The final days of the school year often include reminiscing about endings and a looking forward to new beginnings, especially for graduates who are moving past milestones into the future.

I wonder what will be in their tomorrows? Some of my biggest questions center around the basic facts that connect us, provide a common foundation of knowledge, and support a democracy. Will they – will we – still have trusted sources of information?

That depends a lot on all of us. While we can’t predict the future for graduates or ourselves, I believe we share the responsibility to prepare for it. That preparation must include shoring up local journalism.

But that’s not easy. Regardless if you’re reading this online or in a printed copy of The Daily Herald, you’re probably aware of some of the challenges facing newspapers. Most likely, you also understand that newspapers serve the public good and are essential for a healthy community and democracy.

But why do you know that? How did you learn that? And when?

Chances are, you gained awareness of and an appreciation for community newspapers when you were young. What we learn in our early years can shape our future in big and dramatic ways. That’s a point that stood out to me during a public forum the Herald hosted at the end of May on access to mental health care. The panel of experts was asked to describe their Utopian solution to a big problem and their answers focused on teaching the skills needed to cope and succeed in life to children at a young age.

So how are we preparing today’s and the next generation of graduates to understand that the future of an informed and connected society depends on trusted, local journalism?

There is no single answer or solution, but one way we can all help is by nurturing passions for seeking the truth, finding the facts and telling the stories that matter.

Since 2008, former and current employees of The Daily Herald have helped Snohomish and Island county students pursue journalism through The Herald Fund, which recently awarded Jackson High School senior Ann Duan with a $1,500 scholarship. The Herald also mentors high school and college interns who are eager to explore a future where they could make a difference as a journalist.

But we need more than good reporters. We need a community that understands the incalculable value that journalism brings to an informed and healthy society and democracy. And we need a community that not only values local journalism, but also supports it.

So what are you doing to ensure our tomorrow has a trusted local newspaper?

Are you giving a digital Herald subscription to every graduate you know in Snohomish County? Do you talk with your children or grandchildren about the ways to spot false information online? Do you discuss at the dinner table what you read in your local newspaper about the candidates for public office? Are you reaching out to your elected officials to share your opinion about legislation that could support local newspapers? Are you donating to one of the Herald’s journalism funds?

Let me know what you’re doing so that the next generation grows to appreciate and value local newspapers. Send me an email at brenda.harrison@heraldnet.com. I’d love to share your ideas with others.

One final note: We heard from many readers last month that they wanted to attend the Herald Forum about access to mental health care but were unable to. If you missed the community conversation, check out the hour-long video at https://www.heraldnet.com/news/video-experts-at-mental-health-panel-discuss-staff-shortages/.

Brenda Mann Harrison is the journalism development director for The Daily Herald. To learn more about the impact of local news and how you can join others in supporting community journalism, go to heraldnet.com/local-news-impact, send an email to brenda.harrison@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3452. The Daily Herald maintains editorial control over content produced through community-funded initiatives.