Do you often get stuck in conversations? Not know how to approach people at networking events? Join Socializing for Justice for a fast-paced, fun & interactive Skillshare on the Art of the Schmooze on Monday, May 5 6:00 - 8:30 PM.

Fee: $10 in advance/$20 at the door is split with the trainer.
Limited space - Register at www.sojust.org - Newcomers always welcomed!
Credit cards accepted online. Cash only at the door (if space available).

The Endowment of Unexceptional Humans, a quirky JP charity, is having an event in Somerville May 11th. Local Boston authors read their work and then auction off an item that's close to their heart. The Globe's new blog writes more about The Endowment.

In this Sunday's "Starts and Stops", the Boston Globe's Eric Moskowitz reports that the MBTA is collecting backpacks and school supplies for the Home for Little Wanderers.

Backpacks can be dropped off in boxes near commuter rail ticket booths at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay.

Or just leave on a bench on your way through the terminal; the helpful T police will take care of the rest.

With a multi-million dollar renovation starting to show its age, the Roslindale Community Center has started a "wish list" of various items and creature features that will make the facility a bit brighter and more accommodating to those that use it.

The community center operates as a partnership between the City of Boston (Boston Center For Youth and Families - BCYF) which owns and operates the building, and a community-based non-profit in residence that operates a day care service and various in house programming. The non-profit acts as the voice of the Roslindale Community in the center's operation.

In March of this year torrential rains resulted in the community center building experiencing water damage from above (a roof leak) and from below, when storm drains in Roslindale Square backed up resulting in a 6-8 inch flood in the basement prompting a need to replace some furnishings.

The center is also in need of adding to its capacity to address youth and adult programming, and also to facilitate access to numerous community-based organizations that use the facility as a meeting place.

SmallCanBeBig lets you read about local folks who need money, then donate to them. Microdonations? John Connors set it up, the Boston Business Journal reports.

It's charity walk season here in Boston, and that means every weekend, some part of the city will be shut down, causing major traffic and mobility headaches.

I think there is a better way...charity walks, extortion style.

Mike Mennnonno tries to sort out three conflicting reports that say A) We absolutely suck at giving to charity, B) We are great at giving to charity and C) We're right in the middle of the pack at giving to charity.