Congratulations, you’re officially an adult! As you embark on this new chapter, there’s a whole world of grown-up responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges awaiting you. One aspect of adulthood that can feel overwhelming is making sense of politics and societal issues. It’s easy to feel bogged down by all the opinions, debates, and complexity surrounding topics like healthcare, the economy, social justice, and more.

The truth is, there are no easy answers or quick fixes when it comes to politics and society. These are complicated matters with long, tangled histories. However, as an engaged citizen, you can educate yourself, think critically, and participate in ways that move us toward a more just, equitable, and democratic society. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the maze:

Get informed, but don’t get overwhelmed. It’s good to stay up-to-date on current events and issues in the news. But beware of information overload. Take breaks from the endless cycle of headlines and social media debates. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body and spirit.

Check your sources. In this era of misinformation and “alternative facts,” it’s crucial to get news and information from trustworthy, objective sources. Watch out for biased reporting or sensational clickbait headlines designed to provoke emotional reactions. Fact-check questionable claims. And make sure to hear diverse perspectives, not just those that confirm your existing beliefs.

Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know and ask questions to enhance your understanding. Challenge your own assumptions. Consider different viewpoints. With complex societal dilemmas, there are rarely simple right and wrong answers. The more you question and contemplate, the deeper your comprehension will be.

Think for yourself. You have the right to your own opinions. But develop them based on reasoned reflection, not just ideology or identity. Don’t let a political party, leader, or your social circles determine what you think. Evaluate issues individually, based on facts, ethics and your own evolving beliefs.

See the humanity in others. It’s easy to demonize those with different political opinions. But resist labeling people as enemies. Try to understand their experiences, values and reasoning. Look for shared hopes and struggles. We must unite as one human family to solve our greatest challenges.

Participate in the process. Voting, contacting representatives, attending local government meetings, joining campaigns or activist groups—these rights and responsibilities belong to all citizens. Make your voice heard. Advocate for policies aligned with your values. Support causes that move society in a more just and compassionate direction.

Stay hopeful. When all you see is divisiveness and turmoil, it’s tempting to withdraw in cynicism or apathy. But every generation before you has faced grave injustices and unrest on the long march towards progress. With truth as your compass, active citizenship as your duty, and human dignity as your cause, you have the power to bend the arc further towards justice.

My young friend, the future is yours to shape. Approach it with an open mind, a caring heart and the courage to dream big. We all play a role in writing the next chapter of history. Yours starts today.