Fighting Stereotypes

The CSJ Perspective

By Robert M. Ferrito, President

With another year gone by, I am proud to report that the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) has now transformed into the united front that we intended it to be. Last month, on December 3, our delegation met with Italian Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, who was appointed last summer. This meeting alone shows the influence that COPOMIAO has fostered and will continue to gain. At the meeting, we discussed matters of importance to the Italian-American community, including the preservation of Columbus Day.

As Commission for Social Justice President, I play a lead role in COPOMIAO, and I vow to every member of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America that I will continue to do so. I will ensure that our organization’s voice is represented at the main table—not just for every one of our members, but also for every single Italian American across the country.

Ambassador Zappia was very receptive to our interests, and naturally, we found many areas in which our interests were mutual—especially with regards to maintaining the close bond that the United States and Italy has. After all, it is because of our immigrant ancestors that we share this special bond, a bond that will live on indefinitely.

On the CSJ level, I am proud to announce that we recently launched the “CSJ Resource Page.” The page is designed to provide pertinent Christopher Columbusrelated information—including videos, books, articles, informational brochures, and much more. We will continue to build upon what we already have, but please check it out! You can find it under the “CSJ” tab on www.osia. org. The direct website address is https://www.osia.org/ commission-for-social-justice/resource-page/. I am also pleased to report that the CSJ had a recent meeting with Congressman Lee Zeldin. We emphasized the importance of preserving Columbus Day, our Columbus statues, and Italian heritage as a whole, and he is working with us to ensure that this is a priority. We also have an ally in Congressman Thomas Suozzi who has been very supportive to the Italian-American community over the years.

Lastly, I want to thank each and every one of our donors from the past year. The road has not been easy, but through your support, we’ve continued to champion our heritage and our holiday. Your donations have gone to support mailings to every member of Congress and printed Columbus brochures that are distributed by the hundreds. Through our involvement with the Conference of Presidents, the CSJ has been growing ever stronger every year! This year, I hope you continue to show your support with a donation to the CSJ. And in return, I promise that the CSJ will continue to be at the forefront of the charge to preserve our beloved Columbus Day and promote a positive image of Italian Americans. Sempre Avanti!

YES! I would like to help Save Columbus Day and keep Columbus Statues standing.

Please accept my tax-deductible donation to support the Commission for Social Justice’s mission.

To donate online, visit www.osia.org/csj To donate by phone, call the National Office at (202) 547-2900

$10 $25 $50 $100 $

My check for the total amount of $ is enclosed.

(Please make check payable to the “Commission for Social Justice”)

Mail to: Commission for Social Justice 219 E Street NE Washington, DC 20002