Eligible to apply are current year graduates of the high schools who have an Italian heritage. Selection is further based on leadership, citizenship, scholastic achievement, and brief essays regarding the student’s heritage, hopes for a career and plans for community involvement after formal schooling.

The application and all recommendations must be completed and returned by February 15. Forms are available through school counselors or may be downloaded from the lodge web site:
http://www.buonamici.org

To be eligible for full membership, one must have been born in Italy or be a descendent, spouse or adopted individual of one of Italian lineage. However, those not of Italian descent who want to join in our social activities can apply for Social Membership at Buon’Amici Lodge.

OSIA members receive:

Italian America magazine - a free quarterly cultural magazine for people of Italian heritage.

Sons of Italy Times newspaper – a free monthly newspaper with Pennsylvania lodge updates and columns about and for Italian-Americans.

Member access to OSIA.org – the National Web site full of information about issues, programs, reports and research important to Italian Americans.

You’ll find discounts on specialty items and services of interest to Italian Americans, including genealogy research, travel, Italian language instruction, and more.

Information on special programs of travel to and study in Italy.

Resources for tracing one’s roots and family history.

Eligibility for OSIA scholarships and participation in OSIA youth programs.

Insurance benefits – Members under age 50 receive low cost life insurance by the Benefit Insurance Fund.

Promote Italian language and culture in U.S. schools and colleges.

Support the Commission for Social Justice Activities - Anti-defamation effort to fight stereotyping in advertising and news media.

Educate the general public about the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans.

Support scholarships to young Italian Americans and assist them with internships, mentoring, and youth programs.

Charitable Activities – Alzheimer, American Heart, Cancer, Cooley's Anemia, Ileitis and Colitis, Kidney, Muscular Dystrophy, Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Homeless, AIDS, among many others. OSIA supports medical research, disaster relief efforts, education, cultural preservation and other important projects.

Opportunities to join OSIA’s influential voice in domestic and international affairs and a voice in our nation’s capital on issues of importance.