It is now December and I am becoming used to my unadorned face. I must admit that Movember has been a curious and interesting experiment on a number of fronts. On the one hand it was a great reason to celebrate the much maligned moustache -- and be "silly" (and let's face it, many of us look ridiculous sporting a mo), but it was also a chance to "be involved" with a cause -- prostate cancer and depression....

The concept worked because it provided an emotional reason to quickly engage with the cause. For many of the men I spoke to about it, the focus was on having some fun with their sense of masculinity. And the fact that sponsorship raised money for some good causes was secondary.

Andrea Learned's article on the campaign has some great reasoning on why the campaign was effective. But there were also some very good questions raised in the comments that I wanted to consider during the month.

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  Humor -- there was certainly a lot to smile about with this campaign. The website used humor throughout, and with a gala ball and plenty of prizes, there were many opportunities for fun. Perhaps this is the perfect antidote to depression.
  


• Education -- while the education elements were available, much of the campaign was focused on the celebratory aspects. In fact, it seemed to me that the energy of the campaign was driving towards creating a movement (or perhaps a Movember brand). Is this negative? I have further thoughts below.
  


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  Effectiveness -- I did consider this an effective campaign, and believe that it WILL generate behavioral change. As Andrea suggested in the comments to her article ... it is about taking "baby steps".

Importantly, I think this campaign worked because it allowed its participants to engage deeply (and everyday) with its subject matter. Everytime you looked in the mirror, you were reminded of the objectives. You were encouraged to raise money, to work in teams and to have fun. If you wanted to learn more about the causes, you could do so ... but it was more of an opt-in arrangement.

Creating a Mo Movement
While only very few of us will be prompted to go to the doctor more regularly, I have NO DOUBT that all this year's participants will all sign-on again next year. The campaign was well covered in all media and gained strong individual and team participation.

But between now and next Movember, when we hear about depression or prostate cancer, we will pay closer attention. And as we, as individuals, become more used to hearing these messages over time, and as we overcome personal barriers (laziness, apathy, fear) in relation to our health, then the change will begin to take place. And let's face it, it is easier to act when you feel part of a movement, than when you are on your own.

Now I hope to hear of a US-based Movember campaign for 2007. Anyone volunteering? Is that you with your hand up Mr Armano? What's that? Seconded by Hulk Hogan?

NOT TO SCARE YOU ... but here are the before and after photos. View at your own risk!
Wait ... but worse ... you can vote for the Man of Movember!