When it started back in 2004, the Movember Foundation had modest goals: 30 men grew a mustache for 30 days to raise awareness for prostrate cancer and depression in men. Since then it has raised more than $80M and funded 1200 projects in over 20 countries. Almost 20 years later, and alongside a general facial hair trend, Movember is still very much a thing.
Men’s Health
Men are not, in general, very talkative when it comes to health issues. The Movember Foundation tries to use the month (and the mustache) to start conversations around these issues. While the Foundation targets men’s health in general, the three largest areas of focus include:
- Prostate cancer (the second most common cancer among men worldwide)
- Testicular cancer
- Suicide (there are 510,000 male suicides each year)
They have a long-term goal of reducing preventable male deaths by 25% by 2030.
Rules
The rules are simple:
- You have to start clean shaven on November 1. No head starts, and if you have a mustache already, you might consider shaving it off and regrowing it (big ask!).
- You must grow and groom the mustache all month.
- No faking!
- Use the ‘stache as an opportunity to start conversations around (and raise funds for) men’s health.
- Conduct yourself as a true gentleman (our favorite rule!)
You’ll get the honorary title of “Mo Bro” for the month.
Mo’ Tips
If you’re new to growing a mustache, the key is to be patient. Hair growth above your lip, just like the hair growth on your head, varies from individual to individual. Make sure to keep it trimmed so you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way of enjoying your food and drink.
If you end up keeping the ‘stache beyond November you’ll want to get some beard oil and mustache wax tips from your Gents Place stylist.
Other Ways to Participate
Some Gents might not have the best time with mustaches, or may have job regulations that keep them from growing one, so there are a few other ways to participate:
- Donating directly on the site
- Hosting an event (what they call a “Mo-Ment”) to raise awareness
- Complete 60km in November to raise awareness of the 60 men that commit suicide every hour.
Movember has come a long way from its origins in Australia but is still a perfect example of how thinking locally can lead to global action. Consider growing your mo’ this November!
Have you participated in Movember before? How did you like it?
