The Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee hopes that the Milwaukee public will actively take part in two of its upcoming events.

In support of its 37 non-profit member organizations, Community Shares is hosting the second annual "Share-A-Meal with Community Shares." The group is inviting people to dine out and have some fun.

"We only did two restaurants last year and it was filled," says Niedra North, Community Shares director.

North says this year's restaurants were supporters of Community Shares and that was one of the reasons they were chosen.

The event will be spread between Cempazuchi, 1205 E. Brady St., Pedrano's Mexican Restaurant, 600 S. 6th St., and the African Hut, 1107 N. Old World 3rd St.

The restaurants will donate a percentage of the night's proceeds to the member agencies. Anyone who dines out can designate which of the agencies will receive their donations. A list of Community Shares' member agencies is on its Web site.

"(Diners) are going to receive a slip with their check. They fill in dollar amount for the dinner and there's a line for which agency is to get the donation," North says. "There's another line where they can donate extra. There are a couple of opportunities to donate."

North says that people should make reservations for the 14th "to support our agencies whose mission is social justice and a healthy environment."

If you can't participate in the "Share-A-Meal" event, but still want to become involved with Community Shares, North says there are plenty of other ways.

"(Anyone) can go on our Web site and there are volunteer opportunities and ways to donate."

At the 17th Annual Commitment to Justice Dinner Awards on Oct. 12, Community Shares will acknowledge those people who actively work for social justice and improving the environment. Nominations are being sought for three awards: The "Lifelong Commitment to Justice Award," the "Future of Change Award" and the "A. David Schwartz Business Humanitarian Award" for businesses.

Last year, columnist Joel McNally won the "Lifelong Commitment to Justice Award" award and peace activist Katherine Fuchs won the "Future of Change Award."

North says the differences between to two awards is the "Lifelong Commitment" is for those who have spent their lives on environmental or social issues -- the guidelines say that the person who receives this award should have focused on these issues for 10 or more years.

"Future change award someone who is young and on track, spends their time on environment or social justice causes," she says. North hopes that the award will urge the young person -- who is to be 30-years-old or under -- to continue their work while acknowledging what they've already done.

The "A. David Schwartz Business Humanitarian Award" was created to acknowledge businesses for their work on social justice and the environment. It was renamed for the late owner of Harry W. Schwartz bookshops to honor all the work Schwartz did. This award was not handed out last year, which North says was unfortunate.

"We know they're out there," she says. "There's some fabulous businesses that need to be recognized for their work."

To make reservations for "Share-A-Meal with Community Shares" call (414) 342-0883 or visit share-a-meal.org.

Nomination forms are available by calling (414) 342-0883 or by e-mailing director@milwaukeeshares.org. Award nominations need to be received by April 12 with the awards being handed out Oct. 12.

The Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee Web site is milwaukeeshares.org.