Though many are familiar with the concept of Movember, few are familiar with its purpose, story and creator Adam Garone. Garone set out to inform the audience of TEDxToronto's 2011 event of his journey as a self-professed 'Mustache Farmer' and the man who literally changed the face of men's health.
Like most men's decisions to grow a mustache, Movember was born in a bar among friends. Garone and his buddies were hanging out over a few beers when they decided to challenge one another to one full month of uninterrupted 'stache growth; they chose the month of November and thus, Movember was born. As the idea gained a cult following, Garone decided it was time to attach the soon-to-be phenomenon to a cause, and considering that the cookie duster is a worldwide symbol for masculinity, prostate cancer was the most appropriate choice.
Garone continued with the movement and in 2004, 450 'Mobrothers' raise $54,000 towards treatment for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, despite having approached officials numerous times, the master Mobrother still could not officially attach the Movember name to the Prostate Cancer Association. The idea was "too novel" for association officials; however, the movement continue to spread and garnered $77 million from 450,000 Mobrothers and Mosisters by 2005.
In 2007, Adam Garone decided the organization deserved a chance, contacted the President of the Prostate Cancer Association of Canada, and flew to Toronto for a meeting. This was not only the official conception of Movember, but the birth of a new movement in men's health. Movember allows men of all walks of life, all levels of health and all financial statuses to revel in what makes them men: self worth, brotherhood and a little bit of luxury.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Movember Movement
- The Movember movement is a novel and innovative way to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer treatment using the concept of mustache growth as a symbol of masculinity.
- Charitable Challenges
- Charitable challenges, like growing mustaches and physical challenges, can provide a fun and entertaining way to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
- Men's Health Awareness
- There is an opportunity to increase awareness and education around men's health issues, especially prostate cancer, and encourage men to take an active role in their own health.
Where This Applies
- Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations
- Nonprofit and charitable organizations can benefit from the creative use of challenges and viral movements to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Healthcare and medicine professionals can use creative means, like challenges and viral movements, to improve awareness and education around men's health issues, like prostate cancer.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Marketing and advertising companies can use creative and viral campaigns, like Movember, to raise awareness around important causes and promote social responsibility.
