Have you noticed an increasing number of mustaches lately? Well, mustache season has arrived! And it’s all for a good cause.
As we transition focus from pink and breast cancer awareness in October to men’s health in “Movember,” there’s a communications lesson to be observed.
What is Movember?
In 2003 Movember was born out of a simple conversation between two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, in Melbourne, Australia about bringing the moustache back into fashion. What evolved from there is quite remarkable – a movement to raise awareness for the most pressing health issues men face, including prostate and testicular cancers and depression. Now men can join the Movember challenge by registering and asking friends to pledge support for their moustache growing efforts. Women are also encouraged to play a role in the movement by raising awareness and funds. There is even an app for participants to share progress with supporters.
What does this mean for men’s health?
Following in the footsteps of the success of breast cancer awareness month, Movember’s ultimate goal is to get men talking about serious health issues that could affect them. Movember underscore the importance of preventive screenings and discussing risks with a doctor. Money raised is given to support 577 programs and partner organizations around the globe. In 2012 the Movember foundation raised $147 million, their most successful year to date. According to their annual report, 1.1 million men and women worldwide registered to be a part of Movember in 2012 and helped to create 2.7 billion conversations about men’s health throughout the month.
What’s the key to a successful health education campaign?
Engagement is key. Engaging consumers by offering a pink version of almost every product imaginable certainly has an impact and contributes to breast cancer research and education. Perhaps the Movember men’s health awareness campaign is so effective because participants are asked to engage and commit to a goal with the support of their family and friends.
Identifying new and creative ways to engage people, to encourage them to have a vested interest in health, is important for breathing life into health awareness campaigns.
What other health issues could benefit from this engagement strategy? Would you participate?