Movember, an organization focused on fighting prostate and testicular cancer, encourages men to grow a moustache during November as a way to raise money for awareness. The organization asks men who are clean-shaven at the beginning of the month to grow and groom a “Mo” while friends and family donate to the efforts.

Mo Bros and Mo Sistas

In order to participate, men register on the Movember site, either on their own or as a team. There is even an option to join a team that is already in existence. Once the Mo Bro, as the participant is known, registers, they encourage others to donate to their cause, increasing awareness of prostate and testicular cancer. In addition to Mo Bros, Mo Sistas, women who agree to assist a Mo Bro in his quest, register on the site as well in order to promote men’s health and increase awareness.

Celebrations at End of November

At the end of the month, participants are encouraged to throw their own Movember event, or attend one of the Gala Parties held throughout the world. The events are costume parties that allow Mo Bros to showcase their new facial addition. Those who fundraise $100 or $200 could receive a free ticket to one of the Gala Parties. Prizes are awarded in many different categories, including:

•Ultimate Mo – An intricately groomed Mo
•Lame Mo –The Mo Bro who is most “facial folically challenged”
•Team Mo – The team with the best moustache and costume combo
•Mo Bro & Mo Sista – The best Mo couple
•Best Mo in Character – A Mo Bro in a great character costume
•Miss Movember – The Mo Sista with the best costume and who displays the best Movember attitude
•Man of Movember – The ultimate award to the Mo Bro who best embodies Movember.

Events for 2013 are scheduled for Boston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and New York, as well as other areas throughout the country.

Global Movement

Movember began in Australia in 2003 with a group of 30 Mo Bros began growing moustaches for charity. Since its inception, more than 3.9 million people have participated worldwide. The participants have raised more than $446 million, and the funds have been used to fund 577 projects focused on men’s health throughout the world.

The vision of Movember is to have an everlasting impact on men’s health using values that include fun, accountability, caring, collaboration, humility, and innovation. Learn more about Movember at sites like the Art of Shaving.