About

It grants scholarship awards, promotes Italian Study Chairs, observes Columbus Day with fitting programs, participates in underprivilidged and handicapped children’s work, charities, community and civic activities, mental health programs, Cooley’s Anemia programs, and promotes good fellowship among members.

The name, translated from the Italian, means “one” or “only” or “only one of its kind.” Additionally, the letters are interpreted as U-Unity, N-Neighborliness, I-Integrity, C-Charity, O-Opportunity.

UNICO was organized to provide scholarships to worthy students and to give strength and force in fighting the discrimination against Italian-Americans which is a deeply ingrained facet of our American Society. We have been discriminated against and have suffered many humiliations. It was time for us, who are law-abiding American citizens, to take action to offset this situation. This was done by doing good deeds for others. Thus the motto: “Service Above Self,” which has patterned the whole activity of UNICO.

Twenty members are needed to form a chapter. UNICO is not necessarily concerned about large numbers, but is zealous of the quality of its members – individuals who will devote time, energy and money to its activities. It wants the best of our men and women, individuals who will sincerely practice the motto of UNICO: “Service Above Self.”

Charter members screen themselves since each is selected by the other. You know that only good members are wanted in UNICO and you are careful in your selection insuring that each member meets the qualifications of UNICO National. After the charter is closed, you will have a Membership Committee screen all applicants and your membership must approve them.

Donations to the UNICO Foundation have been cleared through the Internal Revenue Department.

It has duly elected officers who serve without pay. It is their responsibility to administer the affairs of UNICO National. These officers are elected at the annual convention by the chapter delegates in attendance. The officers are accountable to all the chapters, which comprise UNICO National. Each chapter has representatives (or votes) in UNICO National; chapter president and delegates.. And, of course, all actions must conform to the UNICO National Constitution and by-laws.

Each chapter is governed by local officers and a Board of Directors, and all actions must be approved by majority vote of the general membership in accordance with its Constitution and the National Constitution. All such actions are under the chapter’s exclusive control, so long as they conform to the Constitution of UNICO National.

No, there is no reason to. We want to work together with these groups and, by good example in our accomplishments, join in increasing the prestige of our people in the community. There is, and should be, no conflict of interest.

By joining this great UNICO movement, you become a part of a National effort to improve the prestige of our people. By its increased membership and by national cooperative achievement UNICO is stronger in combating discrimination and defamation, in assisting our youth through scholarships, and in general, improving the status of our people throughout the country. You become a part of a National group in which you can make many lasting friendships with members in various parts of the country, giving you a broader view and understanding of our country and its people. UNICO National also provides: (1) ComUnico magazine, a fine publication reporting UNICO activities and featuring articles of interest to the entire membership; (2) participation in the National Scholarship Program; (3) various Chapter forms and standard items without charge or at a minimum cost; and (4) Chapter assistance from the National office.

No, provided you carry out the provisions of the Constitution in meeting your financial obligations to UNICO National: sending representation to National meetings and carrying out your responsibility as a chapter of UNICO National.

UNICO National expects all its chapters to abide by the Constitution, meet regularly, do good in their communities, and bear their responsibilities to UNICO National by meeting financial obligations, attending National and regional meetings and supporting the National organization and its programs.