November? Move Over for Movember!

November has become synonymous with the term ‘Movember’ and for really great reasons!

If you didn’t know, Movember is where people are encouraged to put down the razor and let that facial fuzz grow all out to raise awareness for men’s health globally. While it’s taken the world by storm, did you know that Movember was initially started in Australia?

While it’s become a hilarious talking point across homes, schools, universities and workplaces, it’s important not to remember why the movement started and the incredible work it’s in aid of.

Why Movember?

‘Movember: Changing the face of men’s health.’ – Charity motto

Movember is an annual event to raise awareness of three core men’s health issues:

1. Prostate cancer
2. Testicular cancer
3. Men’s suicide

According to research, men are dying up to six years earlier than women from preventable and curable illnesses. Movember aims to increase awareness of the importance of early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments and ultimately reduce the number of avoidable deaths.

Besides annual check-ups, it encourages men to be aware of their family history of cancer, speak out about their mental health, and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some cool facts about the movement and the charity that started it you might not know:

• The Movember Foundation is listed as one of the world’s top 100 NGOs (non-government organisations).
• From humble beginnings in Adelaide and Melbourne, the movement is now a global phenomenon!
• Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world.
• Since 2003, the charity has raised over $837 million!

Millions of people across Australia, Europe, America, South Africa, and Canada participate every year, raising millions in funding towards men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach, educate and support men.

What Are the Movember Rules?

Willing to get involved or perhaps helping a parent or family member to raise some funds?

Make sure you follow the rules!

That’s right – even though the charity is all about having some fun while raising awareness, there are still some rules you’ll need to follow to take part!

Here are the five core rules set in place by the foundation:

1. Anyone taking part must start with a clean-shaven face: No cheating! Make sure that upper lip is baby smooth and ready to grow a whole new ‘tache for a good cause.
2. Participants cannot shave their moustache for the full 30 days of Movember: Some light grooming is allowed, but once you commit, you have to let the ‘tache grow for the full thirty days!
3. No fake beards, goatees or moustaches are allowed: Keep it real or find another way to support and take part.
4. Talk about the ‘tache and raise some cash: Share links and resources to the Movember website and social media, and don’t forget to get commitments from friends and family to donate.
5. Be a true gentleman: The charity states that everyone taking part must behave like ‘a true gentleman’. When you sign up to take part, you become an ambassador for the foundation. Make them proud.

5 More Ways to Support Movember

However, getting involved and supporting the charity and its campaigns doesn’t just require growing some facial hair. Men’s health is an issue we can all get behind to help rule our preventable illnesses.

If growing a ‘tache isn’t in your repertoire, there are plenty of other ways to get show your support and raise awareness:

1. Move for Movember: The charity invites those who want to take part without growing a moustache to run or walk 60km throughout the month in acknowledgement of the 60 men we lose across the world every hour to suicide.
2. Host a School-wide Competition: Get your teachers involved and encourage them to grow their ‘tache for the month. See who can craft the wackiest ‘tache and fundraise while you do it for the ultimate Movember Champion!
3. Host a Mo-Ment: Get a group together, virtually or in person, and host an event to raise funds and awareness. From a quiz night to a bake sale, a fun-race or fancy dress competition – keep it fun and engaging.
4. Make a Donation: You can make a regular contribution or a one-off donation – whatever works for you! Donating is a great way to keep supporting the value.
5. Mo Your Own Way: Got another idea to raise some funds? Great! Choose your adventure in scope and epicness and get involved. Whether a gruelling test of physical endurance or wearing fancy dress every day for the month – anything goes.

There’s still plenty of time to get started if you want to – remember, showing your support and raising awareness doesn’t have to be huge; even small actions and gestures can have a significant impact!

Find out more and grab some more fundraising tips and ideas from the Movember website here.

Movember is a fantastic way to get engaged and have a laugh through some dubious ‘tache growing antics, and while it’s important it’s fun, it’s equally important to remember why you’re taking part too.