Start planning for International Men’s Day 2023

International Men’s Day takes place on 19 November each year, with the day falling on Sunday in 2023, however many people who take part run events and special activities before, during and after the day.

Some last the entire month (fundraising), others form a series of related activities (regular walks, meet-ups), while many choose to celebrate men with a one-off event, like a lunch, barbecue, or talk.

Men from diverse populations in Australia and across the world face many challenges in terms of their health, wellbeing and livelihood.

International Men’s Day is an opportunity to shine a light on these social issues, to support gender equity, inclusivity and diversity, to champion male role models and the great work being done in the community to make the world a safer place for everyone. Most importantly, the day is a vehicle to have fun and come together in the spirit of mateship.

The Australian Men’ Health Forum is the peak body for men’s health in Australia and plays a strong part in setting the theme and providing resources for others to use as they plan their International Men’s Day activity.

Nothing beats preparation! The theme for International Men’s Day 2023 will be announced on 1 June and resources will become available in October on this website including:

• Event posters
• Social media graphics
• List of speakers
• Materials to give a talk on the 2023 theme

What can you do now? Five easy steps

Here are some actions you can take now to prepare for International Men’s Day.

1. Subscribe our Know Your Man Facts newsletter to make sure you are kept up to date with latest toolkits and other resources that you can use to be a Men’s Health Champion in your community or workplace.
2. If you are part of an existing network, organisation or group, discuss ideas for IMD 2023 and who would be willing to support you. It’s not mandatory, but it always helps!
3. Lock in a date for activity and register it on this website. Email [email protected] with the details including date, venue, time, duration, description. One easy date is 19 November, International Men’s Day! However, if this does not suit your schedule or the type of activity you are planning, you can hold the event whenever you wish. Committing to a date ensures you are more likely to make it happen.
4. Draw up a list of 'To Do' items and responsibilities (if others are involved) and meet or check-in regularly to check your progress.
5. Check out our International Men's Day talks in advance. We will be released a new one in October, however you are welcome to use one of our existing toolkits. 

That’s it. Planning an IMD event does not have to be an overwhelming ‘chore.’ You are doing something great for the men in your life, and for others who will hear about your efforts and may also be inspired by what you are doing. Men’s Health Champions make the world a better place for everyone. Be a Men’s Health Champion.  

Five ideas to celebrate International Men’s Day

1. Something physical. Maybe you are already involved in a sporting, fitness, exercise group. Invite others to join your group on the day. Promote your event on our website.
2. Something cultural. Organise a group outing to something non-physical. A new restaurant, a band, a film. Open it up to others in your community, extend an invitation to meet new people. Promote your event on our website.
3. Something spiritual. Run a meditation or yoga session in the name of Men’s Health. If you don’t know how, find out who in the community could help lead a session, many will do this on a voluntary basis. If you can’t find anyone, you can always play a You Tube video or a podcast on the topic.
4. Hold a get together: morning tea, lunch, afternoon, dinner. Nothing more needs to be done, however think about toasting the men in the room and/or celebrating individuals. You could also give a talk, pre-prepared by the Know Your Man Facts team.
5. Invite a speaker to share their story. This could be at a community hall, a meet-up event, or anywhere that might be appropriate for a small (or large gathering). Again, this could be one person, or a line-up of two or three (or more). Promote your event on our website.

In 2022, more than 150 events were listed on this website, celebrating International Men’s Day. From Man Walks to golf days, fundraisers, multicultural lunches and everything in-between, men and supporters of IMD came together in the spirit of Mateship.

What will you do in 2023?