Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Get Membership Information?
You will receive an official application for membership in OSIA. Once your membership is approved, you will be taken through the process which includes installation and ceremonies which are enjoyable and enlightening. Contact information can be found on
our Home Page.
What Are the Benefits of Membership?
Affiliation with the nation's largest and most important
Italian American Organization.
Opportunities to meet and socialize with other Italian
Americans in your community.
A Free Subscription to Italian America, a widely read
magazine in the nation for people of Italian heritage.
Discounts on Italian products and specialty items, including
Murano glass, art posters, gifts and kitchenware.
Special Rates on Italian instruction, genealogy research,
study-abroad programs, hotels, car rentals and other services. Priority Notice about OSIA scholarships,
youth programs, reports and events.
Tools to fight stereotyping locally and nationally.
What other Types of Memberships are There?
OSIA offers five basic memberships. All memberships are
renewed annually. OSIA is for adults 18
and older.
LODGE MEMBER
Men and women who can trace their Italian lineage, and
their spouses, are eligible to join a lodge, participate in meetings and social
events. All Lodge members receive a free subscription to Italian America
Magazine, access to the OSIA "members-only" Web site, and the
discounts and services in the OSIA Benefit Package.
LODGE SOCIAL MEMBER
Entitles individuals who are not
of Italian descent to join a lodge and participate in meetings and events. They do not vote or hold office.
YOUNG AMBASSADOR
Students and young professionals
of Italian descent organize OSIA Consulates at their colleges or in their
communities to help young Italian Americans meet each other. Young Ambassadors receive all OSIA benefits,
but do not vote or hold office in lodges.
AT-LARGE MEMBER
People of all ages who cannot
attend meetings or do not live near a lodge can still join OSIA as At-Large
members. They receive all OSIA member
benefits, but do not vote or hold office.
Or start your own Lodge!
GIFT MEMBER
Anyone can give the gift of OSIA
to family, friends or even their local public or school library by making them
lodge, social or at-large members as described above.
Want to start a Lodge of your
own? Visit their sites at the links
shown below. They will also tell you
the nearest Lodge to your hometown.
How do I Join?
Anyone, male or female, of Italian heritage or not,
interested in attending meetings, is
welcome as a guest or is welcome to join our fraternal organization as a
regular, social or at-large member.
Other membership categories include Gift member and at-large member as
explained above.