This thread is amazingly "on point" and illustrates the number one
challenge mechanical music enthusiasts and related organizations
are facing today.  The solution is simple and it focuses almost
solely on exposure.  Most of the younger people do not know this
mechanical music stuff exists, and an organization or cause cannot
experience growth or enthusiasm without exposure.

Two or so years ago, I was asked to participate in the MBSI's newly
created Marketing Committee which was tasked to develop a strategic
plan that would increase MBSI membership and interest.  A cogent
plan was developed timely and I will not go into how that plan was
tactically executed as this is not the forum for that discussion.

Ed Chaban made two observations that are key: YouTube videos and
"do it yourself".  Most Millennials shun traditional TV, news shows
and newspapers and receive the bulk of their information using social
media via smartphones and tablets.  Contrary to what many older people
believe, these kids are not lazy, disengaged or not interested in
non-digital hobbies -- they simply use a different channel to receive
information with a much higher velocity than most older people do.

If we want to keep mechanical music alive and in the hands of the
next generation of trustees, we need to find a way to create that
exposure and enthusiasm.  As a case in point, I understand that the
2016 MBSI national conference in Minnesota had only approximately
100 or so member attendees, and in the last 28 days alone I have had
38,859 unique views on my YouTube Channel (I also recently surpassed
one million views).

Per Mr. Chaban's observation, YouTube videos are a key ingredient 
to create exposure with the younger generations.  My YouTube channel
includes only videos of mechanical music, watches and clocks and none
of my videos have gone viral; maybe I should place a cute kitten trying
to eat a singing bird automaton and then I would probably receive 10
million hits [but] I do not have any cats.

I would also mention that many of the established music box
restorers are more than happy to share what they know over the phone,
so if a person is genuinely interested in tackling a first simple
project, that is easily accomplished by purchasing a few books and
reaching out to the well established luminaries.  In time, someone can
become a "do it yourselfer" and will be able to perform less complex
restorations.  I am not saying that someone will reach world class
restoration competency like the Erics, for example.

In summary, if we put forth the effort to create YouTube videos, make
Facebook posts, etc. that are mechanical music related, we will create
exposure for our passion and organic growth will naturally occur.  If
we complain that the younger generation is lazy and only interested in
video games and cell phones, formal mechanical music organizations will
continue to decline and eventually fade away.  I am sure if we go back
100 years, the grandmas and grandpas looked at the kids partying during
the Roaring '20s and thought they were lazy and unfocused too.

If anyone cares to watch some of the videos on my YouTube Channel
(I have over 1,000) please visit my website which has links to my
YouTube site.

Kind regards,
Troy Duncan - CPA, retired
http://www.singingbirdbox.com/