Here, a peek at some of your more esoteric associations.
By Jim Hussey

All of us are aware of behemoth associations such as the NRA or AARP. Huge groups such as these wield major power in the halls of government and hold great sway over vast legions of donors and supporters.

But for every well-known major association, there are a hundred other tiny ones that most Americans have never heard of. I'm based in Washington, D.C. — home to thousands of associations. And whenever I visit an office building in the area, I always take time to look over the tenant directory in the lobby. Almost always, the building will house one or two small associations that address some obscure issue.

This has led me to a new hobby. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of little-known associations from across the nation. Virtually any issue or interest is covered by an association. Here are two of my favorites.

American Association for Nude Recreation
In addition to providing information and acting as an advocate on behalf of nudists, AANR also provides a Web site (www.aanr.com) with photos of nude people running through fields, playing volleyball, jumping into pools and even skydiving. You also will find good tips about using sunblock in unusual areas. I have only one question: Why does this Web site’s “shopping” area sell clothing?

National Onion Association
I love the introduction to this association’s Web site (www.onions-usa.org), which simply features a pile of onions with the headline: “Bring on the Onions!” NOA's goals include hosting onion conventions, monitoring legislative and regulatory issues and, of course, increasing the consumption of onions. By the way, there isn’t a National Halitosis Association.

What other esoteric associations do you know of?