C.A.N.S. Rules
And Etiquette Policy

Our structure and dress are very informal, and our rules and regulations are relatively few in number. Please be aware of some basic policies that are in effect. Our purpose is to make all our functions as enjoyable for everyone as possible.
Section 1. All names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail accounts of C.A.N.S. members are to be regarded as confidential.
Section 2. C.A.N.S. may plan and promote some events as for members only. For most events, however, nonmembers are welcome as guests of club members. A member may bring only one guest to an event, although allowances will be made for couples or out-of-town visitors. A member must notify the host of an event of his intention to bring a guest. A local (Chicago Area) resident may attend only one C.A.N.S. event as a guest; after that he must apply for membership and pay dues before attending further activities. A $5 surcharge will apply to all guests at all events, but the surcharge will be credited toward the membership dues of any guest who becomes a member of C.A.N.S. within 30 days following the event. This surcharge shall not apply to non-local members of other gay nudist/naturist groups who occasionally attend C.A.N.S. events, but such individuals will be expected to become dues-paying members of C.A.N.S. if they wish to attend more than two C.A.N.S. events per year.
Section 3. Members are expected to show reasonably mature behavior at all C.A.N.S. functions. Overindulgence in alcohol is discouraged, and use of illegal drugs (including marijuana) at our functions is prohibited and will result in loss of club membership.
Section 4. We are a social nudist group, NOT a sex club. We want members who enjoy nudism as a way of life, not only as a prelude to sex. C.A.N.S. is not a club for orgies. Overt sexual activities, displays, overtures, and verbalizations during C.A.N.S. events are not allowed. This prohibits any action for the intent of enhancing, prolonging, or taking to climax an erection.

These actions may not take place in any part of the area of an event site. If an event includes overnight accommodations at a B and B or at a members home, the etiquette policy applies to all congregating areas, including eating and refreshment areas, hot tubs, and pools, but not to private bedrooms. At overnight camp outs, the etiquette policy applies to all congregating areas, but not to private tents or areas so far into the woods that only the wild bears might be shocked.

For events held in public settings, the etiquette policy has jurisdiction at all times--before, during, and after officially announced event times. This applies to events at clothing optional beaches and all businesses or facilities, such as restaurants, Bed and Breakfasts, stores, bowling alleys, or swimming pools, with which C.A.N.S. may have--or hope to develop--an ongoing relationship.

The C.A.N.S. etiquette policy has no jurisdiction at times before or after an event held at the home or personal property of a member. If a host wants to invite men to remain after a C.A.N.S. event, that is business of the host, not of C.A.N.S. Yet, in no way does the hosting of a C.A.N.S. event imply sex positive after-hours.

Section 5. A wide range of pleasurable experiences are possible without conflicting with the etiquette policy. Members are encouraged to explore these possibilities without fear of being reprimanded or shamed. C.A.N.S. encourages its members to date outside of events and to explore what sexuality means to men who identify themselves as gay nudists. Members are also asked to avoid making assumptions; joining C.A.N.S. makes no implied statement about sexuality.

Erections, when removed from the conditions as prohibited above, are natural expressions of sexuality as may be experienced by healthy men in a context of social nudity. They do not conflict with the etiquette policy, nor does touching, caressing, hugging, kissing, or certain other erotically charged activities.

Section 6. Each individual C.A.N.S. member is responsible for his own behavior. If a C.A.N.S. member brings a guest to a C.A.N.S. event, the hosting member is responsible for making the guest aware of C.A.N.S. policies and for the behavior of the guest at the event.

If any C.A.N.S. member observes a situation which violates the etiquette policy, the observing member is responsible for voicing his objections to the men concerned. If a situation which violates the etiquette policy continues, the observing member is responsible for reporting the situation to the official host or hosts of the event.

The official event host (or hosts) is responsible for the overall success of his (or their) event. An event host is responsible for addressing behavior which may violate the etiquette policy and for passing that information on to the Steering Committee during or within a reasonable time after the event. If there are conflicting versions of what happened at an event, the version provided by the official host will predominate.

It is the responsibility of the Steering Committee to investigate and react to alleged policy violations fairly and promptly.

Section 7. The Steering Committee shall interview alleged offenders and judge the validity of the allegations, and when called for, will issue a strong warning. For repeat offenders, the Steering Committee will vote on dismissal.

In certain circumstances, such as having sex at a C.A.N.S. event at a public site or use of illegal drugs at any event, the Steering Committee will skip the warning and call for the vote on dismissal.

Section 8. When attending C.A.N.S. events, members may want to bring a gym bag or similar container (with lock, if you wish) for clothing and personal articles. Please leave valuables at home or locked in your car.
Section 9. All C.A.N.S. functions are intended to place a minimal financial burden on the host(s) and on the club treasury. The host will receive ten times the event fee to provide refreshments and snacks for an event. Additional funds may be made available by the club at the discretion of the officers. The club will fund the annual meeting, and all fold, stuff, and lick events.
Section 10. Smoking at a C.A.N.S. event will be determined by the host(s) or by the rules which govern the event site. The smoking policy will be determined as one of the following: [a] "Smoking Permitted"; [b] "Restricted Smoking Area"; or [c] "Smoking Not Permitted."
Section 11. The steering committee or the host of an event will designate an official photographer, whose photos will be included in the C.A.N.S. photo album, which is brought to many events. If other persons wish to take photographs, they should request permission to do so from the event host. Any photographer must ask permission to photograph his subjects. If a camera is present and you do not want your photo taken, please inform the host. They will happily comply with your wishes. No one need feel uncomfortable for refusing to be photographed. If you bring a guest to an event, please make sure they are well-informed about this policy.
Section 12. Upcoming events are listed on our website, www.cansguys.org. Events are also listed in our newsletter, C.A.N.S News issues monthly or bi-monthly. Members are welcome to attend any events that are sponsored by the organization. Questions about specific events and requests for directions should be addressed to the event host. Contact phone numbers or email addresses are provided.
Section 13. C.A.N.S. is a volunteer organization, and the success of C.A.N.S. depends on an active membership. From time to time C.A.N.S. Steering Committee may need assistance from the membership in a variety of tasks. Members are expected to identify themselves as a resource for one or more functional areas as set by the Steering Committee and as indicated on forms for membership application and renewal.
Section 14. Members are requested to RSVP to the event host. This allows the host to properly plan for the party. Members who have previously indicated that they will attend and are not able to attend should also contact the event host.