Movember for fun and health

What is Movember and how did it develop? We chatted with JC, one of its founders. Czech version of the interview is coming soon!
Whose idea it was to name the event Movember?

Movember was established in 2003 by a few friends over a beer in a pub in Melbourne, Australia. The goal was simple – to create a campaign promoting the growth of the moustache among likeminded people and having fun along the way for the great cause of men’s health. 30 brave lads took part.

The rules established for Movember in that first year are still followed today, and the campaign now spans the globe with campaigns in 21 countries in 2012. All of them are about real men, growing real moustaches and talking about real issues following our vision to change the face of men’s health.

Now every year, the mo (Australian slang for a moustache) and the month of November come together to form Movember. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world for their 30 day journey. The aim of which is to raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. Once registered at movember.com each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean shaven face. For the entire month each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache. There is to be no joining of the mo to the sideburns (that’s considered a beard), there’s to be no joining of the handlebars to the chin (that’s considered a goatee) and each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

A Mo Sista is essentially a woman who loves a Mo. An individual that is dedicated to supporting the Mo Bros in her life through their moustache growing journey; whether it be a friend, colleague, family member or partner. These inspirational women are committed to raising awareness of men's health issues and much needed funds for men's health along the way.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

How did you become a part of it, and what are you plans with it?

I was one of the first 30 lads to do Movember and am one of four co-founders of the Movember Foundation, so I have been involved with the campaign since the start.

Our vision for Movember is to change the face of men’s health, and our plan is to continue to grow the campaign around the world and get more passionate Mo Bros and Mo Sistas taking part in the campaign and raising vital awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

What do you do, what is your job, where are you from actually?

I am from Australia and I’m one of the co-founders of Movember. My role is to look after the 15 countries in UK, Ireland, Europe and Africa where we run the official campaign. I am also involved in overarching global work with our leadership team around the world.

The best and worst thing about Movember?

The best thing about Movember is seeing the amazing passion of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world getting involved with the campaign and backing our vision of changing the face of men’s health by growing moustaches and raising awareness and funds for men’s health.

The worst thing about Movember is not being able to be everywhere at once to enjoy the campaign with our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across the 21 countries where we run the campaign to see, listen and be a part of their amazing journey and conversations.  

Your favourite websites?
www.movember.com

Any message to our readers?

Men’s health as a whole is important to think about. On average men live five to six years less than women – a hard hitting statistic when you consider there’s no biological disadvantage putting men at greater risk and, according to research, a considerable amount of male cancer cases could be prevented by making healthier diet and lifestyle choices. The reasons for the current state of men’s health are numerous and complex but undoubtedly a big issue is the way men think about their health; preventative health being something many just don’t compute.

Movember wants men to take responsibility for their health, prevent illness by leading a healthy lifestyle and understand the symptoms and signs in both themselves and others so they can appreciate when and how to seek help if needed.

We want the world to join us on our journey to become agents of change and change the face of men’s health. Remember knowledge is power and moustache is King.