Benvenuto | Welcome

Welcome to the Governance section of our website! We are proud to be a part of a national movement that represents over 26 million Americans of Italian heritage. Our mission is to promote and preserve the rich cultural traditions, language, ancestral legacy, and contributions of Italian-Americans to the United States and around the world.

We are affiliated with two esteemed organizations:

     1.   At the national level

          Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA)

          www.osdia.org

     2.  At the state level

          OSDIA Grand Lodge of California

           www.osiaca.org 

As members of these organizations, we work diligently to uphold their values and goals in all of our endeavors.

Through our commitment to effective governance, we aim to ensure that our organization remains true to its founding principles while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. We believe that by promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, we can build a strong and vibrant community of Italian-Americans who are proud of their heritage and committed to its preservation for future generations.

Our governance documents, also known as our bylaws, are the cornerstones of our organization's governance structure. They outline the fundamental principles, rules, and procedures that guide our decision-making processes and ensure the effective functioning of our organization. Our bylaws provide a clear and transparent framework for our operations, including the roles and responsibilities of our officers, the procedures for elections and appointments, and the protocols for meetings and decision-making. They also define the rights and obligations of our members and establish the rules for the governance of our organization. At our core, we are committed to upholding the values and principles outlined in our bylaws, and we believe that they provide a solid foundation for our organization to grow and thrive. We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with our bylaws and to participate in their development and implementation. 

See our national bylaws at:  OSIA_ByLaws_2021-2023_-REVISED.pdf (osdia.org)

See our state bylaws at:  OSIA BYLAWS of the Grand Lodge of California .pdf (wsimg.com) 

Or click / tap on the images below.

WE BELIEVE in the Government of the United States of America as the Government of the people, by the people, and for the people and promise to obey and uphold its Constitution and Laws.

WE BELIEVE in Government by orderly process and reject any doctrine that tends to subvert constituted government and authority.

WE BELIEVE in filial affection and respect for the Land of our Forefathers whose heritage is our highest contribution to America's progress.

WE BELIEVE in the brotherhood of man and promise to assist our fellow members, to care for the orphans, to extend our helping hand to the widows and to comfort all those in distress.

WE BELIEVE in equal rights and duties for all; in equality of opportunity; in the enjoyment of the benefits of human association extended to all without discrimination.

WE BELIEVE in freedom of thought, conscience and education and stand for individual liberty in the performance of duties and in the exercise of rights under the Constitution and the laws of our Country and State.

WE BELIEVE in the future progress and expansion of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America of Italian birth or descent for their recognition and welfare, and promise to contribute to the moral, intellectual and material progress of our fellow members, and to support the program of the Order and all its activities for the welfare of our Country, our Order and the Community in which we live.

The Ritual and Protocol Manual is a comprehensive guide that outlines the rules and procedures for conducting official lodge business and ceremonies. The manual covers a wide range of topics including officer duties, meeting protocols, initiation rituals, and ceremonial events. It provides detailed instructions for conducting each of these activities, including the proper attire, equipment, and procedures necessary for a successful event. The manual also includes guidelines for conducting elections, managing finances, and addressing disputes within the lodge. Overall, the Ritual and Protocol Manual serves as an essential reference for lodge members and officers to ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with the traditions and standards of the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America. 

See our manual at: ritual and protocol manual.pdf (wsimg.com) or click / tap on the image below.