Your GNI Board of Directors has taken some dramatic steps to
change how we communicate with you, our members, and the male naturist
community at-large. We feel that in order to reach a larger audience (and also
increase attendance at Gatherings,) we need to adapt to the new ways people are
communicating and interacting with each other, primarily on social media sites.
Although we value all of our members equally, we realize how crucial it is to
reach out and attract new (and sometimes younger) members. I know some of you
lament the loss of the E-former (and The GNI Informer, for that matter,) but I want
to personally invite you to expand your horizons. That may mean joining the "closed" group on
Facebook (more on that later.)
I am so excited that we've expanded our crew of media
mavens. Joining the stalwart Joey M., our Social Media Manager, we will bring
Brian B. on as Communications Manager. Many of you already know him as the
Assistant Editor for The GNI E-former. He brings to us a talented eye for
design, a budding photographer, and a dedication to an organized approach. What
will keep him most busy is the twice-monthly newsletter, sent out via e-mail.
You can help support Brian by sending
him articles of interest or suggestions for posts.
It's taken this small board a bit of time to figure all of
this out and we thank you for your patience. We've had to be courageous and
daring, knowing that what may have worked for 10, 20, or 30 years may no longer
be reaching those we want to reach. We are at the very start of this new
approach and are open to new directions. Few people outside that naturist
community understand our particular challenges. You, and only you, are still
our very best marketing tool.
On that Facebook note, remember that there is both a public GNI
Fan page that anyone can join, and, a "closed"
group. The Fan page is nothing more than an announcement page and does not
allow individuals to post or share information, pictures, etc.; everyone on
Facebook can view this page. The "closed" group is invite-only (you
can ask the administrator to join and then he will approve you) and only
members of the group can view the posts. Once you’re a member of the closed
group, you can post comments, articles, pictures, memes, and engage other
naturists who may or may not be active GNI members and their friends. It’s a great way to expand
your circle of friends and reach out to male nudists all over the world. Right
now, the closed group has a bit over 200 members and we'd love to see each and
every one of you join up and invite your friends.
So, I'm signing off for now, your humble Secretary and yoga
coordinator. Things are already ramping up for the August Gathering. We’ve
already posted our Social
Hour themes; it's never too early to start planning your outfits!
Jon, GNI Secretary
