By: Andre' DiMino, President, Italian American One Voice Coalition History is not a static record of dates and names; it is a living narrative that reflects who we were, who we are, and how communities found their place in the American story. For Italian Americans, no figure embodies this more clearly than Christopher Columbus.To generations of Italian Americans, Columbus is not celebrated simply as a navigator of the 15th century. He became an iconic symbol of acceptance at a time when Italia [...]
Author Richard Hayes You’ve just arrived in the United States. Everything feels new and different — the streets, the sounds, the people. Finding your footing means more than unpacking your bags. It means stepping into a world with unfamiliar customs, language, and rhythms. How do you connect? How do you thrive? Here’s a straightforward guide for embracing your new community while holding tight to the ties that brought you here.Learn to Speak the Language FluentlySpeaking Engli [...]
Author Andre DiMino, IAOVC President On June 2, 2025, Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted dramatically, captivating observers and prompting comparisons with its storied past. This eruption, originating from the volcano's southeast crater, was marked by a significant pyroclastic flow—a fast-moving current of hot gas, ash, and volcanic matter—that traveled approximately two kilometers into the Valle del Leone. Such flows are rare for Etna, with the last comparable [...]
By: Brittany Fisher Taking meaningful action in your community isn’t about grand gestures or having unlimited resources—it’s about using what you have, where you are, to make a difference. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, access to healthcare, environmental sustainability, or education reform, the key is turning your beliefs into tangible steps that create lasting impact. Too often, people assume they need to be in a position of power to drive change, but [...]
Author Brittany Fisher Lifelong learning is crucial for community leaders seeking to maintain their effectiveness and adaptability in leadership roles. It offers a foundation for continuous improvement and the development of new skills essential for navigating complex challenges. As leaders engage in ongoing education, they not only enhance their own capabilities but also set a powerful example for others in their communities. Here are some tips to get you started, courtesy of the Italian Ameri [...]
Author Tony Silvestri, Member of the Italian American One Voice Coalition New Year’s Eve in Italy, or La Festa di San Silvestro, is nothing short of magical. The night brims with traditions that mix old superstitions, family warmth, and festive fun. Here’s a peek into how Italians say “arrivederci” to the old year and “ciao” to the new!Red for Luck (and Love!)Donning red underwear isn’t just for fashion—it’s a time-honored Italian tradition [...]
Author Andre' DiMino, President IAOVC In furtherance of our continuing efforts to bridge cultures, in an unprecedented move, Italian American organizations from around the country have joined together to urge greater recognition of November as National Native American Heritage Month. This is as a result of the ongoing alliance formed earlier this year among Native Americans, Italian Americans and other groups in monthly, virtual meetings called “Solidarity Sessions – Bridging [...]
Author Frank Lorenzo, IAOVC Executive Vice President When most people hear the words – civil rights - the very last group that comes to mind is Italian Americans. Most people see us as an example of an ethnic group that made a very successful assimilation into American society. It is true that we have made great strides since our ancestors first arrived on these shores, but this is only because we had advocates in our community that fought hard for our civil rights. We c [...]
Thank you!!!!The New Hampshire Governor and State Legislature did the right thing - they passed a LAW that requires New Hampshire cities and towns to recognize the second Monday in October as COLUMBUS DAY - BRAVO!!!Hall of Fame???It is only fitting that our organization, IAOVC, elected Governor Sununu and the State Legislature to the IAOVC Hall of Fame for passage of HB 1014, which mandates, by state law, that cities and towns are now required to recognize Columbus Day on the second Monday in Oc [...]
The recently created alliance between the Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”) and the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA) marks an unprecedented milestone in the fight against what many perceive as the detrimental effects of cancel culture. This collaboration underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that the narratives of various communities are respected and upheld.Cancel culture, often defined as the practice of withdrawing [...]