I’m Movember Co-Founder and Global CEO Adam Garone – We challenge men to grow moustaches to change the face of men’s health. AMA!

I realize there are costs (wages, advertising, etc), and with the light recently shed on how little the "Pink" cancer awareness funds actually get into the hands of those in need, my question is this:

How much of the money raised actually finds its way to the health programs?

Of the global funds raised 84.6% has been committed to programs supporting prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health initiatives. We are proud of this amount of funds committed to programs which is above international best practice of 80% of funds raised. We have a continual focus on cost reduction but at the same time we need to operate a professional and sustainable organization

That's a question commonly asked about charities, but often not the best use of money. One dollar spent on marketing, for example, could multiply into much more donations. This question can actually be very destructive.

That is a very good point and one we discuss a lot. The question we debate is what is the appropriate level of investment to raise more funds. Our fundraising and admin costs run at 11% which is also well below international best practice of 15-20%.

A more important question is around the programs strategy a charity has and the social impact achieved. We recently published a report card on every program we have invested in since 2004 (our first fundraising year) >> http://us.movember.com/report-cards

There are many of us who sadly cannot grow a moustache, no matter how hard we may try. And similarly, many of us are college students who may not have the financial ability to donate. What can we do to participate in Movember?

(ps Check out Sun King Brewing's Movember Beer. They're the official beer of Movember Indy!)

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siw

If you're a man who already has facial hair, what's the suggested display of solidarity?

Our tag line is: changing the face of men's health. The commitment is to change your appearance which in-turn will generate a conversation about Movember & men's health. The rules state, start the month clean shaven which in your case is already a significant commitment. Then grow a moustache for the 30 days of Movember.

Does it anger you that feminists groups do not like your organization for concentrating on prostate and testicular cancer instead of female cancers?

It doesn't anger, it fascinates me! The first time I received an email about this I was blown away.

A big part of the reason for Movember's success has been the amazing support of the girls aka Mo Sistas who realize this world would be far better off with men living as long as they do and living a healthier, happier life.

Oh, How do I donate to your organization?

EDIT: A lot of co-workers seem to do the Mustache thing but none donate any time or money to prostate/testical cancer research. ( I hate the term raising awareness...)

I know it's Adam's job to answer these but I can't resist putting in my 2 cents... I apologize. As a person currently being treated for prostate cancer, I can't stress enough how important awareness is. Too many men are unaware of the importance of early detection (PSA testing, etc...) In my case, I was symptom free. If not for family history and awareness, I may have slipped through the cracks and my cancer may not have been detected until it spread to bone, bladder or lung.

Due to awareness, I was diagnosed before any symptoms and while the cancer could be surgically removed. Probably adding decades to my life.

My 2 cents!

great reply!! We value the conversation about men's health as equally important as the funds raised. Our key call to action this year to unlock your health badge is to know your family medical history. These are the most important conversations men and women can have about their health.

having said all that is guys are just growing and not registered at www.Movember.com they are missing the entire point

Thank you.

I've always thought of 'raising awareness' as:

HEY PEOPLE! CANCER EXISTS! DID YOU KNOW WOMEN DIE OF BREAST CANCER!? GIVE US MONEY!!

Here's our definition.... We believe that it starts with ENGAGEMENT in the Movember campaign because it's fun and for a good cause, this then leads to KNOWLEDGE of the health risks men face and the importance of prevention and a reduction in stigmas, which then translates into a DESIRE to seek help if needed and/or make change to lead a healthier / happier life

Why does the mustache have a more negative stigma attached to it than a beard does?

The moustache had an interesting era in the 70s and 80s adult film industry. A lot of dodge criminals and dictators have chosen to hide behind the moustache. We are about breaking down the stigmas associated with men's health and the moustache!

What options do you have for getting involved in the Movember campaign in addition to Mo Bro/Mo Sista fundraising? For myself I'm asking as a Canadian doctor treating prostate and testicular cancers.

We launched a new initiative this year called MOVE to highlight the importance of moving for your health. You can register and host a MOVE event >> http://ca.movember.com/events/view-event-type/type/move

Adam I would like to thank you for what you and your team does. I am a 48 year old Prostate Cancer patient and just had my prostate removed by robotic surgery on Oct 17th. I am a great example of the value of education, awareness and research. These things have led to an early diagnosis and treatment that likely added years to my life. Thank you!

You are a young prostate cancer patient, this often means its aggressive. Glad to hear you're OK!!

In order to achieve our vision we believe it requires a multi faceted strategy that targets each of the following elements: *Prevention to avoid disease in the first place *Awareness of the health risks men face, combined with improved help seeking behavior that results in early detection should their be an issue *If there is an issue providing better support programs for the man, their primary care giver and family *Better and more targeted treatment options with less side effects

We are making progress but have much work to do!

MO ON

Prevention, awareness and early detection ARE so important. Here in Canada (not sure if its the same elsewhere) PSA testing is generally not covered by health insurance. While it is not a large amount of $, some men still forego the testing due to cost. This would be a worthy issue to address in Canada. Had I not had an early PSA test, my prognosis may have been much worse. Perhaps "Movember Gift Certificates" for a PSA Test!?!

One of the biggest and most frustrating issues right now is around the PSA test and its (lack of) effectiveness. Governments are not willing to endorse it because we are over treating men. A major focus of our research is to create a more effective test that can tell a guy what type of prostate cancer he has and what targeted / individual treatment he needs.

And it's coming, in part because of the funding and public awareness Movember is creating. Once we have that public screening should commence

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great question. how we keep the brand and campaign fresh and relevant is something I spend a lot of time on. Each year we give the campaign a new theme and look. Last year it was Movember & Sons and this year its GEN MO. We are also exploring offering other ways for the community to engage with Movember.

This year we added the MOVE initiative where we are encouraging people to host or attend an active event or making a month-long pledge to move more. Run, swim, surf, spin.

We also added our own merchandise range this year called the Movember Collection which we expect will add a new revenue stream to the foundation.

Another new concept called Movember Rated Barbers which is a global network of top end Barbers committed to Movember and men's health.

And I'm always open to suggestions

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For sure - sounds like a great way to spread the good word. Count me in!

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Pls tweet @MovemberUK

I'm trying to start up Movember at a rural hospital in Queensland, Australia. What's a good way to get lots of rural blokes involved? (A lot of them already have epic mo's and beards to begin with!)

Aussie blokes out in the bush are tough to get signed up. I would suggest you host a shave down event on Movember 1 at a local bar or barber - invite the guys down, set up shave station, get some Mo Sistas along, provide a few rewards for them getting involved, free beer goes a long way.

The Australian team can always help you as well, please email them: [email protected]

And thank you for all you are doing for Movember and men's health - its sincerely appreciated

Hi! Congratulations on the success of your event. Is it true you are responsible for a new event called vajanuary?

We kept getting asked how can girls get more involved in Movember, what's their commitment, so...... Nah, kidding, that's not my doing.

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Pursue what you love. Don't worry about people who laugh or ridicule what you do. When you truly love what you do you will have a passion that is infectious and persistence that will overcome all obstacles.

And: If you're not having FUN, you're not doing it right.

I'm an enlisted Airman in the USAF. As service members, why do you think we are allowed to grow mustaches (within regulations) but not beards?

I served for 9 years in the Australian Army, it's interesting how the Army and Airforce can only grow moustaches while the Navy can only grow beards. This seems to a universal rule around the world.

I understand the history as why only moustaches for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps and the prohibition of beards to be for hygiene reasons, the necessity of a good seal for gas masks, and that moustaches or clean shaven enhance your appearance and sense of discipline.

What is your advise on those of us that are facial hairly challenged? (It grows out unevenly so if I trim it to even it out it looks like a 5 o'clock shadow after a month of growing)

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siwv=8w1p5UI7Siw

My hair color is Blonde but my Beard and Mustache color is Red.

Would this be considered Manly or weird?

My Daughter is a red head. Her mum has dark brown head as to do. we were baffled as to where the red came from (I was atiny bit suspicious). However it was movember that brought to light that my beard is actually red and now all is good

One of the many fringe benefits of Movember. Glad its all sorted! We have a Ginger Mo Support Group (GMSG) if you want to join

My Mo is available for all to see in our good cookbook!

Cook like a man?

I have dark hair but my mo is pretty ginger. Lets call it manly weird! Just for men is allowed!!

Collars and cuffs!

curtains v carpet

Hi Adam,

I've been rocking a mustache every November the past three years. Your work on cancer is amazing, but your perhaps lesser known work on mental health is the most important to me personally. As a man suffering from long-term clinical depression, I'd just like to say thank you for doing what you're doing.

On that note: I've seen so many people literally ruin their lives just because they're so damn manly that they can't get help. How can we get men to stop being morons and start talking about their mental health issues?

thank you for the support! Mental health challenges and the often tragic outcome for men is something close to the four of us that co-founded Movember. Mental health is a cause we have supported and funded in Australia since 2006 and now its a global priority.

For us a big part of tackling this disease is to bring it out of the shadows, get men talking about it which takes away the ridiculous stigmas that still exist. By talking about mental health, it gets men aware of the signs and symptoms and ultimately seeking help if needed or suggesting someone else seek help.

Here's what we need everyone to know: Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". We all need to work on our mental wellbeing by staying physically healthy, enjoying a good diet, cutting down on alcohol, regular exercise, and taking time out for fun and relaxation. With the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery from depression.

MO ON

What kind of moustaches should one grow? Does one go with the handlebar, the porno. Or are we really trying to break a stigma and go with the Hitlerstache?

Chose your weapon wisely, its with you for 30 days! And that style is known as the Charlie Chaplin

Here's our style guide: http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Style%20Guide/MO13%20Download%20Styleguide%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

As a year round, bearded man, what can I do? I'm not going to go and shave off a years worth of growth to only grow a moustache for a month. Don't get me wrong, I've done just the moustache in the past and it is pretty awesome, it's just that I feel the beard suits me better and the cultivation of the beard isn't something I can just shave off.

I respect that! We always say Movember is not for everyone. We don't compromise our rules just as you don't compromise your beard.

Our rules >> http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Rules/MO13%20Download%20Rules%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

I heard that Movember started as a discussion between having Movember or Decembeard. Is this true, and why the stash over the beard?

not true - in 2003 my brother Trav and mate Luke were having discussing fashion and recurring trends over a few beers, they questioned where the Moustache had gone and joke about bringing it back. Together, they decide to talk 30 if us into growing a Mo with them. They choose the month of November renaming it Movember.

What other methods of awareness are movember channelling?

Our Awareness & Education program is all about educating men about the health risks they face, the vital importance of prevention and seeking help early should they think there is an issue. We use the fun of growing a moustache as the way to get men engaged in their health. Having fun and doing good is at the heart of our campaign and why we believe men participate and women support on such scale. It's the Mo Bros who become our men's health ambassadors and we arm with with all sorts of information.

Here's a video we did to highlight the importance of moving and our new initiative MOVE > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQRIaFqUPeQ&feature=share&list=PLE16015B18F27124B

What came first, Movember or No Shave November?

Movember which we started in 2003. We launched the campaign in the US in 2007 and heard about No Shave November in 2009. As far as i know there is no cause, and an excuse for US College crew to not shave... The art of laziness

What are the qualifications for a proper mustache?

here are our rules which define a proper moustache http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Rules/MO13%20Download%20Rules%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

Electric Beard Trimmer or Scissors? If trimmer, what brand/model do you use?

I prefer the trimmer, straighter edges and tighter grooming. I use the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler

KEEP IT NEAT!

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Mo is Aussie slang for moustache where Movember started.

Because its not spelled mastache

well played!!

How does movember permeate in regions, like the indian subcontinent, where the mustache, is actually popular?

We have only ever taken Movember to countries we have been asked. For us this qualifies the grassroots support of the campaign. Once we have solid organic interest we get local volunteers to manage a Facebook fan page eg: https://www.facebook.com/movemberindia

Then we do an extensive due-diligence process around where the funds raised in that country would go and the potential impact we could have. Once all boxes are ticked we launch with local partners and passionate Mo Bros and Mo Sistas leading the charge.

We have solid emerging interest in India, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Japan

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The undercover brother

http://us.movember.com/uploads/files/2013/Style%20Guide/MO13%20Download%20Styleguide%20%EF%80%A7%20Letter%20I%20FA%20PDF.pdf

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There are and we always challenge ourselves to be better. We actually benchmark ourselves against for profit brands as that sector is miles ahead of the charity sector in operational efficiency, leadership, branding, leveraging technology etc.

The charities we admire are: Wikimedia Foundation, Oxfam, WWF, The Big Issue

How do you feel about the ladies who wear (fake) moustaches to show their support.

(I lucked out and found one the precisely matches my haircolor this year. :/ )

At its core Movember is about real men, growing real moustaches, having real conversations. But this only works because the men growing (Mo Bros) and supported and loved by the Mo Sistas in their life.

So we encourage the Mo Sistas and kids to rock a fake mo in support of their Mo Bro.

Thanks for your support Mo Sista!!

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We have great and growing support from business and corporates - most of our fundraising comes from this sector. But we also realized we need to get younger men involved and to do that we targeted colleges. Its important young men understand the health risks they face, eg: mental health challenges and testicular cancer.

Its really important everyone signs up so they understand why they are growing and the importance of a conversation about men's health. Our aim is to get all Mo Bros and Mo Sista sign up, armed with the right information.

I'm mean if you're growing a moustache in Movember and not signed up you're just being creepy

Hey Adam, love Movember, really looking forward to my moustache. What would you be doing if Movember had never happened?

damn good question!! Before working in Movember I was at a corporate in the telecommunications industry and before that an officer in the Australian army. I think there is part of me that needs to serve, initially that was my country and now this cause. I think I would have gravitated to some sort of service.

I am doing a barista course over my break, perhaps a cafe owner??

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You're right Testicular Cancer is a highly treatable cancer. However in some men, even after front-line therapy, they will experience a recurrence of their disease. Although this affects a small number of men compared to other cancers (~5%), these are men who are typically in their 20's or 30's and so we need to support research into discovering the biological drivers of this disease. We need a better way to assure YOUNG men that their disease is being appropriately treated. We just invested $2.5Million in a global collaborative research project to address this. Our aim is to get to a place where no man dies from testicular cancer.

As a 23 year old man who has a hard time growing anything more then a perv stache, what are some tips you can give me for possibly growing a more full stache?

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails?

Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siw

Why did you want to bring back the moustache in 2003? The world owes you a great debt, good sir, for your moustachioed moil

The moustache fell off the face of fashion, it needed to make a return! My brother Trav and mate Luke had the initial discussion inspired by the great moustaches of our Dad's and sporting icons in the 80s.

Growing mos back in 2003 was pretty rough, no one under the age of 50 had one!

In my circle we have been having similar discussions about beards for the last 8 years or so since we could grow them, because all of our Dads had them.

Just a suggestion... get George Parros to be more involved. A Mo' like that needs more recognition.

George Parros is fully on board, he is leading the NHL participation - watch out for an epic shave down in Montreal!!

I've been setting up/been a part of Movember Fundraisers since 2011. As a member of a community heavily involved in such activities, I just wanted to say that Movember is a great philanthropic program that is a fresh breath of air compared to the boring norm of cancer walks, etc. Everyone loves the enthusiasm involved and just wanted to say thank you for setting up such a great program.

Thank you for all you do for Movember and men's health!

So Adam what Mo are you rockin' out this November?

have been rocking the undercover brother all year. Thinking the trucker possibly with some lightening bolt flare. what are you rocking?

What do you think about SE Asia countries which are not expose to this kind of awareness?

We have campaigns in Honk Kong and Singapore which is made up of locals and ex-pats. We haven't had great interest from other countries in SE Asia, I don't think the moustache holds the same iconic fashion relevance there.... Interestingly Asian men have the lowest incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in the world, also these rates have risen rapidly in the past two decades in most Asian countries. Much of the increased incidence is suspected to be associated with westernization of the lifestyle (McDonalds, etc), with increasing obesity and increased consumption of fat.

Having said all that I do think much work is needed in SE Asia, given the aging populations, tobacco use and increasing rates of obesity.

tfw you're 24 and can't even grow a half-decent mustache.

Unfortunately we're not all as follically gifted as burt reynolds, but it's the lamest Mo's that start the most and best men's health conversations. Wear that patch, no matter the thickness, with pride. But I guess you could try a late night massage? oils? go fishing? read a lengthy novel? Hammer nails? Or just watch this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1p5UI7Siwv=8w1p5UI7Siw