Short OSIA History
The Order Sons of Italy in America was originally called “Ordine Figli d’Italia and was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905 by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D. and 5 other Italian immigrants who came to the U. S. during the great Italian migration 1880-1923. Their aim was to create a support system for these Italian immigrants.
Highlights of OSIA in the past:
1.
Established free schools to teach immigrants English and centers to help them become citizens.
Established free schools to teach immigrants English and centers to help them become citizens.2.The first OSIA lodges established orphanages and homes for elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit
The first OSIA lodges established orphanages and homes for elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit unions, welfare societies and scholarships for members in need.
3.During World War I and II, OSIA members bought war bonds and war stamps to support the war effort,
During World War I and II, OSIA members bought war bonds and war stamps to support the war effort, contributions were made to the Red Cross.
4.In World War II the OSIA Supreme (national officers) issued a resolution urging members to donate 1 day’s
In World War II the OSIA Supreme (national officers) issued a resolution urging members to donate 1 day’s salary to the national defense.
5.To date, OSIA members have given over one hundred million dollars to educational programs, disaster relief,
To date, OSIA members have given over one hundred million dollars to educational programs, disaster relief, cultural advancement and medical research
Today’s OSIA
1.Researches Italian American culture and history.
Researches Italian American culture and history.2.Promotes the study of Italian in the U.S.
Promotes the study of Italian in the U.S.3.Encourages young Italian Americans through scholarships and other educational programs
Encourages young Italian Americans through scholarships and other educational programs4.Organizes grassroots efforts to support legislation and other issues of importance to Italian American
Organizes grassroots efforts to support legislation and other issues of importance to Italian American Americans
5.Raises money for worthy causes
Raises money for worthy causes6.Supports diplomatic relations between U. S. and Italy
Supports diplomatic relations between U. S. and ItalyOrganization
•OSIA Creed
OSIA Creed•National Office in Washington, D.C, operates on behalf of OSIA governing body.
National Office in Washington, D.C, operates on behalf of OSIA governing body.•Two subsidiary organizations of OSIA: Philanthropic arm: The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) 1959 and Anti-
Two subsidiary organizations of OSIA: Philanthropic arm: The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) 1959 and Anti- defamation arm: The Commission of Social Justice (SJC) 1979.
•20 state chapters – Grand Lodges
20 state chapters – Grand Lodges•More than 650 community-based chapters (Filial Lodges)
More than 650 community-based chapters (Filial Lodges)
