No Shave November Sparks Conversation on Men's Health
Throughout the month of November, the Pennsylvania Western University Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is hosting a contest to promote the awareness of the physical and mental health and wellness of men.
“For us at the Office of DEI and the Wellness Center, we wanted to host this fun initiative to specifically raise awareness of men's health and to promote the different resources we have available on campus,” said Alena Clark, assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. “Our goal is to create an inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable discussing their health and well-being. No Shave November helps break down those stigmas, especially mental health in men, by encouraging those personal conversations.”
In a collaboration with the PennWest Center for Health and Wellness, the office of DEI will be hosting the No Shave November contest from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. The contest is open to PennWest students, staff, and faculty.
“A contest around not shaving is a fun and visual way to draw attention to a serious cause,” said Clark.
According to the PennWest Office of DEI, participants of the challenge are to let their hair grow out through Nov. 30. Participants will then submit a photo of their hair growth for a chance to win a trophy, bragging rights, and a highlight on the PennWest Office of DEI’s Instagram page and the Pennwest Center for Health and Wellness’ Instagram page.
Participants can submit their photos at forms.office.com/r/dF0nYM6La7.
“I'm actually happy to hear about this event as it does show that there are people who also care about men's mental health,” said Noah Orosz, a PennWest student.
Clark said that the contest is a part of Movember, an awareness month with the goal of raising awareness of men’s mental health and physical health.
“By encouraging students to grow out their facial hair or show support, we’re sparking curiosity and conversation about men’s health issues that often go unnoticed,” said Clark. “The contest adds an element of friendly competition, which helps engage more people and allows us to reach students who might not otherwise be aware of the health resources available on campus.”
Clark said that the turnout for the contest will be hard to judge, but they hope to keep people involved throughout the entire month.
“We do, however, have some tabling events scheduled where we will be handing out resources and offering fun sticky mustaches for students to wear around campus for awareness,” said Clark. “So keep an eye out for us in Natali, Gemmell, or Pogue this month.”
PennWest students said that they are glad that this contest is being held. Alex Lisatto, a PennWest student, said that he is glad that the contest is being held for a good cause that has little representation.
“I think it’s pretty good to have it be held for Men’s Mental Health Awareness since I feel mental health is just as important as physical health as well,” said Lisatto.
The Office of DEI has not previously held this contest. Clark said that they got the idea for the contest while researching Movember and seeing that there was far more to the annual No Shave November trend than simply not shaving.
“I'm just happy that men's mental health is being recognized and not just throw away or dismissed because ‘men don't have emotions or problems,’" said Orosz.