Grow a Mo!

Movember is more than just a regular month; it is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health issues, including cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Every November, men worldwide participate in this movement by growing a mustache, having conversations, and challenging the stigma, hence why it is called Movember. In 2003, two friends named Travis Garone, and Luke Slattery were joking about bringing back mustaches when they decided to make a campaign about men’s health. They were inspired by a friend's mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, and they associated the mustache with the pink ribbon for men. Movember has also had an increasing effort in expanding, for example in schools; numerous schools offer Movember as a club where all students can participate. For instance, Taconic High School offers Movember as a club, students are dedicated to raising awareness even if it means giving up their valuable class time.

Furthermore, to participate in Movember, the participants run 60 miles over Movember to remember the 60 men who die by suicide globally every hour. Also, Movember has funded over 1,320 men’s health projects globally. Therefore, as the collective efforts of the participants thrive in success; Movember has significantly changed and improved the lives of men all over the world.

Movember's goal is to get men to be able to talk about their emotions. There are many stigmas around men's mental health. Some of those are, “ Men don't cry” or “ Man up”. Men tend to let emotions build up inside them and ignore their feelings, And some it builds up for so long that it's too late. Movember is trying to erase this social stigma for being too “manly” to talk about their feelings. It shows men that they are not alone in their battles and there is always someone they can talk to. Every year, Movember does an annual walkathon to raise awareness and they also give out scholarships.

Taconic and Pittsfield high school students participated in the 2024 Movember walkathon. There were many historic local landmarks along the way, like this church near Common Park.

Students at Taconic High School with students from crosstown-rival Pittsfield High School participated in the district’s third Movember walkathon this November. This event was held at The Common Park in Pittsfield. When we first arrived, guest speakers spoke on mental health, and a speaker dealing with mental health issues spoke about how he got help when he was struggling, and everyone needs to do the same. The students of Taconic took this all in and it felt like a connection through the students was being built. After that all of the students walked a mile together. It really felt like all the students were coming together for something bigger. From my experience at the walkathon, it made me feel more comfortable with my peers at Taconic.

The Taconic Movember club’s goal for the future is to continue the walkathon and get as many members as possible. Taconic’s Movember coordinator, Matthew Capeless, a physical education teacher at the school, is also looking for more sponsors to promote it and grow the program. Some of their sponsors now are the Pittsfield Soccer Club, Rip City Academy, and Teddy's Pizza.  Since 2003, when Movember originally started it has raised $837 million and has funded over 1,200 men's mental health projects. Movember is looking to spread throughout communities to raise awareness for men’s health issues.

Movember has grown into a powerful global movement that plays a crucial role in raising awareness about men's mental health. By focusing on key issues like depression, anxiety, suicide, and testicular cancer, the Movember Club helps break down the stigma surrounding these topics and encourages men to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. The simple act of growing a mustache during November serves as a visible reminder for men to talk openly about their challenges, seek support, and engage in proactive self-care.

Through its fundraising efforts and advocacy campaigns, Movember has fostered a sense of solidarity among men worldwide, while also promoting vital research and initiatives aimed at improving mental health services and outcomes. The focus on community engagement, peer support, and mental health education helps create safe spaces for men to share their struggles without fear of judgment, ultimately paving the way for more open dialogue and healthier, happier lives.

The pavilion at Common Park was the start and finish line for our walkathon. The moustache vibe was present and strong.