Naturist Action Group

Name of organisation

Naturist Action Group

Country

UK

History and purpose

The UK’s Naturist Action Group started in 2010 and counts many individual naturists amongst its supporters. As an internet-based organisation, NAG provides a platform for those wishing to campaign on naturist issues. Many UK naturists support and work with numerous NAG projects. NAG also works with other naturist groups in Britain and has international links with campaigning naturists and groups in several countries.

NAG defines naturism as the practice of undertaking activities naked, either socially or solo, that are more usually undertaken either clothed or wearing a swimming costume. Naturism can take place either indoors or outdoors, it is a philosophical belief.

NAG defines a naturist as a person who practises naturism. “I am a runner because I run, I am a naturist because I do things naked.” The group has two simple aims:

• The acceptance of naturism as an alternative lifestyle through dialogue and, when deemed necessary, direct action. In the UK outdoor nudity is not automatically illegal.

• The promotion of naturism as a philosophical belief and lifestyle to the general public and various national and local authorities.

“Using those simple aims, many of NAG’s campaigns are to get acceptance of naturism in outdoor spaces,” says John Paine, chair of NAG. “We work to get a better understanding and reporting in the UK media on issues of public nudity. We encourage the public to accept that the human body comes in all shapes and sizes. In the UK the nude body in public is not illegal, except for defined illegal sexual purposes.

“We have had notable successes with our projects and held many naturist activities in public places,” adds John. “We have definitely influenced politicians and those in authority. NAG activities are run entirely by volunteers. To keep administrative costs down we do not have a membership and operate with extremely low costs. We rely on our supporters time input and a little money. Donations are always welcome!”