Present
Central Committee
Sieglinde Ivo Austria, President
George Volak USA , Vice-President
Mick Ayers GB - E, Committee member – Europe
Barbara Hadley USA , Committee member – overseas
René Nijhof NL ,President of Legal Commission
Armand Ceolin LU, Auditor
Federations represented
Ladislaus Ivo, Austria , 6 votes
Greg Serow , Australia , 7
Paul Lambrechts , Belgium, 14
Jose Antonio Ribeiro Tannus, Brazil , 5
Diane Archambault , Canada, 5
Davorin Zugcic, Croatia , 1
Nancy Volak, Czech Republic, 1
Paul Rethoré , France , 19
Kurt Fischer , Germany, 27
Michael Farrar, Gt. Britain & NI 16
Janos Sandor, Hungary 4
Pat Gallagher, Ireland , 2
Gianfranco Ribolzi, Italy , 10
Jean Peters , Luxembourg, 3
Henk Smeeman, Netherlands, 37
Ken Mercer , New Zealand , 6
Eirik Isene ,Norway, 6
Rui Martins, Portugal, 2
Mikhail Abruzov, Russia, 1
Joze Puz, Slovenia , 3
Ismael Rodrigo, Spain, 7
Eirik Isene , Sweden, 7
Edith Zimmermann, Switzerland, 11
Dean Hadley ,USA, 27
Also present was an observer from Chile, which does not have a federation, member of INF. He was delighted to be given one of our "Nothing's Better" bags.
In opening the meeting the President welcomed delegates and recalled the deaths during the year of, amongst others, Lee Baxandall of the USA freebeach movement. Germany queried the number of votes present, which appeared to be eventually agreed as 227. Scrutineers from Australia and Italy were appointed.
Agenda Germany questioned items in the agenda, but, after discussion, it was agreed that the agenda be accepted.
Theme of the Congress Gianfranco Ribolzi of Italy presented the report. In 1984 respect for others and for the environment had been the definition of naturism. Since then there had been additions. Naturism was healthy, natural, educational and a family movement. A distinction is made between nudism and naturism. There are two current positions, the practice of nudity and ethical nudism. Naturism is a fundamental principle, a removal of ancestral taboos - psychological health, respect for women, removing the mask of hypocrisy, ethical - even utopian. We need to confront the problem of commercial naturism, which has a different vision. Countries have different views of naturism Free naturism is difficult to practise, since special places are needed, which have no services and may be raided, polluted or include unethical behaviour. Commercial naturism provides services consider essential, and naturism cannot afford to reject it. Naturism cannot be inspired by superhuman ethical standards. It must be acceptable and practicable for all. Respecting nature is essential. Commercial sites should be welcome if they attract young people, even though consumerist. They can allow ethical naturism to survive. In the present economic crisis there is no choice but to accept commercial naturism as part of evolution. We must therefore be less dogmatic. Being nude means we are naturists, having a different relationship with the body.
Central Committee report George Volak presented the report. He spoke of the proposal, which might be withdrawn, for an independent organisation within INF. The European federations have 180,000 members, but no more than a thousand participate in youth, sports and family events. Why are we losing members? More people need to be involved. The family week is a good idea, but not if in the same place every year, with probably the same people each year. Sports events should be cancelled and family events held in many places, for instance at holiday centres out of high season. Members could then see what INF does for them. At present there are few funds left for other activities. A discussion followed in which Kurt Fischer emphasised that EUNAT was not in competition with INF. Others spoke of the few member federations outside Europe, but it was pointed out that as well as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico were now with us. Better co-operation with holiday centres was needed, fifteen of which gave some advantages to INF members. The discussion shifted to the need for immediate response to the media, at which point it was terminated.
Financial report Cor van Herp, the Vice-President/Treasurer, had resigned probably for personal reasons rather than as a result of a recent disagreement with the Russian federation. Questions concerning the costs of employees were answered in his place by Armand Ceolin, Auditor. The budget for the next two years was approved.
Legal Commission report René Nijhof had been on the commission for 15 years, and its president for eight years. He was not seeking re-election.
Reports of Federations Reports had been received from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal and Sweden.
Motions
A0. Luxembourg proposed amendment of the statutes to define the position of EUNat in relation to the Central Committee. The C.C. would then have no responsibility for youth, family and sports in Europe, EUNat being the supreme authority of the European INF members and in charge of youth, family and sport in Europe. The motion was presented but withdrawn on the understanding that INF would not meddle with EUNat.
A1. The Central Committee proposed that the seat of the INF be moved from Bonn in Germany to Linz in Austria. This was agreed.
A2. Luxembourg proposed amendment of the statutes to reduce from six to four months the notice required for a motion to amend the statutes. This was agreed.
A3. Switzerland had proposed an amendment of the statutes to prevent a club from applying for membership of another country, but it was not submitted in time and so was withdrawn.
B1. The BN proposal to amend the regulations so that no delegate could speak more than once any motion (except a right of reply for the proposer), was opposed by Germany, since many delegates had not had time to consider a motion and needed to be able to answer points. Canada agreed. Germany said that further discussion was needed after certain times. Belgium agreed. There must be time to express oneself. Luxembourg said that the President should have the right to end a discussion and that did not need to be in rules of procedure. The voting was eventually recorded as 27 for and 202 against with ten abstentions.
B2. Luxembourg proposed that the notice required for motions to amend the regulations be reduced from four to three months. After brief discussion the motion was withdrawn.
C1. Germany proposed that, since INF seemed to have plenty of money, from 2010 40% of contributions from European federations be for European events and that 10% of this sum be at the disposal of EuNatCom on 1st January each year. In discussion some difficulty was felt since there was no Treasurer, but the motion was agreed.
C2. Germany proposed there should be a discount of 3% if fees were paid by federations by 31st March, alternatively that they could be paid in two or three instalments. Since the previous motion had been agreed, this was withdrawn.
C3. Switzerland made proposals about the payment of fees by extraordinary members. Organisations, commercial sites and institutions without club members would pay a membership fee; such organisations etc. with club members would pay also INF stamp contributions, as would also such organisations etc. without any national federation. Clubs with their own national federation would be able to pay a membership fee and INF stamp contribution at least five times the amount billed to ordinary members, half of which would go to the national federation. The object was that a national federation should not suffer if a club showed no interest in engaging in the national federation. In discussion it was pointed out that direct membership of INF (not through a federation) was contrary to the statutes. There was also opposition to the proposal that a club etc. could become a direct member where there was a national federation. The motion was eventually withdrawn.
C4. A proposal by Switzerland for an additional subvention for the INF Swimming Gala 2010 in Switzerland because of the decreasing exchange rate of the Euro was ruled out of order since it concerned the European budget.
C5. A proposal by Switzerland regulating the timetable for payment of contributions to organisers of INF events was also ruled out of order for the same reason.
C6. A proposal by Switzerland concerned the same issue as no.4 above and was deemed to have been solved already.
D1. The Central Committee proposed that, to avoid conflict of interest, a member of an INF commission who holds a separate budget cannot at the same time be a member of the EC or Central Committee. Germany thought the proposal absurd. It seemed to be withdrawn.
D2. Germany proposed that the speaking time of participants in the congress be a maximum two minutes per word contribution amount, this to be controlled by the Chairman. On a vote the motion was agreed by 162 votes to 51, with ten abstentions.
D3. Canada proposed that INF commits itself to the electronic distribution of magazines published by member federations. The proposal followed censorship by Apple of Going Natural/Au Naturel. As part of the same motion Canada proposed that countries might be represented by two federations which (as in Canada) took it in turn to be represented at Congress. Canada explained that Apple did not allow any nudity. In discussion there was doubt whether any country would want to publish on line. There were problems in the USA caused by puritans. It was suggested that the motion be resubmitted at the next Congress. There was no discussion on the second part of the motion, all of which was withdrawn.
Budget
At the beginning of the second day, the budget for the next two years was agreed nem. con. This showed a loss in 2010 of 9,000 €, and a surpluses in 2011 of 6,300 € and 7,300 € in 2012. Income from stamps would decrease from 203,000 € in 2010 to 185,000 € in 2011 and in 2012. No future expenditure is planned on an INF Handbook. Total secretarial costs would decrease from 113,600 € in 2010 to 28,500 € in 2011 and 30,500 € in 2012.
Motions (continued)
D4. Ireland proposed that the Central Committee report on progress on making submission to the European Union about standardising laws on the practice of naturism in EU countries. Pat Gallacher looked forward to provision in European law for naturists to have the right to practise their lifestyle without hindrance. Once established in European law it would be a marker for other countries. There might not at present be laws against naturism, but it could be prosecuted under other laws. The subject led to much discussion. Mick Ayers observed that the Treaty of Lisbon allowed any citizens to raise their own legislation, supported by one million signatures from several member countries. It would be a massive task to collect such signatures, but it would be good publicity. Specific legal advice would be needed as well as the support of member federations. The best course would be to approach the EU as a large European group. Such action could, however, alert anti-naturists to oppose us more actively. EU law forbad discrimination, but local laws are used. The President said that naturism was accepted more or less in each country. We should see what was possible in each country. Most speakers supported the principle, though caution was advocated.
D5. Sweden proposed that INF be able, with the consent of the national federation, to accept as members individuals who did not want to become members of their national federation, the membership fee to be well above that charged by the national federation, and some it to be passed on to the federation. [The motion envisaged a general permission by the national federation, not a specific permission for each individual.] After brief discussion the motion was apparently withdrawn.
D6. Sweden proposed that instead of reducing the cost of the INF stamp, the excess money be used for such purposes as conference audio equipment, translators at meetings and travel subsidies for youth and sports events, the cost of INF stamps remaining unchanged for the next five years and the INF budget and budget for European events being decided by Congress. The discussion was almost entirely directed towards provision of conference equipment, rather than the issue of use of “excess money”. The motion was, nevertheless approved by 157 votes to 27 with 32 abstentions.
D7. Switzerland proposed that INF compiles job description for the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Sports Office and Public Relations Officer. The Netherlands proposed (D15) that, to assist candidates, INF draw up profiles of Board positions. These two motions were considered together. Germany pointed out that office holders needed to speak good English. Several other members spoke, some questioning the need for the motion. At the end it was said that it should be considered settled.
D8. The Netherlands proposed that the INF work to achieve stability and/or growth in individual membership, to keep old members and attract ones, and that an action plan be presented to each Congress for doing this. Netherlands said that it was too early to discuss and several other motions and withdrew this and motions D9, D11. D12. D13. D14 and D16.
D10. The Netherlands proposed that INF develop a simple certification system for commercial centres according to naturist criteria (nudity, respect, hospitality) rather than facilities, provided that commercial centres would welcome such a system. Discussion of this item was interrupted by taking group photographs, since the sun was shining, but was not resumed afterwards, being merged in the next item.
Proposals
1. Sweden proposed certification of naturist resorts and clubs. A discount would be given to all INF members as the price for certification. It would be a benefit for all members wherever they came from. After long discussion the proposal was agreed by 219 votes to nil, with seven abstentions.
2. Spain proposed an INF day without bathing suits, to be complementary to World Naturist Day when many clubs are open to the public. The day without bathing suits would be for both naturists and non-naturists to go without costumes beaches that are not traditionally naturist. Public nudity was no longer an obstacle, e.g. for WNBR, various demonstrations and Tunick events. In most countries it was tolerated so long as limited to an appointed day of celebration. It would be on the third Sunday of July in the northern hemisphere (of February in the southern hemisphere). The proposer had some difficulty in obtaining a vote on this proposal, which was then carried by 143 to 25 with 67 abstentions. [Nudity in public ceased to be a criminal offence in Spain in 1989. A day without costumes seems to have been observed in Tenerife for some years, but its recent observance at the Complutense University swimming pool, Madrid, in August 2010 received much publicity.]
3. France made a group of proposals: that INF should be close to naturists, for a single international credit-card format for membership cards, an international guide in hard copy, boosting the performance of the website, a special issue of the Focus setting out INF achievements, INF to continue exhibiting at the Utrecht Fair, maintaining current leisure, sports and youth activities and reimbursing organising federations, developing naturism and so increasing number of licensed operators. It was explained that INF was not well known. It was important that it was known and recognised through certain actions which have impact on the development of naturism. Germany recalled that a uniform membership card had been discussed since 2004. The President said there was clearly disagreement about a card; there was no money in the budget for the next two years for an INF Guide; a special Focus could be considered. Germany reported that Warlich, the former publisher, was considering a Nudist Guide for Europe. Some members though arrangements at the Utrecht exhibition should have been better, but at least 15,000 people attended. There was no vote.
4. France proposed that naturist nudity should be recognised by European countries. We should work towards a healthy planet, jointly handle achievements and problems, decide actions to be taken by federations, and act against exhibitionism affecting naturists on nude beaches, promoting and upholding the dignity of naturism. Discussion recognised that the proposal largely concerned the situation on the beach at Cap d'Agde. The Mayor of Agde, who alone had power, but had done nothing about it during the last five years in which approaches had been made to him. The problem was not swinging but exhibitionism. Some came from Sète rather than from Cap d'Agde. 70% of visitors came from abroad, and it was good business to keep them there. There were not separate naturist and exhibitionist areas. It was suggested that each federation be asked to write to the Mayor of Agde to ask him to take action.
5. France proposed that INF be committee to taking action against authors of periodicals which violate the law by encouraging sexual exhibitionism on naturist beaches. In discussion it was questioned whether legal action was possible. Naturism was not a term that could be registered. We should not attack such magazines, but rather say what is right.
Elections
Vice-President George Volak was not seeking re-election and the only candidate was Mick Ayers. He had for twelve years been a member of the Central Committee was responsibility for public relations in Europe. As Vice-President he would be responsible for office and administration. He had worked for central government for 14 years, then for twenty years for his trade union. He had posts in his own federation for 27 years, the last ten years as Chairman. He would look for changes. An accurate translation of the statutes was needed. There could be improvements in making Congress more effective. More contact with federations was needed, as was being better known via the federations to the public. Past rifts must be healed. Processes needed to be more speedy. There was need to be more diplomatic. There being no other candidate Mick Ayers was elected by acclamation. When there was insistence for a vote, he was elected nem. con.
Vice-President/Treasurer Cor van Herp had resigned. The only candidate was Rolf-Beat Hostettler, aged 64, of Switzerland. He could not be present. Switzerland reported that he had worked as accountant/auditor in a middle-sized company. He could bring in ideas. His nomination had necessarily been recent and he was on a pre-booked family holiday. He had been an accountant or financial adviser, as well as a naturist, for forty years, and was Treasurer of Helios Club. There being no other candidate Rolf-Beat Hostettler was elected by 195 votes to nil, with 31 abstentions.
Public Relations Europe This was the post Mick Ayers had just vacated. No nomination had been received, but Roger Viola was now nominated. He had been President of a club in NE France for ten years, was married with two big boys. He spoke French, Luxembourgish and German, but not English. He would continue to work with sport. There was no other candidate and he was elected by 207 votes to nil with 19 abstentions.
President of the Legal Commission René Nijhof was not seeking re-election. The only candidate was Christoph Thomann, who was not present. Germany explained that he been told that he did not need to attend. Nothing had happened in the last two years and his application was still valid. He worked for a large financial group in Freiburg. George Volak added that Christoph had represented INF in a lawsuit at Bonn as Vice-President of the Legal Commission, when his ignorance of German law and failure to give 30 days notice had cost the INF thousands of Euro. He had wanted to be paid to attend Congress. On being put to the vote the election of Christoph Thomann was rejected by 128 cotes to 98. He therefore remained Vice-President and the position of President of the Legal Commission was now vacant.
Auditors Armand Ceolin had been nominated for re-election. Dominique Dufour was now nominated for the second post. He was an accountant for sixty commercial companies and Treasurer of FFN. They were elected by 212 votes to six, with 14 abstentions.
Member for the Development Fund Adolfo Sanz of Spain had been nominated for re-election. He was not present. He had been doing the job for two years. He was elected by 216 votes to 60 with six abstentions.
Next Congress
This would be at Koversada in Croatia in 2012 [previously there in 1972]. Proposals for a venue in 2014 would be welcome. Paul Lambrechts (Belgium) hoped that the INF would adopt a new system to allow small countries to host the Congress. Barbara Hadley (USA) pointed out that South America had come a long way. Chile, Argentina and Mexico were developing.
Resignation
Dean Hadley (USA) recalled that AANR had been in INF from the beginning. This was his sixth Congress. There were always queries about the cost. He hoped for progress, but often there was none. The INF was too concerned with European business, including personal attacks, resignations etc. - it was not pretty. His board of directors had voted not to continue with affiliation. He had been sent to observe whether work was continuing, but there was not enough of general importance. The organisation was concerned with the interests of Europe. The AANR would not continue its membership. Over the last year the INF had provided helpful information and AANR had provided helpful information to others. This was not isolationism. He did not believe money was spent usefully. Barbara and he would continue as INF members. He wished INF the best for the future. Other countries expressed general regret at this decision, which they felt bound to respect.
Conclusion
George and Nancy Volak were thanked for organising the Congress. Sweden hoped for good weather at the next Interfederal meeting in Sweden. Croatia invited all to the next Congress. There were thanks for excellent cooperation in the last few days and thanks to Gianfranco Ribolzi and his team. It was sad to say goodbye to George and Nancy Volak and to René Nijhof.
Michael Farrar
Chairman, British Naturism
Federations not represented: Argentina, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Poland, Slovakia, and South Africa.
A congratulatory message was e-mailed to the General Assembly but not delivered in time.
angmimik
