When I talk about WINR to members of AANR, I find many don’t know what it is. “Is that a new thing?”, they ask. No, it’s been around a good long time.” I believe it started with Sally DePree in 1997 when she began a women’s outreach program which later became known as WINR. DePree wrote a book titled Women in Nude Recreation: The WINR Circle. She compiled stories about how becoming a nudist has benefited women all over the country.
DePree talked about hosting a WINR luncheon at Lake Como in the fall of 2004 and held a workshop titled “Why Didn’t I Try This Sooner?” Doesn’t that sound familiar? As I read through this insightful book, one of the themes that stood out was expressed by Nancy (Women In Nude Recreation: The WINR Circle, last name unknown), “… little did I know that becoming a nudist would be the beginning of a new and wonderful life.” The acceptance and camaraderie found in the nudist community, particularly so within the circle of women, is found throughout the pages. The women of the WINR groups held luncheons, attended workshops, and played games together, among many other activities. Being together was key.
Today there are several WINR groups spread across the country. They enjoy activities, just like the women before us, of gathering together to socialize, hosting workshops, simply walking together, or sharing a meal all in the name of encouraging and building each other up. For example, the women of Mountain Air Ranch, near Colorado, host a Women’s Empower Hour monthly. In February they hosted the Upstairs Circus event to “Unleash your creativity and connect with friends … where crafting, cocktails, and camaraderie come together for a unique Ladies Empower Hour experience.” How cool is that! You can see what other clubs have a WINR group by going to the WINR website. New groups are organizing even now and the list will continue to grow.
Camaraderie, community, and connection is what it seems WINR began as and what it continues to be about today. The WOW, Women One Word, campaign is the digital way to achieve those goals. When we share our past and present struggles, we find others who have gone through similar issues. We find a friend. Or two. Or more. After developing those connections, whether in person or online, then we become a community. Women who lean on each other, encourage each other, and empower each other. Camaraderie ensues with morning coffee or evening cocktails. Walks around the club or time spent together at a nude bowling event. In the pool, hot tub, sauna, neighbor’s porch, or simply through a phone or Zoom call.
The 2025 WOW campaign has started as many women have already begun sending me their submissions. To join this powerful campaign, think of a word that speaks to you. Perhaps it’s how being a nudist has helped you. It can also be how you’ve always felt about yourself. Head over to womeninnuderecreation.com and see other women’s words and stories to get inspiration. Then on May 1 I’ll start sharing your contributions on AANR social media forums as well as on the website. All participants will then be featured in the 2026 WOW calendar. Visit the WINR website for full details.
Sally DePree was a strong woman and dedicated to helping other women find the same joy she did through nudism. Feeling so passionate about what WINR does for women, DePree said, “I never want the music to stop.” The music continues, Sally, and thank you for being one of its original composers.
Andee Rodgers
AANR-NW President
