The Farm Community in Summertown, Tennessee

  • Community
  • 2 followers

About the Community

  • Established
  • Rural

What we do

The Farm is an intentional community of families and friends living on 1,750 acres in south-central Tennessee. Since its inception in 1971, the purpose of The Farm community has been to provide a secure, ecologically healthy, commonly held land base for its members and succeeding generations. It is a place where we can relate to each other and the natural environment in a sustainable way, draw upon the collective strength of the community, and contribute to the positive transformation of the world.

The Farm is a spiritual community but follows no specific doctrine. Founded on the principles of nonviolence and respect for the earth, there is general agreement that all world religions share essential truths that are the moral guideposts for sanity and happiness.

Over its 50 year history, The Farm community has established numerous nonprofit organizations as part of its mission to create positive change in the world. These include Plenty International (international relief and development), Kids To the Country (brings at-risk children to The Farm), The Ecovillage Training Center (sustainability education), Swan Conservation Trust (1425-acre nature preserve), PeaceRoots Alliance (global peace movement), and More Than Warmth (students creating peace quilts sent to children around the world), and many more. The Farm is probably best known for its midwifery program in which the sacrament of birth is considered as an inherent right of all women, newborns, and families. Both basic and advanced midwifery workshops take place throughout the year.

Approximately 225 residents and over 20 Farm businesses contribute to the maintenance and operation of the community. The community is managed by an elected board of directors along with a variety of committees staffed by volunteers. The Farm Education/Conference Center hosts conferences and is the umbrella organization for the Farm School, which offers alternative education to both resident and neighboring school-age students.

Note: Overnight visitors are asked to sign a hold-harmless agreement with the community.

Our Vision

Sustainable Living, Spirituality & Social Change

Our Mission

Sustainable Living, Spirituality & Social Change

  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Education

Video

  • 260 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
260

How to join

Visit often – Live in the community as an extended visitor – Live in the community as a Resident, usually for a minimum of 1 year. Live in the community as a Provisional Member for a second year or longer. Voted in by 2/3 of the community as a Full Member. Pay $3000 membership fee to become a Permanent Member.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

We welcome scheduled visits and tours. Please write or call our Welcome Center, [email protected]/931-964-3574 . The community is actively seeking new members and residents. Check us out! The best way to visit is to attend a Market Day or one of the other events that take place throughout the year.

Primary decision-making authority

  • All Community Members Together

The whole membership decides collectively.

Governance structure

  • Representative/Democratic

Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a one-time fee, investment, or share purchase to join the community separate from accessing housing
  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Join fee: $3000
Monthly fees/dues: $110
Labor: Encouraged or suggested
The 1750 acre property is owned collectively a Trust to benefit the community members. The community has an extensive infrastructure that is maintained and operated through monthly member dues. All buildings and residences are owned by the Trust, but members generate equity in their homes through personal investment.

All membership applications include a financial review.

Participation in community projects and events is very encouraged.

$3,000 per adult is requested after a community vote to become full member, after approximately a 2 year provisonal membership period.

Members and residents contribute monthly an amount ranging from $110 or more per person

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas

Frequency of communal meals

  • 1-3 times per month

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure
  • Religions
  • Christian
  • Buddhist
  • Jewish
  • Hindu
  • Quaker
  • Sufi
  • Wiccan, Paganism, or Earth Religions

Property status

  • Privately owned

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%
  • Land area size
    1750 acres

Reviews

Location

  • Tennessee, United States

The Farm Community in Summertown, Tennessee

Promoted Needs and Offers

Need

Join our newsletter to stay up to date.

By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from our company.

Free Plan

Free plan
Free

Advertise in our Directory

  • Subtotal

    {{ currencyFormat( pricing_summary.total_amount ) }}

Become a + Member

  • Send Direct Messages and see contact information
  • Find communities based on your profile tool
  • Post Needs & Offers Listings and Events
  • Access to resources in the Members Library /// like vetted documents uploaded by communites (e.g. bylaws )
  • Member badge on your profile
  • View communities detailed reviews
  • Create Private Groups