Meet a Progressive: Sue-Ann DiVito

"Remember, you can spend 5 minutes a week, or 5 days a week. We can all do something to create the change we want to see."

Jun 07, 2021

One of the things I want to accomplish with this newsletter is to create community. The Meet a Progressive and Meet a School Board Candidate feature has been one way for us to get to know each other, folks from Bucks County and beyond, working on the issues that matter most. I know I’m grateful for being able to get to know and start to build relationships with not only everyone featured in the newsletter, but also my readers, some of whom have reached out. Thank you all!

Photo by Associated Press photographer Mark Humphrey.

Sue-Ann DiVito is a local REALTOR®, mother, grandmother, and political activist. Her “witnessing” included two trips to the border to see first hand the humanitarian crises exacerbated by policy changes of the previous administration.

What inspired you to start working for progressive social change?

I saw negative changes in my community after the previous president was elected. There was an increase in hate crimes, and hateful rhetoric. I knew that I couldn’t sit by and watch, I had to step in and stand up for what I thought was right. I found that I could use my voice for others to be heard. It was no longer ok to assume everything was going to be ok.

What do you identify as the top issue progressives must confront a) locally, b) statewide in PA, c) across the nation, and d) around the globe?

Every change we want — social and racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, gun violence protection, environmental protections — starts with who is in power to effect change. We must vote for and elect the individuals who will represent our voices from the local townships, school districts, state, and federal levels. The top issue is protecting voters’ rights to be heard. Globally, the top issue is global warming. We need to work together to protect our planet.

What types of organizing and projects are you working on right now?

As a cofounder and board member of Immigrant Rights Action, we work to help connect immigrants with legal representation.

At the Bucks County Chapter of the NAACP, the committee I serve on is focused on criminal justice and education reform.

I serve on the diversity committees of the Bucks County Association of Realtors, and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors focused on ensuring fair housing for all.

The Bucks County New American Advisory commission on which I serve seeks to foster interracial, interethnic communications with New Americans (immigrants and first- or second-generation Americans) with the goal to identify opportunities throughout Bucks County for equitable economic growth and the sharing of cultural experiences.

How can folks get engaged and involved?

I would encourage everyone to start within their own sandbox. Are there organizations or committees within your work, community or place of worship that are working on the change you want to see? In Bucks County, there is the NAACP, The Peace Center, Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition, and the League of Women Voters that have a variety of educational programs and opportunities to engage in. Those are all nonpartisan organizations.

If you find a candidate that you support, volunteer and/or contribute to their campaign.

Remember, you can spend 5 minutes a week, or 5 days a week. We can all do something to create the change we want to see.

Which journalists, writers, podcasts, and publications do you turn to for information and inspiration?

I listen to NPR, BBC news. I follow community leaders across the nation that are on the ground working on social justice and immigration issues, as well as the ACLU, NAACP, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

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