The Commission for Social Justice®
Protecting Our Heritage The Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) is the anti-defamation arm of the Order Sons and 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. It contacts the offending parties by letter and email and initiates a “Call to Action” that encourages other Italian-American organizations, OSDIA Grand and Local Lodges, and concerned individuals to take action as well. • Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ regularly informs the media and general public about the achievements, contributions, history, and culture in Italian-American community. • As part of its Positive Image Program, the CSJ conducts research and produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits, and other materials on the achievements and contributions of the Italian Americans. 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. • The CSJ is actively engaged in the unification of all Italian-American organization throughout the country and leads the Italian-American community by action. • The CSJ believes in diversity not by Substitution or Subtraction, but by Addition. 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 September 30, 2021
Mary Kovach Maria Fassio Pignati 20
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®
