That's difficult to say. You could start with getting to to know an issue and specialising in it. Reading books from academic writers (not the stuff sold at airport bookstores). Read Slashdot. Once you've got a grasp, think about how you could translate what you learnt so that your mom would understand it. Think about what your mom likes: quizes, human-interest stories. Lighthearted stuff. Then create your own translation.
It's probably easiest to connect with a local group of people who care about these issues.
It's probably easiest to connect with a local group of people who care about these issues.