In the last United States Census, 18.25 million people self identified as Italian or Italian American. Demographers believe there are more than 21 million Americans of Italian descent spread throughout the nation.  By some calculations, we are the fifth-largest ancestry group in the United States… but when it comes to making our voice heard in the halls of power, Italian Americans often seem far less influential than the numbers might suggest.

For one Italian American community leader, it’s time to address that imbalance.  Basil Russo, President of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and the Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations has worked with Italian American leaders from across the country to create Italian America Online… a new digital initiative seeking to identify and connect every Italian American organization in the United States, and eventually — if this longtime community leader has his way — all 21 million individuals as well!