Message From The Present
Daniel L. Stabile, Ph.D
President
November 15, 2011
Dear National COPILAS Board, Members, and Friends,
I would like to begin by reiterating our vision and charge. We are moving forward with establishing our global network of membership, national and international collaboration and assisting with the growth and implementation of Italian language and cultural programs in the United States and abroad. This year we are focusing on eight short term and one long term objective impacting on the sustainability of Italian language and culture in American elementary, middle, and secondary schools as well as monitoring the program status at the university level both undergraduate and graduate level. Our executive committee and board have been laboring diligently and effectively.
At the October 2011 Board of Directors of Directors meeting in Washington, DC the board unanimously passed a resolution for the creation of Directors at Large (DAL) with the expressed purpose of establishing chapters throughout the United States and in Italy. The primary role of the DAL at each chapter will be to monitor demographics relating to the AP program and elementary and middle school pipeline feeding the high schools and build a membership base of teachers and students studying Italian language and culture. Seven DAL are in the process of being appointed to serve as advisors to the board of directors.
Accomplishments:
1. Supported and engaged all Italian-American organizations, business and labor, and school systems to react immediately on two fronts: (a) signed the petition letter developed by the National Organization of Italian-American Women to stop the New York Regents from terminating the Italian language Regents Examination (noiaw@noiaw.org) and (b) sent letters to NY Congressional delegates and the New York Governor expressing concern over the termination of the Italian language Regents Examination in view of the continuous increase of enrollments.
2. Appointed by Ambassador Terzi to serve on the Italian Embassy Observatory Board. “The Observatory of the Italian language is an organization with the goal of defining the course of Italian studies, planning individual strategic actions, and coordinating all of the activities aimed at the development and the diffusion of the language and the Italian culture in the United States.” The observatory is the “Flagship” of the Italian Embassy for the promotion of Italian language and culture in the United States.
3 Successfully worked with school principals, superintendents and boards of education around the United States presenting data to support the sustainability and implementation of Italian Language and cultural programs in elementary, middle and secondary schools. We are targeting all ethnic groups and not restricting our outreach to those of Italian-American descent.
4. Worked closely with the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations promoting efforts to increase the number of school and community Italian language programs through Italian Embassy Consulates, Dante Alighieri Centers, Italian Cultural Society, Enti Gestori and other Italian American organizations providing them support with curriculum expertise for the expansion of Italian language and cultural programs.
5. Ensured a most successful National COPILAS Black Tie Gala honoring GiulioTerzi di Sant’Agata, Ambassador of Italy to the United States for his extraordinary leadership restoring the Advanced Placement Italian Language Examination with the College Board.
6. Continued participation and leadership in National and Global World Language Conferences and seminars promoting the growth of Italian Language programs.
7. Continued the building of global membership in National COPILAS. Established and named Directors at Large in Salerno and Rome, Italy. Official National COPILAS Visits were made to Poland, Hungry, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
8. Sponsored AP training in Washington DC in collaboration with the College Board and American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI).
9. Provided four scholarships to teachers of Italian language in American high schools to attend the World ACTFL conference in Denver, Colorado November 2011.
10. Participated in the Columbus Day Celebration in Washington DC by placing a wreath at Columbus memorial. Presentations were made by board of directors members at numerous international and national conferences, seminars and workshops.
Long Term Objective.
1. Establishing a global network of collaboration supporting Italian language programs worldwide, in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and all continents. This includes membership growth, exchange and interchange of best practices. We are targeting not only individuals of Italian descent, but also the global population of all ethnic groups. This network of collaboration will provide support for ethnic groups of non-Italian decent to study the Italian language and culture in the United States.
The dedication of our board, willingness to serve in virtually all capacities, and providing leadership and expertise for the sustainability, growth and development of Italian language and cultural programs not only in the United States but abroad is the trademark and brand of National COPILAS. We will continue to move forward and overcome all barriers without ever diminishing our passion, drive and determination promulgating the sustainability of the unparalleled rich history of global accomplishments of Italian Language and Culture improving the quality of life, science, mathematics, architecture, engineering, art, music and literature.
Sincerely,
Daniel L.Stabile
Daniel L. Stabile
