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Formation of Italian American Leadership Forum Announced

A man wearing a red sweater, beige vest, and scarf speaks into a microphone on stage during a celebration of Giovanni da Verrazzano. A large banner behind him reads “Celebrating Giovanni Verrazzano” with a blue background and gold city skyline design.

June 16, 2023 —

Many of the largest organizations representing the Italian American community announced today the formation of a new organization, Italian American Leadership Forum (IALF), which is a fraternal association of major Italian American nonprofit groups, representing the needs of an estimated 17 million Americans of Italian heritage. The IALF serves as a mechanism to discuss, debate and act on the most important public policy issues facing our community. We are a coordinative body, providing a spiritual bond that encourages, supports, and assists the membership to build consensus and advance our shared goals.

Italian American Leadership Forum will initially be comprised of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Supreme Lodge (OSDIA); Columbus Citizens Foundation; National Italian American Foundation; National Organization of Italian American Women; Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Commission for Social Justice; Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Foundation.

Many of the organizations involved in the establishment of Italian American Leadership Forum have been at the forefront of Italian American social, economic, educational, and public policy issues for nearly a century and have participated directly in the evolution of this community that remains a significant contributor to all facets of life in the United States. We look forward to a working collaboration of these major Italian American organizations to better advance the goals of all Italian Americans in America.