October 1, 2023
LONG ISLAND, NY – Long Island Italian American leaders have launched the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island (IAHSLI). This non-profit will serve as a harbinger of advocacy, community engagement, and education for the Italian American community.
As one of the most populated Italian American regions in the United States, Long Island embodies an ethos of family, faith, and heritage through the hearts and minds of millions of immigrants and their descendants.
The IAHSLI will keep traditions alive, bring people together, promote achievements, educate and enrich the next generation, strategize with local businesses, and redefine the meaning of togetherness among our heritage group.
Chris R. Vaccaro, Founder/Executive Director: “It’s the right time to create this organization for the Italian Americans on Long Island. There is a groundswell of pride among our heritage group that should be supported and used as a building block for community engagement. As society progresses, we must never forget where we came from and our ancestors’ sacrifices to come here. Let’s utilize that same spirit so that people today and generations tomorrow are equally proud of our Italian heritage and home on Long Island. We look forward to growing and engaging with the community and being an impactful force among Italian Americans in the region.”
Lou Bernardi, Founder/Operating Officer: “It’s truly amazing what can happen when like-minded individuals get together, especially when the mission is for others and not oneself.
The Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island is just that. A platform like no other, that will connect fellow Italian Americans who have called Long Island home. It’s a way for all of us to preserve our heritage and culture, promote and honor our successes, and educate the next generation on proper values. With great pride, I embark on this new journey that will have a positive and long-lasting impact on everyone involved. Our love for Italian American heritage and culture, the ideology of never forgetting where you come from, and our passion for giving back will make the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island one of the more impactful organizations.”
Mission: Serving Italian Americans on Long Island through advocacy, education, and community pride. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of Italian Americans on Long Island and honor our heritage through a meaningful exploration of culture, values, and community.
Vision: Our vision is to build a community organization that makes an impact on Italian Americans on Long Island. Impact is defined by action. Action will be noticeable through educational programming, news, content distribution, ceremonies to honor deserving people and organizations, building bridges in the business sector, and being a voice for those fighting for our heritage to remain prominent in this region.
Core values: Our organization will create a standard of respect and authenticity, live by the following values, and constantly ask ourselves these questions:
- Loyalty – how are we serving the needs of Italian Americans on Long Island?
- Integrity – how are we being open, honest, and transparent?
- Compassion – how are we treating Long Islanders with respect?
- Creativity & Innovation – how are we enhancing the region?
Contact: [email protected]
Learn more: LongIslandItalians.org
This is fantastic! If I can help in anyway let me know