WomanSpirit and Rootworks: Legacy of the Women's Land Movement
The intersection of feminist ideology and sustainable living found a powerful voice in the efforts of Rootworks and the publication WomanSpirit. Together, these entities played a pivotal role in fostering a community of women dedicated to reclaiming land and establishing independent living spaces in rural Oregon.
The Reach of WomanSpirit
WomanSpirit served as a vital communication hub for women seeking connection and empowerment. At the peak of its circulation, the publication achieved significant international and domestic reach, bridging the gap between isolated rural communities and urban feminist centers.
- Distributed to 91 women's bookstores.
- Circulated across 10 different countries.
- Maintained a subscriber base of over 3,000 individuals.
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Impact on the Women's Land Movement
The synergy between Rootworks and WomanSpirit did more than just share information; it acted as a catalyst for migration. Many women credit these two organizations with inspiring them to move to rural Oregon to actively participate in the women's land movement—a social and political effort to create women-centered agricultural and residential communities.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bookstore Distribution | 91 women's bookstores |
| Global Reach | 10 countries |
| Subscriber Count | 3,000+ |
| Primary Location | Rural Oregon, USA |
Preserving Feminist History
Following the cessation of the publication, efforts were made to ensure the knowledge contained within WomanSpirit was not lost. Jean Mountaingrove proposed the creation of an index to organize the publication's contents, a task undertaken by Christine Menefee.
This index was published in 1989. Although it is currently out of print, it remains a valuable resource for scholars and historians researching feminist history and the specific evolution of women's movements in the late 20th century.
Key Facts
- WomanSpirit reached over 3,000 subscribers and was distributed in 10 countries.
- The publication was available in 91 specialized women's bookstores.
- Rootworks and WomanSpirit were instrumental in drawing women to the land movement in rural Oregon.
- A historical index of the publication was created by Christine Menefee and published in 1989.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of WomanSpirit?
WomanSpirit was a publication that supported the women's land movement, providing a network for women and encouraging them to establish communities in rural Oregon.
How widespread was the distribution of WomanSpirit?
At its height, it was distributed to 91 women's bookstores, reached 10 countries, and had more than 3,000 subscribers.
Who were the key figures involved in archiving WomanSpirit?
Jean Mountaingrove suggested the creation of an index for the publication, and Christine Menefee was the person who produced it.
Is the WomanSpirit index still available for purchase?
The index was published in 1989 but is currently out of print, though it continues to be used for feminist and women's history research.
Where did the women's land movement associated with Rootworks take place?
The movement was centered in rural Oregon.