Sons of Italy Announces Centennial Membership Drive
Press
Contact: Kylie Cafiero, (202) 547-2900 kcafiero@osia.org
WASHINGTON, September
1, 2004 Approaching
its 100th anniversary in 2005, the Order Sons of
Italy in America (OSIA) has launched a nationwide
membership drive inviting Italian Americans and
their families to become part of the oldest and
largest national organization for men and women
of Italian heritage.
OSIA
offers members the opportunity to meet and socialize
with other Italian Americans in their own towns
and cities. In addition, members raise funds for
philanthropic projects, promote Italian culture
in their communities and fight the stereotyping
and defamation of Italian Americans.
"Almost
100 years ago our founders had a dream of uniting
Italian Americans across the country. Today we
make that possible with a network of over 700 lodges
in the United States. We invite all those interested
to join us as we enter our centennial year," says
OSIA National President Joseph Sciame.
Those
who join during this centennial celebration will
receive a personalized centennial member certificate
and membership card, along with a limited-edition
centennial lapel pin. All members receive a free
subscription of Italian America, the most widely
read magazine in the United States for men and
women of Italian heritage.
"OSIA
members help preserve Italian customs, history
and language, while forming an extended Italian
American family in their lodges and among those
in their community," says Valentino Ciullo, OSIA's
national second vice president and membership chairman.
Italian
Americans, their spouses and children are invited
to join a lodge in their area and become active
in lodge meetings and activities. For those who
don't have a lodge nearby or unable to attend monthly meetings, OSIA offers an
At-Large membership. At-large members enjoy all the benefits of OSIA but do not
attend meetings and are not eligible to be elected to leadership positions.
For
more information on how to join an OSIA lodge or become an At-Large member visit
www.osia.org under the "About OSIA and Lodge Information," or call OSIA's
headquarters in Washington, DC at 202/547-2900.
OSIA has more than 600,000 members and supporters and a network of more than 700 lodges/chapters coast to coast. OSIA works at community, national and international levels to promote the heritage and culture of Italian Americans, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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