Movember

The idea that sparked the global movement known as Movember started back in 2003. Today, the movement has millions of participants and has raised over $800 million in donations.

If you are interested in learning more about Movember or want to know how you can join the cause, check out this complete guide to Movember.

What is Movember?

Movember occurs throughout the month of November when millions of guys grow a mustache to raise awareness for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

The cause aims to “change the face of men’s health” by encouraging men to receive annual check-ups and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Movember Foundation

Movember began when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, invited a group of just 30 guys to participate. By the following year, the movement had grown to over 400 individuals and over $40,000 in donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

In 2006, The Movember Foundation was granted Australian charity status.

Movember would spread to the US, Canada, UK, and Spain by 2007 with over $27 million in total funds raised.

From that small crew of guys in Australia in 2003, Movember has grown into a worldwide movement with over 5 million “Mo Bros & Mo Sisters” participating each year.

What Are The Rules for Movember?

Here are the Movember Rules listed on the foundation’s website, movember.com.

Rule #1:

Register at movember.com/register and begin the 1st day of November with a clean-shaven face.

Rule #2:

Grow your mustache for the entire month. As your mustache grows, I recommend using mustache wax to groom your stache.

Rule #3:

No goatees or beards. No fake mustaches either.

Rule #4:

Use your mustache as a conversation starter to help you raise awareness and donations for men’s health.

Rule #5:

Remember, you’re representing the entire Movember movement, so act like a true gentleman.

Can I Grow a Beard for Movember?

The guys from the Movember Foundation make that clear in Rule #3, beards don’t count in Movember.

If you want to grow a beard to support a good cause, maybe you should consider a similar movement known as No-Shave November.

How To Participate in Movember

There are several ways that an individual can participate in the Movember Movement.

Grow a Mo

Obviously, the best way to be a part of Movember is to grow a mustache. Your stache could help raise funds and awareness.

Maybe you can’t grow a mustache. There are still other ways to participate.

Move for Movember

Run or walk 60 miles over the month. The 60-mile distance represents the 60 men we lose to suicide each and every hour.

Host a Mo-ment

Gather a group, virtual or in person, and have a good time for a good cause.

Mo Your Own Way

It could be a test of physical endurance or a pledge to end a bad habit. Get creative and Mo Your Own Way.