Does CARP Membership Include Zoomer Magazine? Understanding Your Benefits

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) has over 300,000 members and a close affiliation with ZoomerMedia, which publishes Zoomer Magazine. Understanding the relationship is key to answering the question: Does CARP membership include Zoomer Magazine? The answer depends on which membership option you choose, as some include the subscription while others do not.

Quick Summary

Several CARP membership tiers bundle a subscription to Zoomer Magazine, though not all do. This article details the different membership packages and their inclusions, clarifies the connection between CARP and ZoomerMedia, and outlines how members can ensure they receive the publication.

Key Points

• Inclusion is Plan-Dependent: A subscription to Zoomer Magazine is included with some, but not all, CARP membership plans.

• Check Your Plan: When joining or renewing, members must choose a plan that specifically includes the magazine bundle.

• Advocacy vs. Media: CARP is the non-profit advocacy group, while ZoomerMedia, the magazine's publisher, is a for-profit affiliate that provides media reach and benefits.

• Benefit from Promotions: Special offers and bundles, such as those with Rogers or CAA, have included free CARP memberships and Zoomer Magazine subscriptions.

• Different Membership Costs: There is a membership option that includes the magazine and a separate, lower-cost option for a CARP-only membership.

• Customer Service Clarification: If you have questions about your subscription, you may need to confirm details with both CARP member services and Zoomer Media's subscription department.

CARP and Zoomer Magazine: An Affiliated Partnership

CARP and Zoomer Magazine have a long-standing, interconnected relationship, primarily through their shared leadership and affiliation with ZoomerMedia Limited. While CARP is a non-profit advocacy group for Canadians 45+, ZoomerMedia is a for-profit media company that supports CARP's mission and provides it with a powerful media platform. This relationship ensures that CARP's advocacy messaging reaches a wide audience and that members have access to relevant content through ZoomerMedia's various channels, including the magazine.

Historically, the magazine was rebranded to Zoomer in 2008 by Moses Znaimer, who at the time was the executive director of CARP and later became the founder of ZoomerMedia. This rebranding strengthened the link between the two entities and solidified the magazine's role as a key benefit for CARP members.

How to Get Zoomer Magazine with Your CARP Membership

There are several ways to receive Zoomer Magazine through your CARP membership, depending on the plan you choose. Some membership levels automatically bundle the magazine, while others offer it as an optional add-on. When signing up or renewing, members can select the package that best suits their preferences.

• Renewal forms: Older renewal documents show specific options for a "CARP Membership Plus 9 issues of Zoomer Magazine" at a combined rate, distinct from the CARP-only option.
• Affiliate offers: Special promotions with CARP partners, such as Rogers or CAA, have in the past included a free annual CARP membership and Zoomer Magazine subscription.
• Different membership plans: As indicated by partner information, CARP has offered different membership plans, with some including the magazine subscription and some not.

Comparing CARP Membership Options

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical membership options. Note that specific pricing and plan names can change over time. The key is that the magazine is often included in a premium or bundled offering, not necessarily the most basic membership.

Feature	CARP Membership with Zoomer	CARP Membership Only	Optional Magazine Add-on	Special Promotion Bundles
Subscription	Included automatically	Not included	Purchasable separately	Included for a promotional period
Cost	Higher than CARP-only option	Lower than bundled option	Added to your membership cost	Cost varies based on the partner's offer
Best For	Those who want to receive the magazine regularly along with their membership benefits.	Members who are primarily interested in the advocacy and discount benefits, and do not need the magazine.	Individuals who decide they want the magazine later or prefer a flexible subscription model.	People signing up through a partner offer, which may provide the best value.
Advocacy	Full advocacy benefits are included	Full advocacy benefits are included	Full advocacy benefits are included	Full advocacy benefits are included
Benefits	Access to all CARP partner discounts	Access to all CARP partner discounts	Access to all CARP partner discounts	Access to all CARP partner discounts

The Connection Between CARP and Zoomer Media

The unique relationship between CARP and ZoomerMedia is designed to benefit the 45+ demographic in Canada, often referred to as "Zoomers". This arrangement provides CARP with significant media reach to promote its advocacy efforts and inform its members. The media channels include not only Zoomer Magazine but also Zoomer Radio and ZoomerTelevision. For members, this means staying informed on issues relevant to their demographic, from health and finances to lifestyle and entertainment.

ZoomerMedia is also key to providing the extensive list of partner discounts that CARP members enjoy. By leveraging the collective buying power of over 300,000 members, CARP and ZoomerMedia secure exclusive offers on products and services that save members money on everything from insurance and travel to wireless plans.

What if You Don't Receive the Magazine?

If you believe your membership includes a Zoomer Magazine subscription but you are not receiving it, there are a few steps you can take. First, review the membership level you selected to ensure the magazine was part of the package. Next, check your subscription preferences, as it might be an opt-in option. It is also possible that a past offer included the magazine, but your current renewal does not. You can also reach out directly to CARP member services for assistance. Because the magazine portion of a membership can be handled separately by ZoomerMedia's subscription services, it may be a good idea to confirm your details with both CARP and Zoomer to resolve any issues.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is a strong and supportive relationship between CARP and Zoomer Magazine, a subscription is not automatically included with every CARP membership. The availability depends on the specific membership plan or promotional offer selected upon sign-up or renewal. The affiliation with ZoomerMedia is a defining feature of the CARP experience, providing members with a platform for advocacy and access to a wide array of discounts and media content. To ensure you receive your magazine, it's essential to select a plan that includes it or to purchase it as an add-on during the membership process. This ensures members can enjoy both the powerful advocacy and the insightful content tailored for Canadians aged 45 and over. You can always check the latest membership details on the official CARP website for current offerings.

Visit the official CARP website for the most up-to-date information on membership options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zoomer Magazine automatically included with every CARP membership?

No, a subscription to Zoomer Magazine is not automatically included with every CARP membership. It is often included in specific, bundled membership packages, while a more basic membership option might be available without the magazine.

Can I subscribe to Zoomer Magazine separately if my CARP membership doesn't include it?

Yes, you can subscribe to Zoomer Magazine separately if your CARP membership does not include it. The magazine can be purchased as an individual subscription directly from the publisher, ZoomerMedia.

What is the relationship between CARP and Zoomer Magazine?

CARP, a non-profit advocacy group, has a unique affiliation with ZoomerMedia, the company that publishes Zoomer Magazine. This arrangement provides CARP with media platforms to promote its advocacy efforts and offers bundled benefits to members.

How can I tell if my membership includes the magazine?

To confirm if your membership includes Zoomer Magazine, you should check the membership package you selected when you joined or renewed. Your renewal paperwork or the welcome email from CARP will specify which benefits are included.

Do all membership tiers offer the same magazine benefits?

Not all membership tiers offer the same magazine benefits. For instance, in the past, CARP has provided multiple membership plans, with some including the magazine and some not. Special offers through partners can also affect whether the magazine is included.

What should I do if I have the right membership but am not receiving the magazine?

If you have the correct membership but are not receiving the magazine, first verify your mailing address with CARP. You may also need to contact the magazine's subscription services, as they may be handled by ZoomerMedia separately from the membership itself.

Are there any promotions that include both a CARP membership and Zoomer Magazine?

Yes, promotions that bundle a CARP membership and Zoomer Magazine do exist. For example, some offers through partners like Rogers or CAA have provided free annual subscriptions to both for a limited time.