The NZNF bi-monthly supplement

IT MATTERS

An old man was strolling along the beach when he saw a young boy picking up objects and throwing them into the water. "What are you doing?" the old man asked. "These starfish have been washed ashore and if they don't get back to the water they'11 die," replied the boy.

 

Seeing that there were thousands of starfish lying stranded, the man said, "You'll never be able to save all these starfish. So what does it matter?"

 

The boy looked down at the starfish he was holding in his hand and said, "Well, sir, it matters to this one."

 

Working bees at our clubs tell a similar story.

 

It's easy to become overwhelmed by the size of the task or undertaking. But the jobs have to be done and if we all volunteer for at least one working bee this winter we'll be able to share the load. It really does matter and usually it's fun.

N I SEMINAR NOTES

During the very successful North Island seminar held over Queen's Birthday weekend at Taupo, several exercises were undertaken in which all those present contributed their ideas. So that all clubs may benefit we summarise here the ideas that surfaced.

 

Common questions asked by prospective new members

 

A) Over the phone What age group are members, what do you do at the club, what is the cost, what are the subs, what facilities have you got, what do you do in winter, what do you do socially, don't you get sunburn or cancer, what happens when a male gets a visible reaction to a female, do you accept single males, do you have to take your clothes off as soon as you get inside the gate, don't you feel embarrassed, why do you go there, how did you first get involved, do you always have to take your clothes off, can I keep my name a secret, surely it gets boring just sunbathing, can I take photographs, can I bring my pets, will I be expected to work, do you go nude at social events e.g. dances, can I talk beforehand to someone of my own sex, where do you keep personal belongings?

 

Do you undress in winter, it must be cold, do you have compulsory exercises on your grounds, why are single men only accepted in limited numbers, how can you play sport without clothes, would I be embarrassed about monthly periods, do clubs have problems with perverts, why do you have to take off all your clothes, where do you put your clothes and finally do you have a bar?

 

B) On showing people around the grounds

 

What subscriptions are payable, what social activities does the club have, what will I get for my money, what are the club rules, what size is the club and what facilities are there for children?

 

The purpose of gathering the above list was to help club members who take on the responsibility of accepting enquiries, prepare answers that best get the right people into clubs and to help the national promotions officer in the preparation of the induction and membership information package. Once you think through the questions then nothing should surprise you.

 

The 5 Important points to tell people first

 

The club is for members of all ages, the club belongs to the members The way of life is very relaxing

 

The club is a sociable club and is open all year round

 

Describe the facilities

 

Emphasise the low level of fees relative to what is available

"Woodwork lessons, sex education and now
that blonde next door is sun bathing!"

The Naturist Ski Special Interest Group is devoted to exploring and developing clothes optional skiing lifestyles.

Would you like to have other Naturist skiers contact you?

Do you have accommodation near a ski area that could be shared?

Would you like to get a ski group together to travel, rent accommodation or ski together? Write to:

IN-TOUCH

IN-TOUCH, edited by Roy Cox is published bi-monthly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation P.O. Box 957 Auckland. All correspondence to this address.

Helpful
management tips

 

More on Meetings

 

What's on the Agenda? ... The meaning of meetings:

 

Unnecessary meetings are dull and boring... They waste money and time, dampen morale, and are poor role models.

 

Here's a meetings policy that is effective and practical.

 

(1) Hold a meeting when there is a verifiable need.

 

(2) Have an objective for each meeting, a purpose for getting members together.

 

(3) Invite people who can make a contribution. This is not a social gathering... not everyone is invited.

 

(4) Distribute an agenda, or write it up on a board or large piece of paper for all to see.

 

(5) Have any aids prepared... and that includes the seating arrangement.

 

(6) Begin on time (see last newsletter), set a time limit, and finish on schedule.

 

Meetings are expensive both in time and cost of getting to them make them matter!

 

Some members ask of what value is most of the content in this column. Answer: Very few members ever go through life without being on a committee or serving on a project team.

 

This information is both important for running clubs and may be valuable with work related meetings and projects.

Getting Nude not Pregnant

 

The teacher in a western New York high school had just been discussing teen pregnancy statistics in a sex education class. The teacher closed by cautioning the girls how important it was to keep their bodies covered at all times to avoid this shame.

 

Sixteen years old Louise raised her hand and remarked "I've spent the last three summers at Birch Acres Nudist Camp with my parents and brothers.

 

There we have dozens of teen companions and their families all going nude when the weather permits, and do you know, not one of them has got pregnant!"

 

The red faced teacher hurriedly exclaimed, "Class dismissed!"

 

Related by Suzanne, Louise's Mother.

 

Reprinted from ASA's The Bulletin

 

 

Thought

 

Only the member who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.

- Saunders

 

Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way.

 

Isaac Goldberg(1887-1938)

 

NI SEMINAR NOTES CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE

 

The Induction process

 

We spent a little time discussing how we should go about introducing new members to the club. The following ideas were brought up.

 

Emphasise the benefits of membership when showing people around. We should be clear but very brief about rules. A list should be given to applicants together with other information e.g. constitution etc as part of the welcome package. We need to instill a sense of belonging. The club is run by members for members. All committee members should be trained in the induction process.

 

There should be a roster system for hosts to show prospective members around and to look after them. Advise new members how the club operates and who they should contact if they have any queries.

 

This led into the suggestion of a buddy/sponsor system where an existing member undertakes to look after new member(s). It was agreed that such sponsors be positive and outgoing but sensitive. Some new members just want to retire to a quiet corner to adjust to the new environment.

 

 

Could we make better use of our grounds in winter?

 

There was agreement that regular visits by members to the club over the winter was necessary for

Maintenance and security

regular contact with neighbours so they see us as part of a community.

Seeing the grounds in a new light so as to help with forward planning.

Helping members to stop switching off.

 

There was also strong agreement that we should get away from talking/writing about "the end of the season" and we should definitely not have "end of season functions". That's not to say we should not have social functions in the Autumn, rather we should be emphasising the continuation of club life.

 

Suggestions for winter social activities included Las Vegas Evenings, costume parties, midwinter dinner, golf, darts, indoor sports and games evenings, wine and cheese, homegrown cabaret with members providing the entertainment, beetle drives, pot luck teas following working bees and free drinks for early arrivals to socials.

 

Other ideas to strengthen clubs during winter were: Foster and encourage inter club visits, for working bees have a raffle with free tickets for early arrivals and draw raffle after say 4.00pm. Winner has to be there to collect prize. Install your own sauna and spa and possibly run a bar.

 

Talking of bars, there was general agreement that bar facilities at clubs were a real asset in more ways than the obvious one.