INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An estimated 7 million-9 million people have belonged to FFA since its inception 83 years ago. With a new program using the latest technology, the organization hopes to reach out to its former students.

One of the early goals is for former FFAers to reestablish a connection and swap stories about their best FFA memory or experience. “Many have gone on with their careers and have drifted away,” said Will Fett, assistant director of gifts at the National FFA Foundation.

“One of our goals is to re-engage them. They can get updates of who and what FFA is today, tell us their stories and read about others.”

Those who sign up with the new CONNECT! Program through Dec. 30 will be eligible for promotional prizes, such as vacation packages, the Xbox 360, an Apple iPad 2 or an ATV.

Many former FFA members stop Fett to talk about their common connection, he said. “As an FFA employee, I wear the FFA logo on my shirt. When I’m traveling through the airport or at a conference, I am often stopped by former members. Eventually, the conversation always turns to ‘Do you know where such-and-such is?’”

Fett said FFA is in the process of developing an ag career network that will aid that person-to-person connection. After the close of the promotion, the network and the CONNECT! website will be linked, he said. He added it is impossible to estimate how many former FFA members will take advantage of the website, but the goal is 250,000-500,000.

As a former FFA member, Fett said leadership development is the biggest advantage he gained.

“I did not have an agriculture background, but I entered the contests, attended leadership conferences and training and went on to chapter and state offices. These are skills that I’ve been able to use in my work,” he said.

His “soft skills” – teamwork, communication and interpersonal relationships – were learned in FFA.

Those who sign up can also learn of volunteer opportunities, get involved in advocacy for the ag industry and/or donate, Fett said.

FFA active membership reached an all-time high this year of 540,379 students in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. With so many students, the volunteer opportunities are limitless. About 53,000 former members are actively involved with FFA through its alumni network.

To share your story and get re-engaged, go to www.connectffa.org or call 888-433-2674.