Eligibility

To be eligible for membership, one must have been born in Italy or be a descendant or spouse of
one of Italian lineage. Those who have been adopted by individuals of Italian descent are also
eligible for membership.

OSIA has three types of membership available. They are a full membership, a social membership and an "At-Large Membership". A full membership allows you to have voting rights, hold office if you choose to, become a part of your local lodge, and stay extremely active within that lodge. A social membership is provided for those who are not eligible for membership but believe in the goals of OSIA. An "At-Large Membership" is available to those who qualify for a regular full membership but, for whatever reason, do not want to attend meetings, hold any kind of office or belong to your
local lodge.

Reasons for Joining

OSIA needs you as members to help increase our numbers so that as a group we can effectively appropriate action against ethnic discrimination. OSIA provides an opportunity for Italians Americans to share their heritage and interact with other members on personal levels, which can lead to lasting, valuable, and professional relationships.

Becoming a part of OSIA enables you to discuss issues specific to Italian Americans; participate in programs of Italian heritage; meet people; make contacts; and help understand the impact made by Italians to every facet of society as we know it over the centuries from the areas of exploration, science, paintings, sculptors, architecture, and culinary arts.

OSIA provides Italian Americans and their families with unique opportunities and benefits, including: scholarship opportunities at local, state, and national levels; participation in local, state, and national social, business, and political network; opportunities to join in OSIA's influential voice in domestic and international affairs; involvement in Italian American culture through lectures, films, book discussion groups, Italian language courses, and folk life programs; opportunities to participate in a variety of special events and social programs; and an outlet for volunteer energies and professional expertise.

The OSIA organization has two separate arms, both which operate on both the state and national levels, one of these arms is the Commission for Social Justice (C.S.J.), which is the anti-defamation arm, and the other is Foundation, which is the charitable and philanthropic arm.

How to Join

If you are interested in joining OSIA you must apply to the Grand Lodge or one of the Local Lodges.

To find a local lodge near you <<click here>>, and then contact the Grand Lodge office to receive contact information for the local lodge that you would like to join.

To apply directly to the Grand Lodge as a Member at Large, please contact the Grand Lodge office for an application form.

For a packet of information on OSIA or if you have any questions please call
1-800-545-OSIA, or e-mail us at sonsofitalynj@comcast.net