Like many of us, BN member James Shuttleworth, the newly appointed International Naturist Federation European Youth Officer, came to Naturism gradually. Before joining, he watched a handful of documentaries around social nudity and the social and mental health benefits it can bring. However, this wasn’t enough of a push to give it a go as there was a big question to be answered… Where do you start? The idea was put on the backburner until a random Google search, over lockdown, reintroduced it. Within hours of heading down the rabbit hole he found BN’s website and became a member.
Since joining nearly three years ago, he has not only been to several domestic events but has spread his wings further by attending the International Naturist Federation (INF) European Youth Rally and the International Swimming Gala (pictured). At these events, he got to know Naturists from all over and saw first-hand that even though we all fall under the same umbrella, we view and follow the lifestyle in a completely different way culturally.
Seeing the additional benefits membership of an INF affiliated organisation brings, he was astonished to find out that few people from BN and the other federations were attending the European-level events, especially young people. At the recent International Swimming Gala, in Serbia, he says, you could count the number of young people from the whole of Europe on two hands. This, to him is a “terrible representational statistic” and something he wants to address personally.
As James explains, there are only a few European federations big enough to support large events such as NKD and Everybody Festival in their own country. This is mainly due to their low membership numbers and/or limited funds/resources.
James aims to increase integration across Europe – to enable members to get more out of their membership - through:
- Better education about the benefits of being part of the INF.
- Greater promotion of events and activities across the different federations.
- Increased awareness of what the INF is and what it does for its members.
James is currently organising the INF European Youth Rally, which takes place north of Antwerp on the 9th – 12th May. The €100 fee includes:
All main meals from lunch on the 9th to breakfast on the 12th
Accommodation
Transport to and from Antwerp at the beginning and end of the event
Daytime activities with nightly entertainment
Interested in helping James or sending ideas his way? Contact him at eu-youth@inf-fni.org