Rep. Bizzarro partnering with new app to connect with constituents

ERIE, April 1 – Residents of the third legislative district can now connect with state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro via a new app aimed at connecting lawmakers and constituents.

Be the Change launched as a pilot in 2020 and connects community members with their local policy makers. The app is a free and nonpartisan platform aimed to improve advocacy efforts.  

“I look forward to partnering with Be the Change to have another tool to talk with residents. My office already serves as one of the busiest in the state. I am always looking for ways to connect and hear from my neighbors so I can best serve them and be their voice in state government,” Bizzarro said.

Users can download the free app and share causes categorized by environment, transportation, disabilities, COVID-19, legislative feedback, aging, children and youth, commerce and economic development. Legislators can comment on causes and other users can give a thumbs up or thumbs down. Keeping cause commenting to the original poster and legislator aims to keep conversations on topic and productive.

Bhavini Patel, cofounder and CEO of Be the Change, said the app was created to make legislative advocacy more accessible, foster healthy civic dialogue and to help build a welcoming community for all. The app is funded by grants including the UpPrize: BNY Mellon Social Innovation Challenge and the Ascender Incubator Program.

Bizzarro said he is excited to be among the first state representatives to use Be the Change and is looking forward to being a part of this innovative approach to constituent connections.

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Access Be the Change at www.ChangeOurState.com or download the mobile app here.