Movember, everything to know

Did You Remember to Movember?

We have a lot going on in this crazy 2020, but let’s not forget about Movember. If you haven’t already started with a clean shave, it’s not too late. Some guys might consider a stubbly head start as cheating. Whatever – you do you! It’s for a good cause.

For the uninitiated, Movember is an annual charity event held every November where participants grow moustaches to raise money for men’s health programs worldwide.

We know what you’re thinking, “that’s not how you spell moustache!” Well, if you live in the U.S., you’re correct. But every other English speaking country spells it moustache as well as the Movember official site. So moustache it is!

The Movement

In 2003, Movember began in Melbourne, Australia, with 30 guys trying to bring the moustache back into fashion. After recognizing that a new moustache is a conversation starter, the founders decided to use it as a fundraiser to battle prostate cancer.

Over the next several years, Movember continued to expand across the globe. Since 2011, the Global Journal ranks Movember as a Top 100 best Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) worldwide. 

To say that the Movember movement blossomed since its humble beginnings would be a significant understatement. With over six million participants across twenty-one countries, Mo Bros and Mo Sisters contribute to the funding of more than 1,250 health projects. In 2019 alone, Movember raised $82.8 million worldwide.

Today, Movember supports men’s health causes of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

The Rules

Remember, Movember is for charity and not just a facial hair hall pass with your wife or girlfriend. Register at movember.com to become an official Mo Bro.

Movember is a moustache growing event- no beards or goatees permitted. Grooming is essential during Movember. Your goal should be to start a conversation about men’s health, not strain your soup. If possible, get creative with the trucker, abrakadabra, orany of the styles below.

Movember, what you need to know

For those guys that are facial hair challenged, don’t let it stop you. Yeah, you might look like a teenager trying to buy beer but getting carded isn’t such a bad thing. Plus, your friends might donate just to see if you can do it.

The final rule is to conduct yourself like a gentleman. You’re raising money for charity, not becoming a Sons of Anarchy prospect.

Raise Some Dough

Movember is all about donations. After becoming an official Mo Bro, start planning how you want to raise money. Ideally, you want to do this with a group of friends. Whether it’s the guys from work, your crew, or a Facebook challenge, a little competition is good for the soul.

The easiest way to get the word out is to download the Movember app and tweet, post, insta, or email everyone you know. Send regular updates on the progress of the stache and ask for donations to support you in the effort.

Another way to bring in some dough is to host a Mo-ment. In these days of social distancing, gathering a group of friends may prove challenging. Get some friends together outdoors for a barbeque or a round of golf. Just make sure they bring their wallet to pay homage to your stachitude.

Check out Movember.com/get-involved/ for a list of cool fundraising resources. The money aspect of the challenge may feel like a hassle, but every dollar helps save a life. 

Also, keep in mind that if you don’t let everyone know why you’re growing a moustache, they’ll think you’re trying to be a hipster, and nobody wants you to be a hipster.

Making a Difference

Did you know that prostate cancer the second most common cancer in the world among men? Almost 10 million men suffer from the effects of prostate cancer, and you have roughly a 1 in 9 chance of a diagnosis in your lifetime.

While prostate cancer usually afflicts older men, the average age for a testicular cancer diagnosis is 33. Testicular cancer affects far fewer men than prostate cancer, but the physical and emotional tolls can be devastating to men in their prime.

The Movember True North program is an online resource for men suffering from both prostate and testicular cancer. This program supports men with information about symptoms, treatment options, and the associated life changes for each disease.

When you decide to become a Mo Bro, you’re actively involved in improving men’s health around the world. True North is only one of the programs supported by the Movember charity. 

Most of us treat charity as an afterthought and give only when prompted. It makes us feel good when we drop some change in a kettle or throw a few bucks into a GoFundMe.

We think charity helps other people, but the odds say that someday the shoe will be on the other foot. Sure, you may not need the money, but the resources and research will be there due to other people’s actions. Maybe it’s because a community of guys decided to grow moustaches.

It’s Movember! Get involved, grow a moustache, have fun, meet new people, and help a brother out.

By Thanksgiving, we should all look like a 70s porn star. Open a couple of buttons on your shirt to let your gold medallion shine. Good thing you’ve been taking your Revactin!

Share this Post