In 1995, the Sons of Italy, New Generation was established with the help of George Vendegnia and 84 charter members. The organization is unique in that it is one of the first lodges formulated under the Grand Lodge of Colorado.

    The New Generation created this lodge to reach out to the young generations of Italian-Americans, who have lost touch with the old neighborhood traditions simply through migration and growth of the community.  Our values are based upon liberty, equality, and fraternity.  We are a fraternal organization that strongly supports the familia, and we promote the teachings of our heritage to our present and future generations.

    Our continued efforts are to raise moneys not only for scholarships but also for other charitable organizations.  Our membership continues to grow, and we would welcome and value your contributions.

    Please join us as we continue to build upon our record of giving to the community.

New Generation Lodge 2702 History

History


Originally called "L'Ordine Figli d'Italia," the Order Sons of Italy in America was established in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City on June 22, 1905, by Vincenzo Sellaro, M.D., and five other Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923). Their aim was to create a support system for all Italian immigrants that would assist them with becoming U.S. citizens, provide health/death benefits and educational opportunities and offer assistance with assimilation in America.


Highlights in OSIA's history:

•In its early years, OSIA established free schools to teach immigrants English and centers to help them become U.S. citizens.

•The first OSIA lodges established orphanages and homes for the elderly, life insurance and mortuary funds, credit unions, welfare societies and scholarship funds to aid members in need.

•During World Wars I and II, OSIA members bought war bonds and war stamps to support the war effort, and lodges competed with each other to contribute the most money to the Red Cross.

•In World War II, the OSIA Supreme Council (national officers) issued a resolution urging members to donate one day's salary to the national defense.

•To date, OSIA members have given more than $93 million to educational programs, disaster relief, cultural advancement and medical research.


Today OSIA:

•Researches Italian American culture and history

•Promotes the study of Italian in the United States

•Encourages young Italian Americans through scholarships and other educational programs

•Organizes grassroots efforts to support legislation and other issues of importance to Italian Americans.

•Raises money for worthy causes

  1. •Supports diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy


Organization

•OSIA Creed

•National Office in Washington, D.C., operates on behalf of OSIA's governing body.

•Two subsidiary organizations of OSIA: Philanthropic arm: The Sons of Italy Foundation.
Anti-defamation arm: The Commission for Social Justice

•20 state chapters (Grand Lodges)

•More than 700 community-based chapters

•OSIA History Timeline (as PDF file - 112K)