“There is an alternative to throwing our hands in the air and giving up when things don’t go our way. If we want more out of life, it starts with the person in the mirror…and a willingness to go the extra mile.” – Shawn Anderson, Executive Director

What It Means To Go The Extra Mile

Going the extra mile is doing more than the normal…more than expected. Going the extra mile is extending ourselves in our efforts…in our communication. Going the extra mile is getting back up after we’ve been knocked down despite whatever has happened and saying, “I still choose the very best for myself!”

When we go the extra mile in life, possibility opens up. It always does. It is one of those great laws of success masked in a simple “cause and effect” principle…add value to receive value. When we go the extra mile…

1. In our careers…we launch forward. We experience our best jobs…and our best paychecks.

2. In our relationships…we find harmony. We experience our greatest friendships and love.

3. In our communities…we serve a greater number. We experience the greatest sense of selflessness.

4. In ourselves…we find happiness. We experience the greatest transformation.

5. In our encouragement…we find joy. We experience what it feels like to bring out the best in someone else.

Now is the time to take a personal look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “What can I do differently? What can I do to make a difference?”

Our Mission

Extra Mile America Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers individuals, organizations, and cities to “go the extra mile.”

Our work is inspired by the belief that “going the extra mile” opens doors to new possibilities. “Going the extra mile” improves the results we find in life, both professionally and personally. “Going the extra mile” allows us to make a difference in our community and in our world.

Through speaking engagements, teleconferences, and social networks, the Extra Mile America Foundation empowers people to apply the extra-mile principle, reach their goals, and live a more self-directed life.

“I passionately believe that now is the perfect time to do more, to push harder, and to be more creative. Challenging times are often what we need to rekindle that passion to create our own existence and not let circumstances dictate what happens to us. There is no better time than now to commit to adding more value to our jobs and our communities.” – Executive Director, Shawn Anderson

Our History

View All 2011 Extra Mile Day Cities

2012

362 cities representing all 50 states declare November 1, 2012 Extra Mile Day.

2011

228 cities representing all 50 states declare November 1, 2011 Extra Mile Day. Specific cities 2011.

2010

Shawn Anderson, Executive Director, toured the country from August to October, visiting 50+ cities to speak at service clubs, churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Route 2010
116 cities and 9 states declared November 1, 2010 Extra Mile Day. Google Map 2010
Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter held an Extra Mile Rally, inviting Shawn to speak and honor local extra-mile citizens.
A 501(c)3 nonprofit was formed, the Extra Mile America Foundation.

2009

As a symbol of “going the extra mile,” Shawn Anderson pedaled 4,000 miles on an ocean-to-ocean bike tour. Route 2009
Shawn held pre-arranged interviews with over 200 people who were doing life-changing, incredible things and making a difference in the community. Extra Mile Americans 2009
Shawn gave away $10,000, $1,000 each to the 10 most inspiring individuals he met. Award Winners 2009
Mayors from San Francisco…to Salt Lake City…to Washington, D.C….to Boston joined in to support the “extra mile” message. 23 cities and states declared Extra Mile Day on November 1…including Mayor James Baker of Wilmington, Delaware who also extended Founder Shawn Anderson the “Key to the City.”
70television, radio, and newspaper interviews were conducted in about 90 days.
We started the Extra Mile Day campaign in 2009 to encourage leaders across the U.S. to recognize and celebrate “extra mile” action in their communities. In the first year of the campaign, 23 cities declared Extra Mile Day on November 1.
Inaugural cities and states included: the states of Arizona and Hawaii; Casper, Wyoming; Chesapeake, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dublin, Ohio; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Honolulu, Hawaii; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; Lewiston, Maine; Little Rock, Arkansas; Montgomery, Alabama; Nampa, Idaho; Paterson, New Jersey; Rockford, Illinois; Sacramento, California; San Jose, California; Seattle, Washington; Tucson, Arizona; Warwick, Rhode Island.