The thing we may be missing here is pretty basic and fundimental to all long lasting growth. Kid's, we need to be able to reach youths and get their attention off the playstation and onto a building table and local field. Kids a wowed by cool in any form. Consider a GSN flying school or invite a group of cub scouts out for some hands on lessons. Even easier.. I challenge myself and all of you to.. like AMA logo says" take a kid flying " . When you involve a kid you involve a Dad, when you involve a Dad, you involve a family and it spreads. And sadly nothing happens withiut dad's wallet soooo.
Huge events with mega buck planes are awesome, but typically for the people already involved. At said huge event a trainer box must be mandatory, even a real flight sim with a big monitor to excite the mind and let people feel like their already flying something.
Possibly put on demos at local schools or halftime at football games.
GSN charity drive would be nice to do also.
GSN giving a plane to a worthy young pilot in training.
GSN weekend flight school.
Nothing more grassroots than making a kid's imagination get off the couch or off their phones.
I have zero skills at organization, but am willing to get involved in any of these type of events. In fact, ill be looking through the newspaper to find a cub scout meeting and try to put on a demo flight, I believe aeronautics is still a badge to earn.
The call is out.. take a kid flying.. even if its your own. Good for the kid, good for your soul and the hobby.