MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Aug. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two hundred Mayors from across the United States have already stepped forward and declared November 1, 2012, Extra Mile Day…a day to recognize the capacity we each have to create positive change in our families, organizations and communities. In association with the Extra Mile America Foundation, mayors from across the country on both sides of the political aisle have come together to remind people that the greatest success and change in life comes from individual and organizational effort. Led by Extra Mile America founder Shawn Anderson, "Extra Mile Day" started in 2009 with 23 mayors joining the campaign. This year, it is expected that over 300 mayors from all 50 states will make the declaration.
In a time when many are demanding change in opportunity, Extra Mile Day reminds individuals and organizations that we each have the power to create positive change by a personal willingness to do more, work harder and go the extra mile. Schenectady, New York, Mayor Gary McCarthy supports the mission: "A small pebble, thrown in a lake, creates a rippling effect on water surrounding it. This is similar to the effect an individual can have in a community. Even the smallest gesture can have great impact on people and result in change. I encourage everyone to go the extra mile and be that pebble in their community."
Extra Mile Day was started in 2009 when best-selling author and motivational speaker Shawn Anderson completed a 4,000 mile ocean-to-ocean bike ride to symbolize the power of the "go the extra mile" message. What made this ride unique is that Anderson, a non-bicyclist, created motivational events in 21 national cities where he interviewed over 200 people who had been recognized as going the extra mile in overcoming setback or who had risked everything in order to accomplish something extraordinary. After the ninety-day tour, Anderson personally gave away $10,000 to those people whose stories he found especially inspiring. Since then, as the Founder of Extra Mile America, Anderson has kept the momentum of the "go the extra mile" message alive.
"We all talk about wanting change…happiness…more opportunity," says Anderson. "However, relying on others to make that happen is only wishing for life to get better. Taking personal responsibility…and going the extra mile individually…is where true success is found. Extra Mile Day is a small reminder of the power we each have to create change at any time…on any day."
Norwalk, Connecticut, Mayor Dick Moccia appreciates the value of the "extra mile" campaign: "Norwalk has a rich history of citizens who have gone the extra mile to help their friends and neighbors. I look forward to Extra Mile Day and celebrating the inspirational effort made by so many to make their organizations and families, our community, our nation and our world a better place."
From Anchorage to Honolulu, from Boston to Oakland, mayors in large and small cities are making the November 1st declaration. "At times, life is challenging," Anderson says. "The 'go the extra mile' message, though, gives people an alternative to just throwing their arms in the air and saying 'I give up.' We each have a choice when life gets tough to dig deep…do more…try harder…and affect practically every area of our life and communities in a positive way."
For more information about Extra Mile Day, visit www.ExtraMileAmerica.org. To speak to Shawn Anderson directly at Extra Mile America, call 310-402-4826 or email Shawn@ExtraMileAmerica.org.
A map and list of the participating mayors and cities can be found at http://www.extramileamerica.org/extra-mile-day.
The Extra Mile America Foundation is a nonprofit organization that encourages positive attitude and action by empowering individuals, organizations, and cities to "go the extra mile."
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