So as of the first of this month I am on Medicare. Oh boy, NOW I know that all of those Medicare Part D ads are about... my phone is blowing up with calls from strangers, all about getting Medicare Part D.

My wife signed us both up for AARP a year or two ago. Not sure exactly when we started paying. And she picked my (our) Medicare Part D plan for us. How? From who? What company did she go with for our Medicare Part D coverage?

AARP.

AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on issues affecting people aged 50 and older. Founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, it advocates for seniors on topics like healthcare, retirement security, and age discrimination, while offering members benefits like insurance, travel discounts, and financial planning resources. With over 38 million members, AARP is a powerful lobbying group and provides educational programs, community services, and publications like AARP The Magazine. AARP Membership is open to anyone 50+ (retired or not) for an annual fee, typically around $16.

Recently I (reactivated?) AAA for my wife and myself. We started doing more road trips, and I really don't feel like changing flat tires at 65. Heck, I never did 55, 45, 35 or 25. Years ago we had AAA and we let the paid membership lapse. We have now reactivated paid membership.

I run the Distance Learning Association. And people ask......you run...what?
My 'go to' answer is usually "We're like AARP or AAA but for EDUCATION."

This morning it hit me. Brands. Branding and Messaging. What do YOU think of when you hear 'AARP' ??? Don't get mad but for me, but for years hearing 'AARP' my brain heard "old folks". People on Social Security. GRANDPARENTS.

And AAA? For me AAA was for fixing flat tires and for when you run out of gas on the highway like a big dummy.

It was only AFTER I was a paid member of the AARP and a paid member of AAA that all of the amazing benefits revealed themselves. Paid membership is way more than a good deal on a Medicare Part D plan, or fixing flat tires on the highway. Or jump starting dead batteries.

And then I looked at 'our' brand. The NYDLA.org | NADLA.org brand.

What do people think about the DLA? And why should they JoinNYDLA.org  ???

 
< Big Sigh. > Yes. Yes we do.
But DLA membership is so So SO much more than just a great deal on Zoom.
 

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