Two New Initiatives Launched By Italian American One Voice Coalition in Its Ongoing Defense of Italian American Heritage and Culture

BLOOMFIELD, NJ, USA, November 27, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Bloomfield, NJ - The Italian American ONE VOICE Coalition (“ONE VOICE”), America’s largest independent Italian American anti-bias organization, and NJ Assemblyman Ralph Caputo were honored by the NJ Italian American Heritage Commission (“NJIAHC”) at a special awards ceremony held in their honor.

Robert DiBiase, NJIAHC Chair presented awards to Dr. Manny Alfano, Founder and President of ONE VOICE and Assemblyman Caputo, for their untiring efforts supporting Italian American heritage and culture and specifically for supporting funding of the NJIAHC. “We are grateful to both ONE VOICE and Assemblyman Caputo for their strong support of our heritage and the Commission,” stated Mr. DiBiase.

Upon receiving the award Dr. Alfano stated, “I accept this award on behalf of the ONE VOICE Executive Board, our Organization Members and Defenders across the nation who work every day to protect Italian Americans.” In addition to issues such as stereotyping, he noted recent increases in attacks on Columbus Day, “This is an American Holiday and Italian Americans are the caretakers of this important accomplishment that opened up this part of the world.”

Assemblyman Caputo gave an impassioned talk on his support and involvement in the Italian American experience. “I am honored to receive this recognition from the Commission and I will continue to support it and the work of ONE VOICE in any way I can.”

ONE VOICE used the occasion to announce two new initiatives to expand its efforts at defending Italian American heritage and culture.

ONE VOICE Executive Board Member Frank Lorenzo took to the podium to announce that ONE VOICE launched a GoFundMe Campaign to secure support for ONE VOICE’s efforts at defending Columbus Day across the US. “We were successful in helping to save the iconic Columbus Statue in New York City. But it takes funds for legal costs and other expenses to repel this desecration of our great American holiday. Our GoFundMe Campaign is a way for everyone to help fight,” he stated.

Mr. Lorenzo turned the microphone over to ONE VOICE Communications Director, Andre’ DiMino to announce the second initiative for the organization.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated Executive Board Members who meet monthly to discuss our efforts at counteracting stereotyping and discrimination. We need our Organization Members and Defenders, located across the country, to participate without having to travel.” He explained that ONE VOICE is launching a ‘Virtual Meeting’ program where a liaison for each Organization Member can participate in an interactive live video virtual meeting. “This will be a crucial tool for us to further connect our ONE VOICE team across the country to keep abreast of the latest attacks on our Italian American heritage and culture.” He urged any and all Italian American organizations, nationwide, to join ONE VOICE and participate in defending Italian American heritage and culture via the new Virtual Meeting program.

ONE VOICE is different from all other Italian American groups in that its sole focus and objective is to educate and fight bias, stereotyping and discrimination against Italian Americans. ONE VOICE’s stated mission is to “…secure the rightful representation of Americans of Italian origin and of all peoples whose paths toward social equality have been impeded. The powers of intellect, wisdom and due process of law will be brought to bear on all inequities.”

ONE VOICE issues a regular email newsletter, “The Alfano Digest,” to more than 5,000 individuals and Italian American organizations nationwide. Written and compiled by Dr. Alfano, the Digest issues alerts on instances of bias, stereotyping, discrimination and defamation and activates the ONE VOICE nationwide network of “Defenders” who respond through calls, emails, faxes, letters and demonstrations where necessary. The Digest also contains informative Italian American cultural and heritage information. To receive the Digest, email Dr. Alfano - mannyalfano@comcast.net.

To join or obtain more information on ONE VOICE visit iaovc.org.

Andre DiMino
Italian Amrican ONE VOICE Coalition
+1 201-739-6000
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