law. When a nude recreation is held in a public place such as a national park, the state law would then come into play according to concurrent jurisdiction.
A nudist has no need to worry about that.
Bob Morton, executive director of the Naturist Action Committee, a national grassroots organization to advance and protect the rights of naturalists, says its motto is, "Body acceptance is the idea, nude recreation is the way."
Morton says being a nudist allows people to have personal expression, freedom and confidence.
"Most people can understand how good it feels to be barefoot," Morton says. "And pretty much we are barefoot all over."
Mike, a member of the Delaware nudist travel group Suncatchers who asked that his last name not be used, says nudism makes him comfortable on a social level. He says the organization is a place to be at ease socially where he knows people will not judge him.
"It's a place for us to socialize," Mike says. "It's no different than having a dinner."
Suncatchers began 15 years ago, he says, when a group of friends decided they wanted a place where they could see each other and hang out.
Mike says people have misconceptions and view it as a sexual fantasy.
"A lot of people have the perception that nudism has to do with sex," he says. "There is less sex than, let's say, a country club."
Mike says the organization knows when members are there for the wrong reason, and will tell them to leave immediately.
Even in casual conversation, his confidence shows through. He has no problem talking through people's insecurities and bringing them to his comfort level with the subject.
According to the Naturist Action Committee Web site, the group is committed to making sure social nude activities are safe, legal and accepted.
Morton says each state has its individual laws regarding nudity because there is no national law. When a nude recreation is held in a public place such as a national park, the state law would then come into play according to concurrent jurisdiction.
Be the first to comment on this story