Things look dark now, but they have been much worse within most of our lifetimes. One-man, one vote doesn't seem to work too well any more when corrupted officials can swing elections by applying the weight of their own bureaucracy.
We need to lead by example. Make your shop a beacon of innovation, self reliance, and thrift. Invite the youth around you to visit and try out the equipment, to smell and feel the different woods and what can be done with them, to talk about their thoughts, and encourage them to develop their little gray cells. It was no coincidence that Joseph and Jesus were both woodworkers. Joseph was chose for his part because of that skill.