People Power Granny: Can Intentional Communities be the Answer to this Messed-Up World?
In the past we have had some Synchroblogs about utopian communities and new monasticism. Here’s a story about a utopian intentional community that started over 30 years ago and is still going strong.
People Power Granny: Can Intentional Communities be the Answer to this Messed-Up World?:
One good example of an intentional community that left the rat race but not the world is the Farm in Summertown, TN. Started in the early 70’s by a ‘family’ of hippies, this community today still is alive and well. But in its 30-plus years of operation, members have gone out into the world to help the suffering, have provided training for the re-birth of midwifery, have created a watershed protector of their local river and have introduced kids in the cities to life on the farm. This community speaks out against illegal wars and other injustices. They have incorporated the internet and other new forms of communication to get their messages out to the world. As a matter of fact, residents of the Farm are often leaders in the world fighting the Powerful.
If you’ve ever thought of joining an intentional community, or are living in one now, you can find more resources on this site.
Notes from underground 
Ina May Gaskin (one of the Farm’s founders) is the most famous midwife in the U.S. and almost single-handedly responsible for the resurgence in midwifery and natural birth we’ve experienced in the last couple of decades. If it weren’t for her, I’m certain that more than half of all babies born in the U.S. would be born via major surgery (C-Section). We really owe her a debt of gratitude.
That reminds me of G.K. Chesterton’s comment about some moderns wanting their noses blown by nurses.
I thought this would appeal to you as it’s in the same ball-park as the blogging granny.