Amici della Puglia

Think preservation. That's one of the main objectives of the youth organization Amici della Puglia. The group, part of the United Pugliesi Federation of New York, is made up of young adults who are working to conserve and strengthen their heritage and ties to the Apulia (Puglia) region.

The members also see the organization as a vehicle to network with other young Pugliesi professionals in the United States and overseas.

"We want to join forces with different groups and get involved with other youth organizations," said Angela DiNatale, Amici Della Puglia's president. "It's about closing the gap."

Founded over a year ago, Amici della Puglia has an executive board that includes a president, DiNatale; vice president Rosamaria Mancini; corresponding secretary, Natale Prudente; recording secretary Barbara Nanna; treasurer, Frank Cutrone; financial secretary, Nicolas Brunetti; and sergeant of arms, Dino Fiorentino.

The group has been active participant in a number of local affairs, such as the St. Anthony Procession in Little Italy, the Miss Puglia Pageant, the Italian Film Festival and the Pura Puglia Project.

They also plan to organize recreational trips to places such as Atlantic City, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to their local involvement, the Amici della Puglia are directly involved with conferences and courses directly linked to the region. For example, six of the group's members participated in the "Primo Meeting Mondiale dei Giovani Pugliesi" that was held in Melbourne, Australia in October 2003. One of the group's members was selected to participate in the "Corso Sesamo" held in Valenzano, Bari, at Tecnopolis in April. And soon a member of Amici della Puglia will be among the representatives of the Federation to the "Convegno Mondiale delle Donne Pugliesi" in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Also high on Amici della Puglia's list of priorities is preserving the Italian language. The group hopes to soon begin participating in language courses available at local colleges and universities. The group, which meets monthly in Manhattan, is interested in attracting new members with innovative ideas.

By Rosamaria Mancini