The Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island and the Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University have formed a partnership and recently signed a memorandum of understanding to commemorate the collaboration.
Both organizations commit to working on initiatives aligning with their missions and visions. They will collaborate on projects and events celebrating and showcasing Italian and Italian American cultures, history, and traditions.
“The best way to keep pushing forward on preserving Italian American heritage and culture is to work together with like-minded leaders and organizations,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, Executive Director and Founder of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island. “We are stronger together, and we agree there is great potential for collaboration and working to build a brighter future.”
Dr. Andrea Fedi, Director of the Center for Italian Studies, said, “This partnership represents a step forward in our shared mission to promote and preserve Italian and Italian American cultures. By combining resources and networks, we are creating a significant synergy that will enhance our ability to educate, engage, and inspire our constituencies. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for innovative initiatives and cultural events that will benefit students, scholars, and the broader community.”
One important aspect of this partnership is the commitment to advertising and promoting key events and activities planned by each organization. They will strive to maximize these initiatives’ reach and impact through coordinated efforts, ensuring they are accessible to a wider audience.
In addition, both organizations will explore the possibility of having representatives from each entity serve on each other’s advisory boards, councils, or planning committees. This will facilitate closer collaboration and exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources, strengthening the partnership and enhancing the quality of programs and initiatives.
The memorandum emphasizes the importance of ideation and critical thinking in continuously enhancing the partnership. Representatives of both organizations will actively engage in creative discussions to explore new ideas, innovative projects, and educational opportunities that align with the mission of promoting Italian and Italian American cultures and heritage.
Both organizations will facilitate introductions and community connections to foster networking and relationship management. By nurturing these relationships, the partnership aims to create a vibrant, interconnected community that collectively supports and advocates for Italian and Italian American cultures and heritage.
