I have been the President of the AANR-Midwest Region for almost three years now, having been elected during our 2022 Convention and reelected during our 2024 Convention. Many of our members aren’t aware of what exactly I do in this role. While the specifics of running each region differ slightly, there are some general areas of responsibility that we all have.
An AANR Region President oversees one of the seven regional divisions of the organization, acting as a key leader and advocate for members within their geographical area. Our primary responsibilities include:
Representation and Advocacy: Serving as the main point of contact for members, representing their needs and voices within AANR’s hierarchy, and ensuring member input shapes regional and organizational decisions.
Governance: Leading a Regional Board of Officers and Directors to manage regional activities, align with AANR’s mission, and address local member concerns.
Member Engagement: Encouraging member participation by promoting attendance at regional meetings, volunteering opportunities, and involvement in committees to influence policies.
Communication: Facilitating clear communication between AANR’s national leadership and regional members to ensure transparency and alignment on organizational goals.
Community Building: Strengthening the nudist community by fostering a sense of pride and involvement in AANR, ensuring the organization remains responsive to member needs.
It is impossible to discuss what a Region President does without including one of the most important duties that I have, which is recruiting volunteers within our region to help in many areas. In the Midwest Region, all of our officers, board, and committee members are volunteers. With that in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to also mention some ways that you can assist in those efforts, both in your Region and on a national level.
Volunteers are vital to AANR and can contribute in various ways to support its mission of promoting nude recreation and body acceptance. Here are some key roles and activities volunteers can undertake:
Regional and Club Support:
Assist with organizing and running events at AANR-affiliated clubs or regional gatherings, such as festivals, sports tournaments, or social activities.
Serve on regional committees to help plan activities, manage communications, or address member concerns.
Support club operations, like maintaining facilities, coordinating visitor programs, or helping with administrative tasks.
Leadership Roles:
Run for elected positions, such as Regional Officers (e.g., President, Vice President) or Board of Directors, to guide regional policies and represent member interests.
Participate in AANR’s national committees, influencing organizational decisions on advocacy, membership, or governance.
Advocacy and Outreach:
Promote AANR’s mission by engaging with local communities, media, or policymakers to advocate for nudist rights and public land access for nude recreation.
Educate the public about the benefits of nude recreation through presentations, social media, or community events.
Event and Program Support:
Volunteer at AANR-sponsored events like Skinny-Dip Day or youth camps, helping with logistics, registration, or activities.
Contribute to programs like the AANR Scholarship Fund by fundraising or mentoring young members.
Communication and Content Creation:
Write articles or create content for AANR’s publications, such as The Bulletin, or manage social media to engage members and attract new ones.
Help maintain regional or club websites with updates on events, policies, or membership benefits.
Membership Growth:
Recruit new members by sharing personal experiences and inviting others to AANR events or clubs.
Mentor new members to help them feel welcome and integrated into the nudist community.
Volunteering can be tailored to individual skills, interests, and availability, ranging from hands-on event support to strategic leadership. Volunteers strengthen AANR’s member-driven community and ensure its values are upheld across the regions.
If you have more questions about what your Region President does, I highly advocate getting involved in your Region, so you have the best opportunity to see for yourself!
Amy Rollins
AANR-Midwest President
