35 Movember-Tastic Mustache T-Shirts

What’s the eleventh month? Movember! No, that’s not a spelling error; it’s a movement, a charity and a cause. Movember is a worldwide effort to raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancers as well as mental health issues among men. But instead of a slogan, or ribbon or a walk, the modus operandi of Movember is growing a Mo or moustache.

Movember History and Causes

The year 2013 is the ten-year anniversary of Movember, which has its roots in a bar in Melbourne, Australia. That’s where two men sat and contemplated the apparent demise of the moustache. Their conversation morphed into a mini challenge among a group of 30 friends to grow a moustache for a cost ($10) and a cause and that cause originally was prostate cancer.

Just one year later, the men registered as a company and made the decision to formally make prostate cancer their focus. By that time the movement had expanded into Spain and the United Kingdom, and the participating Mo Bros (moustache brothers) raised $54,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Over the next few years, the Movember organization continued to grow and added new features. One was the addition of testicular cancer and men’s mental health as awareness goals. Another was Mo Sistas, female Movember participants who help with fundraising and motivation.

By 2012, a total of 21 countries were participating in the Movember movement that included more than 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. What began as a discussion over a beer has now grown to be ranked among the top 100 best nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the world according to Global Journal. The total funds raised by that time was $147 million.

How to Participate

Men and women who want to participate in Movember can register with the organization online (Movember.com) and then let the moustache growing begin. (Men only on the Mo growing!) Participants start the month without the Mo and then as it grows, the facial hair serves as a conversation starter about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.

Friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and even complete strangers can contribute to the cause either by contributing directly or attending any of the various Movember events designed to raise both awareness of the causes and the funds to fight them.

Movember events range from movie showings to galas, Morning of the Mo (a retro surfing event), parties, runs and Move (various types of organized physical activities). All Mo Bros and Mo Sistas are encouraged to sponsor, promote and attend these events.

Impact of Movember

The organization’s tagline—changing the face of men’s health—says it all. On the surface a Mo may look like only some facial hair, but underneath there is a critical message that goes along with it.

During the month of November, whenever you see a man sporting a moustache he may be a Mo Bro with a message. That message is for all men and women to gain a better understanding and awareness of these critical male health issues.

Regardless of whether you spell it moustache, or mustache, it’s time to get on board and support a great cause. Grab a tee or two, sprout a bad mo, and do your part!