If I Drink Any More Tea, I’ll Turn Into a Teapot—But I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way

A Reflection by Jade Malanczak

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that completely changed the way you see something? One of those chats where you walk away thinking, I never thought about it like that before? That’s what I love about community engagement—it’s a constant reminder that the world is full of different perspectives, and if you listen closely, you just might learn something unexpected.

Community engagement is one of those things that everyone thinks they can do. After all, it’s just talking to people, right? But here’s the thing—it’s not just about talking. It’s about listening. It’s about reading between the lines, hearing what’s not being said, and knowing when to push a conversation forward and when to just sit in the silence. It’s about knowing that sometimes a cup of tea and a quiet nod say more than a whole speech ever could.

I love this work because it’s all about people. Sitting on a veranda with someone who’s seen decades of change, sharing a meal with a community group, being the quiet sounding board when frustrations boil over—every conversation is a glimpse into another world, another way of seeing things. I get to meet people from all walks of life, hear their stories, understand their perspectives, and learn from their experiences. It stretches my thinking, deepens my empathy, and reminds me that no issue is ever truly black and white—there are always shades of grey.

Of course, it’s not all warm fuzzies. Sometimes, it’s hard. Sometimes, people are angry, and I just have to stand there and absorb it. Sometimes, people are distressed, and I can’t fix what’s wrong, only listen. Sometimes, people are sceptical and see me as just another outsider with an agenda. But those moments are part of it too. Because real engagement isn’t just about being liked—it’s about being there, being steady, being someone people trust to listen and to take their words seriously.

And yet, for some reason, this is the least popular service we offer. Which absolutely baffles me. Not just because I love it, but because it’s so damn important. People assume they can do it themselves—how hard can it be to have a chat? But not everyone is a people person. Not everyone can keep their own emotions in check when a conversation turns tense. Not everyone can hold space for someone’s frustration without taking it personally. And not everyone can walk away from a tough interaction and turn what they’ve heard into something meaningful—something that can actually drive change.

It’s funny, isn’t it? The work that seems the simplest is often the hardest to get right. And yet, when it’s done well, it can transform everything. It can bring people together, bridge divides, and create a shared sense of purpose. It can surface the quiet voices, the ones that get drowned out by the usual loud talkers. It can make people feel heard, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.

So yes, I love community engagement. I love the stories, the people, the tough moments, and the funny ones. I love walking into a town where I barely know a soul and walking out with new friends, new insights, and a new understanding of what makes that place tick. And I love the challenge of turning all those conversations into something meaningful—something that helps communities grow stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

And if people don’t see the value in it yet? Well, I’ll just keep doing what I do. Listening. Learning. And hopefully, changing a few minds along the way.

But here’s the real question—when was the last time you truly listened? Not just waited for your turn to speak, but really listened? When was the last time you let someone else’s story shift your perspective? Because that’s where real change happens. Not in the shouting, not in the quick fixes, but in the quiet moments where understanding begins. Maybe it starts with a simple conversation, a shared laugh, or even just a cup of tea on a porch with a new friend.