The Commission for Social Justice®
Protecting Our Heritage The Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA). It was established to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising and news industries. It also collaborates with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions and cultures are treated fairly. A precursor to the CSJ was established as early as 1970, evolving into the CSJ, as it exists in its current form, in 1981. The CSJ monitors the entertainment, advertising and news industries, contacts offending parties and encourages other Italian-American organizations, e-mail networks and concerned individuals to take action. The CSJ’s Positive Image Program was established to counter the negative depictions that are pervasive in media, advertising and pop culture by promoting positive Italian American achievements and contributions to our history and culture. As part of its Positive Image Program, the CSJ conducts research, produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits and other materials on the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans. Some reports and studies that the CSJ has conducted or commissioned and are available to the public include: • Italian Americans in Law Enforcement • Columbus: Fact vs. Fiction • With Justice for All: Italian Americans & Civil Rights • Honoring Diversity: A Selection of Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamps • Italian American Stereotypes in U.S. Advertising • Public Image of Italian Americans: A Survey The CSJ conducts campaigns at both the community and the national level that support cultural and social issues of importance to Italian Americans (legislation, commemorative stamps, Columbus Day/Heritage Month, etc.). To achieve its objectives, the CSJ engages in community and government relations as well as in grassroots campaigns and fund-raising efforts. However, given its non-profit status, the CSJ cannot offer legal advice or assistance in lawsuits.
CSJ Sustaining Patrons Circle Honor Roll As of August 1, 2019
The CSJ extends its gratitude to these members of the Sustaining Patrons Circle: Maria Fassio Pignati 22
Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America®
