Movember

What is Movember?

Movember is the November-long celebration of the moustache, meant to highlight men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

As a “Mo Bro”, I must start Movember 1st clean-shaven and use the remainder of the month to grow and groom my moustache. During Movember I will be using my Mo to raise essential funds and awareness for Movember’s men’s health partners – The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue – the national depression initiative.

The History of Movember

As with all great Aussie ideas, Movember was concieved in 2003 when a few mates were having a beer in a small bar in Fitzroy, Melbourne. These guys were inspired by the women’s health movement and recognized that men were lacking a way to engage and actively involve themselves in their own health.

During a conversation about fashion and past trends, the idea came up to bring the moustache back for one month, and in doing so, have some fun, raise a small amount of money and hopefully encourage men to talk about their health with each other.

Since this time, Movember has continued to grow each year, both in terms of participation numbers and funds raised.

The Movement

In its first year, 30 Mo Bros took part in Movember and last year, in Australia alone, 125,000 Mo Bro & Sistas got on board, raising more than $8million for each of Movember’s men’s health partners.

How Can You Get Involved?

To raise money for men’s health, simply complete my survey and help pick my Mo, sponsor me, and then get involved yourself. I will remain completely unshaved until the 9th of Movember when the survey will close – I’ll then produce the Mo that the 'Mo'jority has chosen.

Some quotes from my wife, Elissa on my decision to run a survey to choose my Mo:

Elissa: "What, so I don't get a say in what moustache you grow?"

Me: "Yes, you get a vote, just like everyone else."

Elissa, after looking at the photos: "That's not coming anywhere near me!"

You can check out my progress on my blog at: http://blog.NavigatumIT.com.

A special vote of thanks goes to Penrith Art Printing Works who put the pictures together for me. Visit them for all your printing needs at http://www.papw.com.au.