»The Ferrucci Institute Community Service Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize those individuals making a meaningful and lasting impact in promoting the understanding and appreciation of Italian culture within their communities. A panel of Ferrucci Board members will review and judge all applications through the lens of innovation, leadership, engagement, impact and long-term commitment. The Award shall be presented at the annual Italian Perspectives Event.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Pertinent Areas of Activity

A. Promotion of the Italian Language:

• Efforts to teach, preserve, or promote the Italian language in academic, community, or professional settings.
• Creation or participation in Italian language programs, classes, and workshops.
• Contribution to Italian language media (e.g., publishing books, articles, websites, or producing audio-visual content in Italian).
• Advocacy for Italian language preservation, including activities that increase awareness of linguistic diversity.

B. Promotion of Italian Culture and Traditions:

• Organizing, contributing to or participating in cultural events, festivals, or exhibitions celebrating Italian arts, music, literature, film, scientific contributions, products and commercial enterprises.
• Contributions to the development and maintenance of Italian cultural institutions (e.g., museums, cultural centers, festivals).
• Promotion of Italian cuisine, traditional crafts, fashion, or other cultural practices in the community.
• Community outreach programs that promote Italian traditions and customs.

C. Historical Preservation and Research:

• Research or scholarly work on Italian history, heritage, or genealogy, especially related to the Italian diaspora.
• Archiving or preserving Italian historical documents, objects, or other cultural artifacts.
• Promoting public knowledge of Italian history through educational programs or media outreach.

D. Advocacy and Community Engagement:

• Advocacy for the Italian community, whether through political, social, or educational efforts.
• Contributions to fostering relationships between the Italian community and other cultural groups.
• Active involvement in Italian heritage organizations, committees, or foundations.
• Leadership roles within Italian American associations or similar groups.

E. Artistic Contributions:

• Creative works in various arts (e.g., painting, sculpture, literature, music, theater, or film) that are influenced by or directly connected to Italian culture.
• Public performances or exhibitions that promote Italian artistic traditions.
• Contributions to the international spread of Italian art, architecture, or performance arts.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Special consideration will be given to candidates who demonstrate sustained, innovative, and impactful contributions to the promotion of Italian heritage, language, and culture outside of Italy. Eligible candidates may come from any background, provided their personal or professional efforts have left a measurable and lasting mark—whether through expanding Italian language programs, organizing widely attended cultural events, or earning recognition from Italian or broader community institutions.

Key qualities include:

Innovation and Creativity: Introducing fresh, original approaches to preserving and promoting Italian heritage, from modern adaptations to new initiatives.

Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to lead projects, organizations, or collaborations that broaden the reach of Italian culture.

Engagement and Outreach: Extending beyond Italian-speaking communities to involve diverse audiences, including younger generations and non-Italians.

Public Impact: Visibility and influence through media, publications, or events that resonate within both Italian and broader communities.

Consistency and Commitment: A proven record of long-term involvement with tangible outcomes in cultural advocacy, education, or preservation.

Together, these criteria highlight individuals whose work not only honors Italy’s history and traditions but also ensures their continued vitality and relevance in today’s global context.