Order Sons and Daughters of Italy
in America® (OSDIA)

Originally called Ordine Figli d’Italia, the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSDIA) 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 migration (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. In 2016, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA).

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• In its early years, OSDIA established free schools to teach immigrants English and centers to help them become U.S. citizens.

• The first OSDIA lodges established orphanages and homes for the elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit unions, welfare societies and scholarship funds to aid members in need.

• During World Wars I and II, OSDIA members bought war bonds and war stamps to support the war effort, and lodges competed with each other to contribute the most money to the Red Cross.

• In World War II, the OSDIA Supreme Council (national officers) issued a resolution urging members to donate one day’s salary to the national defense.

• To date, OSDIA members have given tens of millions of dollars to educational programs, disaster relief, cultural advancement and medical research.

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Why join the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America?

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• Free print & online subscription to Italian America® magazine, the most widely read cultural magazine in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage.

• Access to OSIA.org, and information about issues, programs, reports and research important to Italian Americans, and other benefits available only online.

• Discounts on various products and services, including genealogy research, travel, Italian language instruction, and more. See participating vendors on the Benefits and Discounts page.

• Email promotions and giveaways.

• Early notice of new features on OSIA.org.

• Eligibility for OSDIA scholarships and participation in OSDIA youth programs.

• Italian America® magazine advertising discounts. More information.

• Free benefits & discounts on various products and services, including: Wireless, Prescription Savings, Travel, Health & Wellness, Genealogy, Language Instruction, Insurance, Culinary products And much more!

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• Hold local, state and national leadership positions in OSDIA.

• Represent your lodge at local, state and national meetings of OSDIA.

• Vote on important issues within OSDIA, the Sons of Italy Foundation® and the Commission for Social Justice®.

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• ​Promote Italian language and culture in U.S. schools and colleges.

• Fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the U.S. entertainment, advertising and news media. Learn about the CSJ here!

• Educate the general public about the historical achievements and contributions of Italians and Italian Americans.

• Advocate for Italian Americans pursuing federal and state appointments, and for important legislation affecting the Italian American community.

• Assist Italian American students and young professionals with their career plans through internships, mentoring, and youth programs.

• Award scholarships to young Italian Americans at leading universities.

• Donate funds to medical research, disaster relief efforts, education, cultural preservation and other important projects. [nearly $117 Million]

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

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