About OSIA

The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the largest and longest-established national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States.

Originally called "L'Ordine Figli d'Italia," the Order Sons of Italy in America was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905 by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian immigration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America. Early 20th century ODIS members were interested in enhancing their education, learning skills, finding jobs, preserving their heritage, fighting for their equality in the New World and establishing a community of friendship.

These ideals are still relevant today. Together with its philanthropic arm, the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), and its anti-defamation arm, the Commission for Social Justice (CSJ), OSIA remains an oasis of opportunity, culture, camaraderie and philanthropy. OSIA has more than 600,000 members and supporters in more than 700 community-based chapters in 36 states as well as at-large members in all 50 states and two US territories, who continue to enrich the Italian heritage and tradition nationwide through programs in education, cultural preservation, grass-roots initiatives and charitable fund raising, and by strengthening ties between the United States and Italy. This network of chapters from coast to coast, make it the leading service and advocacy organization for the nation's estimated 26 million of Italian descent.

OSIA's missions include encouraging the study of Italian language and culture in American schools and universities; preserving Italian-American traditions, culture, history and heritage and promoting closer cultural relations between the United States and Italy.

The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is a private philanthropic institution, established by OSIA in 1959. To date, the SIF has given more than $83 million to scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation, disaster relief and other projects.

The Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of OSIA. The CSJ is committed to fighting racism, prejudice and the stereotyping of all races, religions and cultures.

How OSIA works in the community:

OSIA . . .

DONATES millions of dollars to national and international charities, including the Alzheimer Association, the American Red Cross, The Arthritis Foundation, March of Dimes, Boys Town of Italy, the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, The Children's Inn at NIH, the Ellis Island Foundation, the SLE (Lupus) Foundation, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, cultural projects and disaster relief efforts. More than $37 million has been given to date.

PROVIDES more than $700,000 in scholarships annually, more than $33 million since 1968.

LEADS national campaigns to promote positive images of Italian-Americans and reduce discrimination, bigotry and prejudice against Italian-Americans and other minority groups.

ADVOCATES for Italian-Americans pursuing federal and state appointments, and for important legislation impacting the Italian-American community.

ENCOURAGES leadership in young Italian-Americans through internships, mentoring and youth conferences.

DEVELOPS nationally significant cultural and educational projects and institutions, including the OSIA Archives Collection at the Immigration History Research Center, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, the In Italiano language program and university chairs of Italian studies.

RECOGNIZES and celebrates Italian-American leadership in government, business, philanthropy and the global community.

SUPPORTS Italian government efforts on a wide range of cultural, educational and humanitarian activities.

The Benefits of membership in OSIA:

	Full access to "One Stop Italian America" at www.osia.org, including the Member Community.
	Annual subscription to Italian America, a glossy, full-color magazine of Italian-American culture, news, history and personalities.
	Networking with other Italian-Americans nationwide; support systems of others interested in similar activities and causes.
	Scholarship opportunities at the local, state and national levels.
	Involvement in Italian culture through lectures, film and book discussion groups, Italian language courses and folk life activities.
	Volunteering outlets.
	A voice in our nation's capital and in statehouses across the country on significant issues in the Italian-American community.
	Discounts on travel, car rentals, insurance, specialty products and other affinity programs.

Resolution

National Day of Recognition

June 19, 2010