Leading the Way: Advocacy in Action
I can’t thank Patty Faber enough for her efforts to support all nudists and the Government Affairs Team. Patty met with the Senate Majority Leader, who is the New River area representative, where Patty’s Shangri-La Ranch is situated, to try to get his support to amend Representative Kupper’s overreaching bill on obscene materials on the internet. Patty’s efforts alerted Arizona legislators to our organizational commitment to protect nude use in Arizona.
Patty not only personally went to talk, but she backed that with financial support for our lobbying effort. This commitment to support AANR’s effort was also evidenced by Suzanne and Wayne Schell, owners of Tucson’s Mira Vista Resort, contribution to the effort. This is another example of why we need to have lobbying support ready when challenges reach a critical level.
These efforts and support are key to our success in blocking bad legislation. I spent a week in Arizona during the time this came up, and the commitment from the Arizona GAT team also deserves to be mentioned. AANR-West GAT Chair Steve Schubert was also present, as was AANR-West past president Cyndi Tendick. These are the individuals whose dedication to the ideals of AANR will lead us to more successes as we continue to see attacks on nude use of public lands as well as attacks on the resort’s status.
It’s refreshing to see the public statements by Cyndi and Patty that support wholesome nude recreation. A commitment to our right to live clothes-free and fight the prejudice against simple nudity is exciting to see in all the members of this team. The leadership demonstrated in pushing our message against those trying to block wholesome nudity is an asset AANR needs to encourage and promote.
Cyndi has been featured on the local news broadcasts for their efforts to support the community where they live outside the nudist community. The segments included a feature where Shangri-La lets the pools at the resort be used for swimming lessons for the area’s children. The recognition of the importance of teaching swimming has been an ongoing effort at the resort. Patty and Cyndi both have been featured for their commitment to protect New River’s children by teaching pool safety.
These community-based efforts are why AANR is recognized as promoting community involvement to heighten knowledge of the nudist life. Thank you to the whole Arizona team for your efforts.
Tim Mullins
AANR Gat Chair
