Movember, like the breast cancer awareness movement that preceded it, desires to combat prostate cancer and other men’s health issues through advertising a now ubiquitous symbol: the moustache. Just as breast cancer awareness sparked interest through the dissemination of pink ribbons and items everywhere during the month of October, Movember follows suit by spreading the stache far and wide. The importance of Movember lies in the fact that it demands commitment: growing a moustache is no simple feat. It requires a mixture of cultivation and dedication. More so, once the stache is equipped, it communicates a visible sign of community that connects strangers, both participants or not. Whether out of curiosity or sheer horror, the stache draws attention and as such is the perfect symbol for a campaign against prostate cancer: a disease many males evade check-ups for.
So, it’s important we recognize the act of solidarity the Socialistas perform by committing themselves to the Movember initiative itself. Sometimes the prospect of attempting to grow a thin, possibly weird-looking stache can be terrifying for a mo’bro. Thankfully the Mo’sistas lend their support by taking on the challenge of looking a bit strange to help advertise this very important cause.
Joelle Hamilton has endorsed the Movember movement through the introduction of the Socialistas. A Socialista is described as “a socially responsible woman; she is an intelligent, driven lady who gives her time to charity without expecting anything in return. She is community focused and always seeks to make a difference. She’s a positive thought leader that does not take herself seriously and believes her worth is not determined by the price of her clothes, but by the number of people she inspires to take action. Always the life of the party, she is not defined by a certain scene, she is the scene.” The Socialistas have taken an additional responsibility of promoting the Movember movement by registering as a Mo’sista. A Mo’Socialista dons a faux’ mo and “becomes a walking and talking billboard, bringing awareness to men’s health issues and prompting conversations where she goes.” These Mo’sistas have taken the oath to end prostate cancer by having some fun. They have created their own “Mo Space,” or donation page, and have raised over $1,000 for the cause so far.
By participating in the global initiative of Movember, the ability to create a small difference is possible. Since the movement’s conception in 2003 in Australia, more than 3 million Mo Bros and Mo’sistas around the world have generated almost $147 million dollars to help support different men’s health programs. These Ottawa Socialistas can be spotted around town doing their part by sporting a faux Mo in support of Movember. They have even created a “My Mo’Stache Brings All the Boys to the Yard” calendar to help raise money for the cause. You can check it out on their website: www.socialistas.ca
The proceeds from the calendar go toward the global Movember initiative and support men’s health programs. Their Facebook page features a host of other events they participated in to raise money for Movember, such as a “Walk With Us – Sexy & We Mo It!” 5k walk down the Rideau Canal – a registered MOVE event part of a global initiative designed to encourage people to get moving and become engaged in their health. As well as a CrossFit event which took place last weekend. Make sure to keep an eye out on their page to find out how you can participate in the future!
This alternative approach to raising money for men’s health programs is a new and innovative way to get involved. For more information on how you can help support the Socialistas check out their mission and website.
Photo Credits: www.socialistas.ca