Who We Are

The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) is the oldest and largest national organization for Italian-Americans in the U.S. Founded in 1905 to support early Italian immigrants, OSDIA now has members across all 50 states and Washington D.C.

We are a nationwide organization representing approximately 26 million Americans of Italian heritage. Our mission is to celebrate and promote Italian culture, traditions, language, and the rich legacy of our ancestors, while highlighting our contributions to the United States and the world.

Our diverse membership spans all walks of life - from students to retirees, professionals to tradespeople, and everything in between. We are united in our commitment to philanthropy and global citizenship, embodying the finest qualities of Italian-American identity.

Our key objectives include:

  • Promoting Italian language and cultural studies in American educational institutions
  • Preserving Italian-American heritage and traditions
  • Fostering stronger cultural ties between the U.S. and Italy

OSDIA is proud of its inclusive nature:

  • Women have always had equal rights and make up about half of our membership, holding leadership positions at all levels
  • We welcome people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, religion, race, or profession
  • Non-Italians with an appreciation for Italian culture are also invited to join

Our philanthropic arm, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF), has contributed over $164 million to various causes since its establishment in 1959. These include scholarships, medical research, cultural preservation, and disaster relief.

Additionally, our anti-defamation arm, the Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ), actively combats racism, prejudice, and stereotyping of all races, religions, and cultures, with a particular focus on Italian-Americans.