Public Engagement Isn’t Broken, It’s Misunderstood episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 38 MIN

Public Engagement Isn’t Broken, It’s Misunderstood

from The Pulse · host hacks

"Send us a text about this episode!"Two Parksville city councillors break down how public hearings, emails, and civic engagement actually work. Public hearings, council emails, Facebook rants — everyone has an opinion on how to make their voice heard in local government. But most people have no idea how any of it actually works from the other side of the table. Joel Grenz and Sean Wood, both three years into life as Parksville city councillors — break down what public engagement is actually for, what works, what doesn’t, and why your strongly worded Facebook post probably isn’t moving the needle the way you think it is.Episode Highlights:What public hearings are (and aren’t) designed to do, including why council can’t correct misinformation on the spotWhy a personal email will always outperform a form letterThe underrated power of just asking your councillor for coffeeThe uncomfortable truth about social media as a civic toolWhy “being heard” and “getting your way” are two very different things — and why that’s actually okayWe’re a representative democracy. That means we elect people to make tough calls on our behalf — even the unpopular ones. This episode is about understanding that system well enough to actually work within it.Text us about this episode: Send us a textVoice message: Voice message The PULSE and be part of the podcast!You'll find all episodes of The PULSE Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, TikTok and YouTube podcasts, as well as PULSECommunity.ca.Special Thanks to Our Sponsor - Ian Lindsay & Associates.Check out Skookum Kid's Stories on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and YouTube Podcasts, as well at SkookumKids.com.Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new podcast releases and contests!Click here to learn how to Support the show"Like, Share & Listen!"#PulseCommunityPodcast #publicengagement #ThePulseCommunity #SeanWood, #JoelGrenz #ParksvilleQualicumBeach #NonPartisanHacksSupport the show

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"Send us a text about this episode!" Two Parksville city councillors break down how public hearings, emails, and civic engagement actually work. Public hearings, council emails, Facebook rants — everyone has an opinion on how to make their voice heard in local government. But most people have no idea how any of it actually works from the other side of the table. Joel Grenz and Sean Wood, both three years into life as Parksville city councillors — break down what public engagement ...

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Public Engagement Isn’t Broken, It’s Misunderstood

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