We’re all familiar with Movember, right? It’s the classic moustache-growing movement that dominates social platforms (and people’s faces) every November. But what exactly is it?
It all started twenty years ago as an idea at a bar in Fitzroy, Australia – what if we were able to spark conversations about men’s health, simply through the act of growing a moustache? That idea has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that has funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects in twenty-three different countries all around the world since they were set up back in 2003.
The charity has gone from a humble conversation-starter (growing a mo’) to sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues. Movember is focused not on one issue, but on men’s health in all aspects. They tackle everything from suicide prevention and men’s mental health to both prostate and testicular cancer.
Their ethos in their words is to ‘challenge the status quo, shake up men’s health research and transform the way in which health services reach and support men‘, and since starting with just 30 ‘Mo Bros’ in 2003, they’ve expanded to well over 6 million ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sisters’ to date. Not a bad feat!
Participating in Movember
Given the movement is now entering its 20th year of support, outreach, and raising awareness, they want as many people as possible to sign up and help them spread their message in 2023. And it doesn’t matter who you are, or how you want to help, there’s a way for you to join in.
If you want to raise funds for Movember, you can go the classic route and grow a moustache. Or you can take on the move challenge by running or walking 60km. You could also host an event, or go completely rogue and create your own challenge with Mo Your Own Way.
Said Movember CEO, Michelle Terry:
“The harsh reality is that globally, we lose 1 man to suicide every minute of every day; prostate cancer is estimated to be the second most diagnosed cancer in men; and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Our fathers, partners, brothers, and friends are facing a health crisis, and we can’t afford to stay silent. That’s why we’ll continue to make noise, to push boundaries, and to help shape the health and well-being of men for generations to come. Because we know that healthier men make healthier families, communities, and societies.”
Together, we can change the narrative. We can work together to help our bros – regardless of whether or not you can grow a mo! “The Mo is calling. How will you answer?”
Find out more, and sign up or donate, at the official Movember website.