Frequently Asked Questions -

FAQs About Shtetl 2.0™

1. When and why was Shtetl 2.0™ created?

2. Why did you choose the name "Shtetl 2.0™"?

3. ...and what's with that little raised "TM"?

4. What kinds of programs will Shtetl 2.0™ offer?

5. What kinds of services will Shtetl 2.0™ offer?

6. How is Shtetl 2.0™ organized?

7. How do I/we volunteer to help or join the Shtetl 2.0™ Board or a Planning Team?

8. Is Shtetl 2.0™ a non-profit organization?

9. Why are you a Service Group of Mt Airy Community Services Corp (MACSC)?

10. How do I/we make a donation to support Shtetl 2.0™?

1. When and why was Shtetl 2.0™ created?

Shtetl 2.0™ is an evolving and expanding project that began in 2023. 

Please see https://shtetl2.helpfulvillage.com/pages/10049-brief-history for a full account!

 

2. Why did you choose the name "Shtetl 2.0™"?

Shtetl is the Yiddish word for "village." In the first half of the 20th century, the shtetls of Eastern Europe were close-knit Jewish communities with many structures of communal and mutual support.

We are looking to create a similarly warm, vibrant, interconnected, mutually-supportive community for aging adults...using the contemporary tools of the 21st century.

Thus "2.0" - the new version!

 

3. ....and what's with that little raised "TM"?

We were so excited by the name Shtetl 2.0™ that we trademarked it in Pennsylvania - and we need to use the TM symbol in order to maintain the trademark. (Okay, we might have been a little overly enthusiastic - please humor us!)

 

4. What kinds of programs will Shtetl 2.0™ offer?

Social, educational and cultural programming will originate with our members and be facilitated by our Program Planning Team, using member and other local resources. We expect programs will often feature Jewish topics - but not exclude other areas of general interest, such as housing, aging, current culture, local community history and issues, etc. 

Programs may take various forms, including one-time presentations, short series, excursions, small Hevra (Fellowship) Groups, and ongoing Interest Groups - such as social activism, walking, art, books, memoire-writing, gardening, games...you name it!

 

5. What kinds of services will Shtetl 2.0™ offer?

Offering programs will probably precede our ability to develop a system of volunteer/mutual support services - which requires a critical mass of members and a coordinating team. Eventually, we expect to offer services to members within our geographic boundaries, such as local rides, errand-running, minor household care, tech assistance, short-term pet care, and possibly help during doctor visits.

We also plan to develop a list of vetted, trusted contractors for home maintenance, repairs, and accessibility accommodations.

We do not anticipate offering long-term medical care or household help, but will refer members to organizations that can provide those services.

 

6. How is Shtetl 2.0™ organized?

Since July 2024, we have a "self-perpetuating" Board of Directors of 6-15 diverse Board Members, who will generally serve 3-year terms - up to 6 consecutive years. The Board is the oversight body; most of the program, service and policy proposals will originate in Planning Teams, which will also handle implementation.

 

7. How do I volunteer to help or join the Shtetl 2.0™ Board or a Planning Team?

Joining a Planning Team is a great way contribute your skills and experience to Shtetl 2.0™ - consider joining one of our four Teams -

• Programming
• Services
• Development
• Communications

Please use the Contact Form to let us know of your interest and the right person will get back to you.

 

8. Is Shtetl 2.0™ a non-profit organization?

As of July 2024, Shtetl 2.0™ is a Service Group of Mt Airy Community Services Corp (MACSC), which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law; checks should be made out to "MACSC DBA Shtetl 2.0™."

 

9. Why are you a Service Group of Mt Airy Community Services Corp (MACSC)?

Becoming part of MACSC provides us with many fiscal benefits and efficiencies - eligibility for tax-deductible contributions and PA sales tax exemption; and shared Board and Liability Insurance, accounting oversight, tax reporting, charitable solicitation registration, etc.

After considering five different fiscal sponsors, we chose MACSC because of its strong history of supporting innovative local projects, which currently also include Northwest Village Network (NVN) and Mt Airy Learning Tree (MALT) - with whom we are glad to collaborate under the MACSC umbrella!

 

10. How do I make a donation to support Shtetl 2.0™?

For the first year, July 2024 - June 2025, Shtetl 2.0™ invites you to join this community as a Founder, with a donation of your choice! Join and make a Founding Donation here. And thanks!